Termites are small, but they can cause serious damage to your home. These pests eat through wood, drywall, and even flooring, often working quietly for months or years before you notice the problem. When homeowners finally discover the damage, the repair costs can be shocking — sometimes running into thousands of dollars. That’s when many people ask: does home insurance cover termite damage?
The short answer is no, home insurance usually does not cover termite damage.
But there are a few exceptions, and understanding them can help you know what to expect if your home ever becomes infested. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why Home Insurance Usually Doesn’t Cover Termite Damage
Standard homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage — not damage that happens slowly over time.
Termite damage is considered preventable and gradual, meaning it occurs over months or years as the insects eat away at the structure. Because of that, insurers view termite infestations as a maintenance issue, not a covered peril.
In other words, the insurance company expects you to maintain your home and prevent termite problems through regular inspections, treatments, and upkeep.
For example:
If termites have been eating your home’s foundation for two years and you suddenly notice sagging floors or weak walls, your insurer won’t pay to repair the damage. They’ll consider it something that could have been prevented with proper care.
So in most cases, termite damage is excluded from homeowners insurance.
When Home Insurance Might Cover Termite Damage
Even though termite infestations themselves aren’t covered, there are a few situations where your homeowners insurance might help pay for termite-related damage — but only indirectly.
Here are the main exceptions:
Sudden and Accidental Events Caused by Termites
If termites trigger a sudden structural failure, like a wall or ceiling collapsing, your insurance might cover the resulting damage. The key factor is that the collapse must happen suddenly, not gradually.
For example:
If your floor caves in one night because termites weakened the beams, the insurer may cover the collapse damage, even though they won’t pay to fix the termite infestation itself.
Covered Peril Leads to Termite Damage
In some rare cases, if a covered peril (like a storm or burst pipe) causes termite infestation or makes an existing one worse, your insurance could pay for part of the repair.
For instance:
If a storm damages your roof, allowing moisture to enter and attract termites, your insurer may cover the roof repair because it resulted from a covered event. However, the termite treatment still wouldn’t be included.
Fire Caused by Termites
If termites chew through electrical wiring and that causes a fire, the fire damage would likely be covered — since fire is a named peril.
But again, only the fire damage would be covered, not the cost of exterminating the termites or repairing their wood damage.
So, while there are limited exceptions, termite infestation or damage itself is almost always excluded from standard home insurance policies.
Why Insurers Exclude Termite Damage
Insurance companies exclude termite damage for the same reason they exclude mold, rust, and general wear and tear: these are maintenance-related issues.
Termite infestations happen gradually and can be prevented with regular inspections and treatments. Because homeowners have control over prevention, insurance companies don’t see it as an “accidental” or “sudden” event that warrants a payout.
If insurers covered termite damage, they’d essentially be paying for years of neglect — which goes against the basic principles of how insurance works.
The Real Cost of Termite Damage
Termite problems are far from minor. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause over $5 billion in property damage each year in the U.S.
The average homeowner spends between $3,000 and $8,000 on termite repairs, depending on the extent of the damage. Severe infestations can cost much more — especially if they’ve spread to load-bearing walls, floors, or foundations.
Because this type of damage is excluded from insurance, homeowners have to cover the full cost of extermination and structural repair out of pocket. That’s why prevention is key.
How to Prevent Termite Damage
Since home insurance won’t help you if termites strike, prevention is your best defense. Here are simple but effective steps to protect your home:
- Schedule Regular Inspections
Have your home checked for termites at least once a year by a licensed pest control professional. - Treat the Soil Around Your Home
Professional termite treatments can create a barrier that prevents termites from entering your foundation. - Eliminate Moisture Problems
Fix leaks, clean gutters, and make sure water drains away from your home’s foundation. - Keep Wood Away From Soil
Avoid stacking firewood or wood debris against your home — termites are attracted to damp, untreated wood. - Seal Cracks and Openings
Close any gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent termites from finding entry points. - Repair Damaged Areas Quickly
Address small leaks or wood rot right away. Moisture and decaying wood attract termites.
A little prevention can save you from massive repair bills later.
Alternative Protection: Termite Bonds and Warranties
Because homeowners insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, many pest control companies offer termite bonds or warranties.
These are service contracts that include:
- Regular termite inspections
- Preventive treatments
- Repair coverage for future termite damage (depending on the plan)
A termite bond acts as a protection plan between you and a pest control company. It’s not insurance, but it can help cover repair costs if termites return after treatment.
Before you sign up, make sure you understand:
- What’s covered (repairs, re-treatment, or both)
- How often inspections occur
- Whether there’s a repair cost limit
In areas where termites are common — like the southern U.S. — a termite bond can be an excellent investment.
What to Do If You Find Termite Damage
If you discover termite damage, here’s what to do:
- Call a Pest Control Expert Immediately
Don’t try to handle it yourself — termites can spread quickly and require professional treatment. - Assess the Damage
Have a licensed contractor or structural engineer inspect your home to see how extensive the problem is. - Contact Your Insurance Company
Even though termite damage isn’t usually covered, it’s worth calling your insurer. They can confirm whether any part of the damage — such as a collapse or resulting fire — might qualify under your policy. - Make Repairs and Prevent Future Damage
Once extermination is complete, fix the damaged wood and seal all entry points to prevent reinfestation.
Final Thoughts: Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
So, does home insurance cover termite damage?
In most cases, no, it does not. Termite infestations and the damage they cause are considered preventable, not accidental — and that makes them a homeowner’s responsibility.
However, if termites cause a sudden structural collapse or a fire, your insurance might cover the resulting damage (but not the extermination or repairs directly caused by the termites).
Your best defense is prevention: schedule regular termite inspections, keep your home dry and sealed, and consider purchasing a termite bond or warranty.
A little vigilance now can save you from thousands of dollars in repairs later.