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Termite Insurance

Bonds, Guarantees, and Warranties for Termite Damage

The most effective way to help protect your home is to use prevention and treatment methods guaranteed by a contract with a reputable pest control company. Some homeowners refer to this contract - a termite bond - as consumer termite insurance.

Termite Policies
A termite bond is a contract between a homeowner and a pest control company. The contract outlines the treatment to be provided by the pest control company to prevent and/or control infestations, typically over the span of five or 10 years. Most bonds guarantee the company will monitor the success of the treatment and provide retreatment at no cost, if necessary to control the infestation. Some bonds include a repair provision, should damage occur following treatment. Repair provisions explain the type of repairs and total cost of repairs the pest control company will cover if there is termite damage while the treatment is active.

When choosing a pest control company to provide termite prevention and control measures, ask what retreatment and repair options are included in the service agreement. Reputable companies will explain how long your prevention and/or control treatment will be effective and how that service is guaranteed by the company. Most home insurance does not cover termite damage or treatment, so you will need to pay for retreatment and repairs if they are not covered by the guarantee.

Bonds & Guarantees
Termites can be found in every U.S. state except Alaska, and experts estimate they damage approximately 600,000 homes around the country each year. In metro areas with high levels of termite activity, one in every five homes is likely to suffer termite damage.

If a termite infestation is not detected or treated, it can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of damage. U.S. residents spend approximately $5 billion annually on termite control measures and repairs for termite damage.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

Homeowners' insurance typically only covers sudden and accidental incidents and does not cover long term issues such as insect infestation and damage. In fact most policies specifically exclude damage from wood destroying insects.

Termite Bond Transfers

Some areas of the country, especially in the south, homeowners purchase termite bonds or warranties for retreatment or retreatment and damage repair. These can be transferrable to new owners if desired depending on the terms of the bond.

Termite Contracts

After termite control is completed, the company usually provides a warranty if the treatment was for subterranean termites. The warranty can be for retreatment only or for retreatment and repair of any new damage and may be renewable.

Termite Warranty

For new houses, the builder generally offers a one year warranty against subterranean termite infesation and damage. After one year, the homeowner might be able to renew the warranty directly with the pest control company.

What a Company Guarantee Really Means

A termite control company commonly will provide a guarantee or warranty on work performed. Sometimes these are called bonds. States may regulate required language. The consumer should read and fully understand all points of the warranty.

What is a Termite Bond?

A termite bond is a service guarantee that if termites are found in a house, the company will treat at no cost. This can offered for repair as well. Bonds are usually provided after a treatment on the structure is completed and is transferrable.