Is Termite Treatment Covered by Insurance in Long Island?
Key Takeaways
- Termite treatment is typically not covered by insurance companies.
- Insurance companies won’t cover termite damage or treatments because they consider infestations a homeowner’s responsibility, and not a sudden disaster (like a fire or flood).
- Termite bonds (service contracts between homeowners and pest control companies) are a great option for consistent termite inspections and treatment.
- When buying a home, the seller is typically responsible for termite damage costs, while buyers are responsible for paying for future termite-related costs.
Termites are responsible for causing damage to thousands of homes across the United States each year. While many people assume that means insurance will cover the cost of treatment and repairs, most insurance companies donโt help with any termite-related expenses. Because termites are considered preventable, your homeownerโs insurance policy likely wonโt offer assistance if you experience an infestation unless youโve purchased add-on coverage such as a termite bond.
Why Doesn't Insurance Cover Termite Infestations?
Insurance is generally designed to cover sudden and unexpected perils, such as fire, rather than gradual and preventable issues like termite infestations. Termite damage is typically considered a maintenance issue and is the responsibility of the homeowner to prevent and address. Homeowners are generally expected to take proactive steps to prevent termite infestations, such as regular inspections, maintenance, and treatment if needed.
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How Termite Bonds Can Help
Although homeownerโs insurance doesnโt generally cover termite treatment or repairs, thereโs another solution: termite bonds, also known as termite warranties or protection plans. A termite bond is a contract between a homeowner and a pest control company, where the exterminator agrees to provide ongoing services to protect, detect, and treat termite infestations. Some of these agreements may even cover future repairs to provide you with even more peace of mind.
Termite Treatment Cost for Homebuyers
Determining who is responsible for the cost of termite treatments and repairs can be difficult when buying or selling a home. Hereโs the guideline for most states:
- The seller must pay for the termite inspection
- If termite activity is found, the seller must pay for treatment
- The seller may also cover repairs, though that is not required
- The buyer is responsible for future termite prevention
Year-Round Termite Prevention
Want to learn more about how you can affordably treat or prevent termites? Reach out to your local experts at Arrow Exterminating! Weโve been helping Long Island with their termite treatment needs since 1947, so we know the ins and outs of what the process includes and how much it costs.