Is Termite Damage Covered

With the Florida summer heat in full force, I am forced to walk my dog through wooded trails. A common sight on these walks are trees fully hollowed out by termites. This got me thinking, what happens when termites do a number on older frame houses?

Insect damage is commonly excluded from insurance coverage as seen below.

We insure against risk of direct loss to property described
in Coverages A and B only if that loss is a
physical loss to property. We do not insure, however,
for loss:

2. Caused by:

(7) Birds, vermin, rodents, or insects; . . .

However, sometimes insect damage is not open and obvious. This hidden damage can result in the sudden collapse of a building. In this scenario insect damage may be covered. An example of collapse coverage for this scenario can be seen below.

8. Collapse. We insure for direct physical loss to
covered property involving collapse of a building or
any part of a building caused only by one or more
of the following:

c. Hidden insect or vermin damage;

A pressing question homeowner’s may have is: How do I know when I have termites or termite damage? Common signs of termite damage can be the following:

Discolored or drooping drywall
Buckling wood
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
Swollen floors that appear to be suffering from minor water damage.

If you identify any damages as listed above, contact a professional to treat your home for termites. Furthermore, not all insurance policies are the same, if you have damages to your home contact the Merlin Law Group and one of our attorney’s can advise you of the coverages in your insurance policy.