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Last Modified on Jun 03, 2025
When termites invade your home, one of the first questions homeowners wonder is, “Does homeowners insurance cover termite damage?” Unfortunately, the short answer is that most homeowners’ insurance plans do not cover termite damage. This is because termites are often considered a preventable issue, not an emergency.
Because of this, it’s essential that you understand your rights and legal options when you’re facing a termite infestation, especially if it is the result of a negligent pest control provider. At Campbell Law, P.C., we’re dedicated to protecting property owners against harmful pest control companies and are prepared to hold them accountable when their services result in damage.
Why Your Insurance Doesn’t Cover Termites
Termites damage 600,000 homes across the country every year, and property owners spend over $2 billion to treat those termite problems. Yet, most homeowners’ insurance plans don’t cover termite damage. This is because they only cover sudden and accidental damage, not gradual wear and tear. Because termite damage is classified as the latter, most insurers consider termite damage an issue that can be prevented through inspections, treatment, and maintenance.
While most homeowners’ insurance companies exclude all termite infestations and related damage from their coverage plans, they may cover sudden emergencies, such as if your home collapses without warning due to termite damage.
What Should You Do When You Find Termite Damage?
Finding termite damage in your home is frustrating enough without having to deal with the fact that your insurer is not going to cover it. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent further damage, and by taking action quickly, you can stop the damage before it becomes a larger issue. You may also have grounds to take legal action and secure compensation for costly repairs.
If you believe your home is being damaged by termites, you should take the following steps:
- Carefully Inspect the Premises. If you find signs of infestation, such as mud tubes or discarded wings, you should have a professional termite inspection performed immediately.
- Don’t Touch Evidence. While you may want to attempt to fix your termite problem on your own, at-home treatments tend to cause more issues and erase important evidence that can be used to hold negligent pest control providers accountable in court.
- Read Your Homeowners Insurance Policy. It’s important that you read your insurance policy and double-check whether you have termite coverage. Because some policies might cover damage if a collapse or certain peril occurs, it’s crucial that you take the time to review yours. If termite damage is not covered, you may need to speak with a termite damage lawyer to determine your other options for recovering compensation.
- Secure Termite Bonds. Most post control companies use what are known as “bonds” to form agreements with their clients. Termite bonds from reputable pest-control companies are service contracts, not insurance policies. These service contracts typically include services such as annual inspections and may cover repair costs.
Understanding Your Legal Options After Sustaining Termite Damage
When your home insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, you still have options. Because many termite infestations and related damages are a result of inadequate pest control services, there is a strong chance that your pest control provider may be held liable for your home’s damages. Filing a successful claim against a pest control company can help you reclaim funds for the repairs you paid for, as well as additional compensation for damages and suffering.
Most termite bond agreements include the following details:
- Description of the treatment being used and how it is applied
- Description of chemicals being used
- Scheduled follow-up inspections
- Potential coverage of property damage as a result of inadequate service.
If a pest control company violates its agreement by skipping inspections or using ineffective treatments, you may have grounds to file a claim against it. An experienced termite damage attorney can assist with reviewing the details of your bond, collecting forensic evidence, and building a case against the negligent provider.
Termite Tom & Campbell Law Pc
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We focus on termite cases every single day. Proven Experience Matters.
Hire a Termite Damage Lawyer and Protect Your Property
At Campbell Law, P.C., we have one goal. That goal is to shield homeowners, renters, and property investors from the economic harm caused by termite damage. Our reputable firm, led by “Termite Tom”, has handled over 19,000 termite cases and recovered over $300 million in compensation for our clients.
When you’ve suffered termite damage, an attorney with the right experience can make the difference between shouldering the costs of repairs on your own and making responsible parties pay. We can manage every aspect of your claim, from reviewing inspection reports to negotiating with insurers and litigating in court if necessary. We can do the work, and you can focus on your home and your peace of mind. Hire a termite damage lawyer today.
FAQs
Do Most Home Insurance Policies Cover Termite Damage?
No, most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Insurers consider termite damage to be a preventable maintenance problem rather than a sudden or accidental issue. Since termite damage occurs over time, it is deemed the responsibility of the homeowner. However, if you have experienced termite damage, you may be able to take legal action against a negligent pest control company.
Can a House Be Saved From Termite Damage?
Yes, a house can be saved from termite damage if the issue is caught early enough and repairs are done by a professional. Structural integrity can be repaired, but the price tag can range widely based on the degree of the devastation. Heavy-duty infestations may require major repairs to homes before they can be deemed livable again. A termite litigation lawyer can hold responsible parties accountable and potentially recoup your funds for restoration.
What Does Minor Termite Damage Look Like?
Minor damage may include pinhole-sized holes in drywall, bubbling or peeling paint, wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it, or small piles of frass, or termite droppings that look like sawdust or coffee grounds. These warning signs are often easy to miss, but if termites are present, the infestation will not go away on its own and will only get worse.
Is It Worth Buying a House With Termite Damage?
It may be worth buying a house with termite damage, depending on the level and type of damage. Minor damage with treatment and repairs by a certified company might be acceptable, particularly if the price is reduced accordingly. However, hidden or active infestations can turn into expensive disasters. Ask for documentation and consult with a pest control professional and an attorney before signing a contract.
Contact Termite Tom for Legal Aid Today
If you are dealing with a termite problem and need to hold negligent pest control providers accountable, Termite Tom can help you seek justice. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your home.