Here’s the quick answer:
- Pest control is your responsibility as a homeowner.
- Insect infestations can be prevented with proper maintenance, so termite damage is not covered by home insurance.
- Your policy can cover sudden damage caused by wild animals.
Question The wood trim around my front door has developed some tiny holes. My neighbors had the same problem and found out they had termites. If that’s the case with my house, will my insurance cover the cost to repair the damage?
We turned this question over to Francisco Flores, a Farmers Insurance® agent in Yuma, Arizona.
Answer While no one invites bugs into their home, infestations can be prevented with proper care and maintenance. Pest control is part of your responsibility as a homeowner — just like cutting the grass or repairing a leaky faucet. That’s why termite damage generally isn’t covered by home insurance. It’s something you can avoid through normal upkeep.
We realize, though, there is some wild animal behavior you can’t control at all. Imagine a deer crashing into your patio door or a raccoon ransacking your garage. This type of damage is sudden and purely accidental, so your home policy will provide coverage for certain situations.
The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. Read our editorial standards for Insurance Questions and other content. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied. This does not refer to any specific insurance policy and nothing herein is intended to replace or modify any terms in your actual policy.
Farmers may also provide information on topics that are not directly about insurance policies or coverage that we believe could be helpful to you. Information in such articles is not meant as professional advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Related articles
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for Foodies
How I Started as a Rental Property Investor