Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

Termite damage can be devastating—weakening wooden structures, damaging foundations, and costing thousands in repairs. But does homeowners insurance cover it? Unfortunately, in most cases, it does not. Insurance companies consider termite damage preventable, meaning homeowners are responsible for pest control and maintenance.

However, there are rare cases where homeowners insurance may cover termite-related damage, such as if a collapsed structure results from hidden termite damage.

In my 20+ years in the insurance industry, I’ve helped many homeowners understand their policies and avoid costly surprises. In this guide, I’ll break down when insurance covers termite damage, when it doesn’t, and how to protect your home.

Home insurance only covers unexpected, sudden losses, such as fire, windstorms, or vandalism. Termite damage happens over time, which is why insurers consider it a maintenance issue rather than an insurable risk.

Additionally, insurers expect homeowners to take preventive measures—such as annual termite inspections and proper moisture control—to minimize the risk of infestations.

When Will Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

While homeowners insurance typically does not cover termite damage, there are rare cases where a policy might pay for repairs—but only if the damage is linked to a sudden, accidental, and covered peril.

1. When Termite Damage Is Caused by a Covered Peril

If a covered event leads to conditions that cause a termite infestation, you may be eligible for coverage. Examples include:

• Storm Damage – A severe storm damages your roof, allowing water to seep in and create moisture buildup, attracting termites.
• Falling Tree – A tree falls on your home, leading to wood exposure, which eventually results in a hidden termite infestation.
• Fire Caused by Termites – If termites chew through electrical wiring, causing a house fire, your home insurance would likely cover the fire damage (but not the termite treatment).

2. Hidden Damage That Causes Structural Collapse

In rare cases, homeowners insurance may cover termite-related damage if it results in a sudden and total home collapse. However, this means complete structural failure, not just sagging floors, cracked walls, or weakened beams.

When Is Termite Damage Not Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

While there are rare cases where termite-related damage might be covered, homeowners insurance generally excludes termite damage because it is considered preventable. Here are the most common situations where your insurance provider will likely deny a termite damage claim.

1. Gradual, Preventable Damage

Insurance companies expect homeowners to perform routine maintenance, including regular pest control and inspections. If the damage occurred slowly over time, insurers will not cover the cost of repairs.

Example: If termites weaken wooden support beams over several years, leading to costly structural damage, your claim will likely be denied because the damage could have been prevented with regular inspections.

2. Visible Signs of Termites That Were Ignored

If an insurance adjuster determines that you should have noticed the signs of a termite infestation, your claim will likely be denied. Common signs of termites include:

• Pellet droppings that look like sawdust or coffee grounds.
• Discarded termite wings—often a sign of a growing colony.
• Bubbling or uneven paint and wallpaper.
• Blistered, splintered, or hollow-sounding wood.
• Mud tunnels leading up from the foundation into walls.

3. Termite Damage Not Connected to a Covered Peril

Even if your home has extensive termite damage, insurance will not cover the repairs unless the damage was caused by a covered event. For example, if termites destroy wood framing, but there is no fire, collapse, or storm damage involved, your policy won’t provide coverage.

4. Cosmetic Damage with No Structural Impact

If termites cause surface-level damage that doesn’t affect your home’s structure or systems, insurance will not cover repairs.

Example: If termites damage wooden baseboards or chew through furniture, your homeowners insurance won’t pay for replacements.

What Experts Say About Termite Damage Coverage

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), termite damage is rarely covered by homeowners insurance because insurers classify infestations as preventable events rather than unexpected losses.

What To Do If Your Home Has Termite Damage?

Discovering termite damage can be overwhelming, but taking immediate action can minimize repair costs and prevent further destruction. Here’s what to do:

1. Assess the Extent of the Damage

• Inspect the affected areas and determine how widespread the damage is.
• Call a professional for an evaluation—termite damage can be deceptive, with hidden destruction inside walls and flooring.
• Get at least two repair estimates to understand the potential costs.

2. Check If Your Home Insurance Will Cover It

If your home suffered termite damage due to a covered peril (e.g., a storm damaged your roof, leading to water intrusion and termites), you may be able to file a claim.

• File a claim for the original event first (e.g., storm or fire).
• Document termite damage carefully with photos and written reports.
• Check with your insurer to see if your policy includes any termite-related coverage.

3. Hire a Professional or Consider DIY Treatment

If your insurance doesn’t cover the damage, you’ll need to eliminate the termites yourself or hire professionals.

DIY Termite Control:

• Works best for small, localized infestations.
• Use liquid termite treatments, baits, or borate wood treatments.
• Regularly monitor affected areas to ensure termites don’t return.

Professional Termite Extermination:

• Necessary for widespread infestations or structural damage.
• Experts use fumigation, heat treatment, and advanced baiting systems.
• More expensive but ensures complete eradication.

4. Prevent Future Termite Infestations

• Schedule annual termite inspections to catch problems early.
• Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation and walls.
• Eliminate excess moisture by fixing leaks and improving ventilation.
• Keep wood, mulch, and debris away from your home’s exterior.

Are There Measures You Can Take To Avoid Termite Damage?

Yes! Preventing termite infestations is far easier and cheaper than repairing termite damage. Taking proactive steps to protect your home can save thousands of dollars in potential repair costs.

1. Reduce Moisture in and Around Your Home

• Fix leaks immediately – Termites are attracted to moisture, so repair leaky pipes, faucets, and roof leaks as soon as possible.
• Keep basements and crawl spaces dry – Use dehumidifiers or ventilation fans to reduce humidity.
• Check gutters regularly – Clogged gutters can cause water buildup, leading to wood rot that attracts termites.

2. Keep Wood and Soil Away from Your Home

• Avoid stacking firewood or lumber near your house – Wood attracts termites, especially if it’s damp.
• Don’t use mulch against your home’s foundation – Opt for gravel or stone instead.
• Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation – Even small openings can let termites in.

3. Schedule Regular Termite Inspections

• Have your home inspected at least once a year by a professional pest control service.
• If you live in a high-risk area, consider preventative termite treatment plans.
• Monitor your home for early warning signs (e.g., mud tubes, discarded wings, and hollow-sounding wood).

When To File An Insurance Claim For Termite Damage?

Filing a homeowners insurance claim for termite damage is only worth considering if there’s a legitimate chance of coverage. Since most policies exclude termite damage, you should assess the situation carefully before filing a claim.

1. Check If the Damage Is Covered by Your Policy

Was the termite infestation caused by a covered peril?

• If the termites entered your home due to storm damage, fire, or another covered event, you may have a claim.
• Did the termite damage lead to a sudden collapse?
• Some insurers may cover structural collapse caused by hidden termite damage, but only if the failure was sudden and total.

2. Consider the Cost of Repairs vs. the Risk of Higher Premiums

• If the damage is minor and repairs cost less than your deductible, it’s not worth filing a claim.
• If repairs exceed $10,000 and are linked to a covered event, filing a claim may be a smart move.
• Be mindful that insurance claims often lead to premium increases. If you can afford to pay for minor repairs yourself, you may want to avoid filing a claim.

3. Gather Evidence Before Filing a Claim

• Take detailed photos of the damage.
• Collect pest control reports and home maintenance records to prove the infestation wasn’t due to neglect.
• Document any covered peril (e.g., a storm that led to roof damage and moisture buildup).

How Do You File An Insurance Claim For Termite Damage?

If you believe your termite damage is linked to a covered peril, filing a claim follows the same process as other homeowners insurance claims. However, since insurers rarely cover termite damage, proper documentation is crucial to improving your chances of approval.

1. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

• Check if your policy includes coverage for termite-related damage.
• Confirm if a covered peril (e.g., storm, fire, water damage) contributed to the infestation.
• Look for coverage limits related to termite damage or structural collapse.

2. Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim

• Document the damage extensively with photos and videos.
• Provide proof that a covered event (e.g., roof damage from a storm) contributed to the infestation.
• Save receipts, estimates, and invoices for repair costs.
• Obtain a professional inspection report from a contractor or pest control expert.

3. Notify Your Insurance Provider

• Contact your insurer and provide all supporting documentation.
• Schedule an inspection with an adjuster who will assess the damage.
• Ensure you’ve already filed a claim for the original covered peril before submitting your termite-related claim.

4. Pay Your Deductible and Receive Payment

• If your claim is approved, you must first meet your deductible before receiving any reimbursement.
• Your insurer will issue payment based on their estimated repair costs.

Are Other Types Of Coverage Available For Termite Damage?

If your homeowners insurance policy excludes termite damage, there are alternative ways to protect yourself from expensive repairs.

1. Home Insurance Endorsements for Termite Damage

• Some insurers offer endorsements (also known as riders) that add limited termite coverage to your standard policy.
• Coverage is typically capped at a specific dollar amount, such as $5,000 or $10,000.
• Not all insurers offer termite endorsements, so check with your provider to see if it’s an option.

2. Termite Bonds – A Contract for Pest Protection

A termite bond is a service agreement between a homeowner and a pest control company that offers ongoing termite prevention and treatment.

• Includes regular inspections and preventative treatments to stop infestations before they start.
• Covers extermination costs if termites are found.
• Some termite bonds offer a warranty—if damage occurs, the pest control company may cover repair costs.

3. Preventative Pest Control Plans

• Many pest control companies offer annual protection plans that cover termite prevention and early treatment.
• While these aren’t insurance policies, they help homeowners avoid costly infestations.