Is Termite Treatment Covered by Insurance in Louisiana?
Key Takeaways:
- Homeowners insurance almost never covers termite damage or treatment in Louisiana.
- Insurers view termites as a “preventable maintenance issue” (like rust), not a sudden accident like a fire or storm.
- Since standard insurance won’t pay, many homeowners consider getting a Termite Bond from a pest control company to cover potential repair costs.
Does Insurance Cover Termites?
Unfortunately, homeowners’ insurance rarely covers the cost of termite treatment or termite damage. The short answer is almost always No.
Despite living in a region with high termite activity, homeowners’ insurance policies in Louisiana almost strictly exclude termite damage from coverage. While many homeowners’ insurance policies provide you protection against property damage, it typically only applies to damage that was accidental or not preventable. Unfortunately, termites are considered a preventable problem. While insurance doesn’t cover termite treatment, you can take other measures to protect your property from termite problems.
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Why Is Termite Treatment Not Covered by Insurance?
Insurance agencies almost never recognize termite-related problems in their policies because they believe termites are preventable. Termite destruction happens slowly and over time instead of suddenly or accidentally, which is typically the case if your home becomes damaged by a fire or storm.
Insurance is designed to protect you from sudden, accidental disasters, like a fire or a tree falling on your roof. They classify termite damage the same way they classify dry rot or a rusty pipe—it is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix.
Who Pays for Termite Treatment When Buying or Selling a Home?
If you are planning to buy or sell a home in Louisiana that has a history of termites, you may be wondering who is responsible for the costs of treatment. Here’s how the rundown typically works:
- The Seller’s Role: In most transactions, the seller is responsible for providing a “clear” WDIR. If the termite inspection reveals active termites, the seller typically pays for the treatment required to solve the immediate problem.
- The Buyer’s Role: Once the home is yours, the “prevention clock” starts. It is the buyer’s responsibility to set up an ongoing protection plan. Relying on the seller’s past treatment is rarely enough; you need your own service agreement to ensure future protection.
What Is a Termite Bond?
If your insurance company will not cover the expenses of termite treatment, a termite bond may be the solution for you. Termite bonds are a form of insurance that works to protect you from the costs of treating infestations.
In most termite bonds, the pest control company will pay for any damage caused by termites. The hope is that with regular treatment and prevention made possible by the termite bond, termite infestations will not become an issue. Contact Ja-Roy today to learn about our termite bonds.
Protecting Your Investment
If a hurricane hits, your insurance has your back. If termites hit, they won’t be there – and it’s important to understand that.
Don’t leave your home vulnerable to this financial gap. Ja-Roy offers comprehensive termite protection plans designed to stop infestations before they become expensive repairs. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.