Homeowners policies generally exclude termite and vermin damage, but the policy and the cause decide the outcome. A Florida homeowner with a claim problem should contact the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services, which handles consumer complaints. Photograph the damage before anything is moved.
Key takeaways
- Termite and vermin damage is usually excluded from homeowners policies, and the policy itself decides the outcome.
- The policy wording and the cause of the damage are what the insurer reviews.
- Document the damage with photographs and written reports before anything is moved or repaired.
- The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services, handles consumer complaints about claims.
- The Office of Insurance Regulation regulates insurers and is not the first stop for an individual complaint.
Does homeowners insurance cover termite and rodent damage?
Termite and vermin damage is generally excluded from homeowners policies, so a claim for it often fails. The policy wording and the cause of the damage decide the outcome, and only the policy can answer the question for a specific home.
Insurers commonly exclude damage caused by termites, rodents and other wear-related pests. Sudden damage from a separate covered cause can be treated differently.
Read the policy's exclusions and ask the insurer or the agent to explain how they apply. Do not assume a claim will be paid because a pest was involved.
What should you document before anything is repaired?
Photograph the damage, the source and any pests before anything is moved, cleaned or repaired. Keep the written reports from the pest technician, because they record what was found and what was done.
A written service report from a technician is part of the documentation a homeowner should keep. It shows the date, the findings and the work recommended, and it helps the insurer and any adjuster understand the claim.
Keep copies of the policy, the claim correspondence and any repair estimates together, so the record is complete if a dispute follows.
Where do you take a complaint about a claim in Florida?
The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services, is where a homeowner takes a claim problem. Its contact page lists a consumer helpline and an online complaint form. The Office of Insurance Regulation regulates the insurers themselves, which is a different role.
The Division of Consumer Services is the first point of contact for an individual complaint about how a claim was handled. Use its helpline or online form, and keep a record of the date and the person you spoke to.
The Office of Insurance Regulation is the regulator of the insurance companies. It is not usually the first stop for one homeowner's claim, so the consumer division is the better route to start with.
Frequently asked questions
Will my policy pay for termite damage?
Usually not. Termite damage is generally excluded from homeowners policies. Read your policy and ask the insurer to explain any exception that might apply to your situation.
What if the pest damage came from a storm opening the roof?
A sudden covered cause can be treated differently from gradual pest damage, and the policy decides. Photograph the storm damage and get a written report from a technician that records the cause.
Can a pest company tell me whether my claim will be paid?
No. A technician can describe what was found and what work is needed, which is what the insurer will look at. The insurer and your policy decide the claim. Call (855) 974-4733 to request a written report for your records.
Sources
- Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
This guide is general information for Broward County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.