Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

‘Does home insurance cover termite damage?’ is a common query in this regard. Let’s find out the answer to this.

What is Termite Damage?

Termite damage refers to the damage caused by termites, often referred to as ‘silent destroyers’. This mainly refers to tiny insects that affect decaying wood and other surfaces. Damage caused by them not only affects the structure and durability of your property but also leads to hefty repair costs.

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As per the National Pest Management Association of the US, termites cause property damage worth more than $5 billion every year

Let’s now address the key query — is termite damage covered by home insurance?

Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage?

No, termite damage is not covered under home insurance in the UAE. This type of insurance generally covers damages and losses due to unforeseen events such as theft, fire, storms, and so on. However, it doesn’t cover issues related to regular wear and tear as well as a lack of maintenance.

Insect or termite damage is generally considered under the latter category by insurers. Thus, it’s excluded from coverage, just like any other maintenance-related issue.

Types of Termite Damages

Termites can cause extensive damage to various aspects of your whole property. Here is a detailed overview of the same —

1.) Structural Damage

Termites can damage wood-supporting beams and other structural elements, compromising a building’s integrity. Over time, weakened structures may cause floors to sag, walls to crack, and ceilings to collapse, all of which can pose serious safety risks.  

2.) Wood Decay

Termites feed on cellulose found in wooden surfaces such as flooring, beams, and doors. This consumption can result in hollow, brittle wood that crumbles under pressure and eventually decays. Such decayed wood not only loses visual appeal but also leads to safety issues.

3.) Furniture Damage

As mentioned earlier, termites can infest wood. Considering how most furniture in our homes is usually wooden, you can face losses related to chairs, tables, and cabinets. Infested furniture becomes fragile — it can easily break and lose value. 

4.) Drywall Damage

Termites can burrow through drywall to access wooden framing, creating tunnels and cracks in walls. This results in peeling paint, weakened surfaces, and hollow-sounding walls when tapped.

Common Signs of Termite Infestation

• Presence of mud tubes
• Termite swarms and droppings
• Discarded wings
• Small holes in the furniture and walls
• Curling of laminate tiles
• Mildew or mold-like smell

What Causes Termite Damage in the UAE?

Termites tend to live in humid environments. Considering the high humidity of the UAE, your home can be easily infested if proper care is not taken.

Here is an overview of factors that contribute to the termite infestation —

• Poor building structures
• Pipe leakage
• Deficient drainage system
• Lack of pest control measures
• Inadequate sanitation

How to Prevent Termite Infestation?

As mentioned earlier, there is no termite insurance or home insurance in UAE that covers termite damage. Thus, if your property structure is damaged due to these tiny pests, you may end up spending a significant amount for repairs and further prevention.

To avoid such issues, you should take preventive measures to protect your property from being damaged by termites. Here are some key tips for the same —

• Control humidity and moisture levels to prevent moisture accumulation
• Regularly check your wooden furniture, doors, windows, and so on
• In case of suspicions, tap the wood — if it sounds hollow, you may need to inspect it further
• Make sure to paint the exposed wooden products of your home
• Ensure proper drainage in your place
• Use good quality wood

Note: While home insurance doesn’t cover termite damage, it’s still highly advisable to get it. With a comprehensive policy, you can get coverage for various damages that can result in significant financial losses.

Frequently Asked Questions