With the spring pest season already under way, many homeowners are unaware that they are typically not covered for termite damage under their home insurance.
‘Loss or damage arising from insects and vermin’ is not covered by most insurers here in Australia and many homeowners only learn this when their claim is denied. This type of damage is seen as a preventable event and the responsibility of the homeowner.
It’s also not uncommon for homeowners not to read the policy disclosure statement, (PDS) and the exclusions, or what they are not covered for. Unfortunately, some insurers also don’t take the time to explain policy coverage and exclusions at the time of purchase, often at the homeowners expense.
This home was located in the Caboolture area and suffered considerable damage to supporting timber beams and the entire side wall. Concerns were also raised that termites may have entered the home kitchen area and wooden flooring. The home owner had to cover the costs of repairs themselves.
Common myths dispelled
- Steel framed homes won’t be affected by termite damage – all homes contain some timber including skirting boards and paper backed gyprock, (dry-wall).
- Concrete slabs are protected – they provide no protection against a termite attack.
- Home insurance will cover termite damage – No!
Can you afford not to be covered?
It is estimated that one in four homes will experience termite damage at some stage.
The average cost of repairs for termite damage in Australia is $7,000, but costs frequently increase into the tens of thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands and do not include costs such as temporary accommodation or loss of the home.
For homeowners such as self-funded retirees, people on a fixed income or large families, this is something that is simply unaffordable and deeply stressful.
How to prevent termites at your home
Prevention is always better than cure.
Regular termite inspections, not a termite check, is the first step toward a total pest management solution. Most people have never seen a termite or the damage they cause. Termites can go undetected for several months and might only be discovered when the vacuum cleaner bumps the skirting board which crumbles to dust or strange mounds of dirt start to appear in a cupboard or around the property.
If you are unsure, contact Amalgamated Pest Control immediately. A qualified Timber Pest Technician will be able to accurately identify if your home has a termite problem and recommend solutions to stop an infestation before it’s too late.
Always talk to your insurer and find out what you are and are not covered for before purchasing your home insurance – ask questions about anything you are concerned may occur.
Still Concerned?
If you believe or suspect that you have a termite pest problem, please contact your local team at Amalgamated pest Control Caboolture for further advice.
1300 858 834
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