Paul Sanchez
Termites are tiny but destructive insects that can cause significant damage to your home, and they are found in every state except Alaska. They feast on wood and any cellulose-based products, including insulation and books, and can tunnel through floors, walls, ceilings, foundations, and wooden furniture. Homeowners insurance typically does not cover termite damage, as it is considered the homeowner's responsibility to maintain and upkeep their property to prevent infestations. However, if you are an AAA member, their insurance agents can assist you in finding the right coverage for your needs and provide guidance on preventing and dealing with termite infestations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| AAA Homeowners Insurance Coverage | AAA offers customizable property insurance coverage for homeowners. |
| Termite Damage Coverage | Termite damage is generally not covered by AAA homeowners insurance as it is considered preventable with regular maintenance. |
| Preventive Measures | AAA recommends regular termite inspections, reducing moisture, and storing firewood and untreated wood away from the home to prevent termite infestations. |
| Additional Services | AAA provides resources and tips to help homeowners protect their property and belongings. They also offer supplemental insurance policies for events like earthquakes and landslides, which may not be covered under the standard policy. |
| Pest Control | AAA emphasizes the importance of hiring a professional pest control company for effective termite treatment and recommends annual inspections to detect termites early. |
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What You'll Learn
Homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover termite damage
However, it's important to review your specific insurance policy to determine the extent of your coverage. Some policies may provide coverage for termite damage under certain circumstances. For example, if termites chew through wiring and cause a fire, the damage may be covered under the fire damage provision of your policy. Additionally, some insurance companies offer supplemental policies or endorsements that can be added to your existing coverage for an extra cost. These supplemental policies may provide coverage for termite damage.
To prevent termite damage, it is recommended to have your home inspected by a trained termite professional regularly. Early detection is key to preventing expensive and potentially dangerous damage. If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a pest control professional immediately to determine the extent of the infestation and eradicate the termites. Basic maintenance tasks, such as cutting off the termite food supply by storing firewood and untreated wood away from the home, reducing moisture, and using pressure-treated wood, can also help prevent termite infestations.
If you're considering purchasing a new home, it's essential to have a professional inspect the property for pests, including termites, before finalizing the purchase. This can help you avoid the costly repairs associated with termite damage, which are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. By taking proactive measures and staying vigilant, you can protect your home from the significant harm that termites can inflict.
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Termite damage can be prevented with regular maintenance
Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage in the US every year, and this damage is rarely covered by homeowners' insurance. This is because termite infestations can be avoided with regular maintenance, which is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Termites primarily feed on wood but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. They can injure living trees and shrubs and are particularly attracted to warm, moist environments with plenty of wood.
To prevent termite damage, it is important to cut off their food supply. Avoid stacking firewood next to your home, and keep plants a few feet away from the house. Remove dead trees, firewood, and any other dead wood that can house drywood termites. Seal gaps around water and gas lines where they enter your home to help eliminate entry points. Wood-to-ground contact is a common access point for subterranean termites seeking entry, so try to reduce this where possible.
It is also important to prevent moisture. Check for leaks, repair leaky faucets, seal up leaks in your roof, and ensure that storm drains empty a few feet away from your home. Use pressure-treated wood on your home and deck as this contains preservatives that make it both rot- and termite-resistant. Conduct regular termite checks, especially if you have exposed wood, and examine it for hollow spots. Identify termite swarms, which are sometimes mistaken for ants, and be aware that termites rarely emerge from the soil, mud tubes, or food sources through which they are tunneling.
You can also work with a pest control professional to address conditions around your home that may be conducive to termite activity, such as excess moisture and wood-to-ground contact. They can help you determine what preventative termite treatments will be most effective, such as direct wood treatment, bait, and monitoring systems.
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AAA insurance agents can help find the right coverage
Homeowners insurance does not typically cover termite damage. This is because termite infestations and damage can be avoided with regular maintenance, which is the responsibility of the homeowner. However, if you're looking for the right insurance coverage for your needs, AAA insurance agents are there to help.
AAA insurance agents can advise you on insurance, help you file a claim, make changes to your policy, and work with agencies involved in major purchases. They are also available to answer any urgent questions you may have.
AAA insurance offers a range of insurance options, including home, auto, life, motorcycle, RV, boat, and snowmobile insurance, among others. They can help you find the right coverage for your needs and provide personalized, customized insurance coverage for your entire family.
To get started with AAA insurance, you can call (877) 323-4222 or request a quote online. You can also contact a local AAA office or agent to discuss your specific needs and find out how AAA insurance can help protect what matters most. With their experienced team of insurance agents, AAA provides personalized service and fast, efficient responses to your customer service and claims requests.
AAA insurance agents are available to assist you in finding the right coverage and ensuring you have the protection you need. Whether it's for your home, car, or family's future, AAA has you covered.
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Termite infestations may require professional pest control
Termite infestations can be a serious problem for homeowners, and in most cases, termite damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. This is because termite damage occurs slowly over time and can be prevented with regular maintenance. If you suspect a termite infestation, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage.
The first step is to contact a pest control professional who can inspect your home and determine the extent of the infestation. There are several companies that offer pest control services, including Terminix and Orkin, both of which have extensive experience in termite control. Terminix offers free initial inspections and a guarantee that they will re-treat your home at no additional cost if pests return. Orkin also offers termite treatment and pest control services, backed by over 120 years of experience.
Once the infestation has been assessed, the pest control professional will recommend a treatment plan. The most common technique for treating termite infestations is the soil-applied barrier treatment using termiticides. These pesticides must be applied by a trained pest management professional and can effectively treat termite infestations with minimal risk when used according to strict guidelines. Biological control agents, such as nematodes and fungi, have also shown success in laboratory settings.
To prevent termite infestations, it is important to cut off their food supply by avoiding stacking firewood next to your home and keeping plants a few feet away. You should also prevent moisture buildup, as termites are attracted to soft, rotting wood. Regular termite checks are crucial, and you should inspect the wooden parts of your home, such as door and window frames, for any signs of termite activity. By taking proactive measures and seeking professional help when needed, you can effectively manage termite infestations and protect your home from costly damage.
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Preventing termites is key to minimising damage
Cut Off Their Food Supply
Subterranean termites require moisture and typically build colonies underground, so eliminating excess moisture is crucial. Divert water away from your house with properly functioning gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks. Repair any leaking faucets, pipes, or air conditioning units, and ensure the ground next to your foundation is graded to allow water to drain away from your home. Avoid stacking firewood or storing wood debris against your foundation or inside crawl spaces, as these provide an ideal food source for termites.
Create Physical Barriers
Use pressure-treated wood for your home's construction or renovation projects. While pressure-treated wood is not entirely immune to termite attacks, it can provide some resistance. Additionally, consider incorporating physical barriers during construction, such as steel mesh and sands of particular sizes, which have been shown to effectively deter termites.
Seal Entry Points
Seal potential entry points for termites by patching foundation cracks with cement or a concrete patching compound. Keep your grass and shrubbery near your home trimmed and create at least 12 inches of space between plants and exterior walls. This improves airflow, dries damp areas faster, and makes spotting termite activity easier.
Regular Inspections
Conduct regular termite inspections, especially if you live in an area prone to termite infestations. Inspect the wooden parts of your home, such as door and window frames, for signs of termite damage. Consider hiring a trained termite professional to conduct annual inspections and provide peace of mind.
Remember, every home is unique, and a tailored approach is best. Consult a termite control professional who can assess your property and recommend specific prevention and treatment methods.
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Frequently asked questions
No, AAA homeowners insurance does not typically cover termite damage as it is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain and upkeep their property.
To prevent termite damage, it is recommended to have your home inspected by a trained termite professional at least once a year. You can also take preventative measures such as cutting off termites' food supply by storing firewood and untreated wood away from your home, reducing moisture by repairing any leaky faucets and sealing up leaks in your roof, and using pressure-treated wood which contains preservatives that make it both rot- and termite-resistant.
If you discover signs of termite damage, contact a pest control professional immediately to determine the extent of the infestation and eradicate the termites.
