What Does a Termite Warranty Cover?

If you are worried about termites destroying your home, you may be thinking about getting a termite warranty. 

But what exactly does that cover?

Termite warranties do not all offer the same coverage. In general, though, termite warranties cover the cost of yearly inspections as well as extermination fees if your home develops a termite infestation. A termite warranty may also cover the cost of repairs if your home has termite damage. 

What Do Termite Warranties Cover? 

In the following sections, I will describe the most common costs that termite warranties cover. 

The Cost of Termite Inspections 

Most termite warranties will cover the cost of a certain number of inspections within the timeframe of the warranty. 

The majority of companies provide these inspections yearly. 

During a termite inspection, most companies will: 

• Examine the inside and outside of your house for signs of termites 
• Look for access points termites can use to enter your home 
• Inspect your yard and nearby trees for termites 

Afterward, the inspector will talk with you about what they found. 

If they find signs of termites, they will guide you on what to do next. 

Or, if there aren’t termites, they may give you tips on how to protect your home from them in the future. 

Extermination Costs 

Almost all termite warranties will cover the cost of extermination if your home becomes infested with termites. 

Thus, having this warranty can save you a lot of money if you do get termites. 

Repair Costs 

Unfortunately, termites can cause a lot of damage to a home. 

These insects can chew on your house’s framework, including your support beams, floorboards, and door frames. 

All of this destruction can be pretty expensive to repair. 

So, some termite warranties will actually cover the cost of home repair so that you don’t have to pay out of pocket to fix damage caused by termites. 

But, you should remember that most termite warranties do not cover repair costs. 

Therefore, if you want this coverage as part of your warranty, you may need to shop around to find a company that offers it. 

How Do I Know What My Termite Warranty Covers?

In many cases, the only way to know what your termite warranty covers is to ask the company that supplied it to you. 

You should also, of course, read the paperwork that the company provides you to ensure you are getting the coverage you want. 

Does My Home’s Warranty Cover Termites?

Usually, home warranties do not cover termites. 

However, some do, so you should check your warranty to see if it mentions termites or other pests. 

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Termites?

Homeowner’s insurance rarely covers termite damage, inspections, or exterminations. 

It is generally up to you as the homeowner to take measures to keep termites from getting into your house. 

Is a Termite Warranty Worth the Money?

Whether or not a termite warranty is worth the money depends on your chances of getting termites. 

Those who are at high risk of termites may benefit from a warranty. 

Thus, below I will talk about which houses have the highest and lowest chances of developing a termite infestation, so you can decide if you should get a termite warranty. 

Consider Your Home’s Age 

Overall, old homes have a higher risk of getting termites. 

One reason for this is that old homes do not benefit from the anti-termite technology advances that have come about in recent years. 

Therefore, there is more of a chance that termites will be able to enter them.  

Additionally, older houses have a higher probability of already having a weak framework due to aging materials. 

So, if a termite infestation does occur, an older home will likely suffer major structural issues much quicker than a newer house. 

Thus, overall, if you have an old home, you are going to want to stay on top of possible infestations much more stringently than someone with a newer house. 

Think About Your Home’s Location

Homes in particular regions of the country are more likely to get termites. 

In general, places that experience a lot of hot and humid weather have more termites. 

Therefore, in the US, the states where termites are most likely to take over a house are: 

• South Carolina 
• Georgia 
• Alabama
• Mississippi 
• Florida 
• Louisiana 

You also have a very high risk of getting termites if you live in southern North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas, as well as east Texas. 

The California coast also has a problem with termites. 

Thus, if you live in these areas, you should probably consider getting a termite warranty. 

On the other hand, homes in the following states are at little to no risk of termites: 

• Alaska 
• Montana 
• Wyoming 
• North Dakota 
• South Dakota 
• Minnesota 
• Maine 
• Vermont 
• New Hampshire 

If you live in the above states, it may not be worth getting a termite warranty. 

What Materials Make Up Your Home?

Although houses made of concrete and other tough materials aren’t impervious to termites, wood frame homes are at a much higher risk of extensive damage. 

And in the US, more than 90% of houses contain a wooden framework. 

This fact means that most people could potentially benefit from a termite warranty. 

However, you shouldn’t get a termite warranty solely because your home contains wood. 

You should just keep in mind that if your home is already at risk of termite damage, having a wood frame makes it even more susceptible. 

How Do I Get a Termite Warranty?

Just about every pest company that treats termites offers termite warranties. 

All you need to do is call the companies in your area and see what kind of warranties they have available. 

How Much Does a Termite Warranty Cost?

A termite warranty usually costs between $300 and $400 a year. 

However, how much you’ll pay for your warranty depends on certain factors, such as where you live and what your warranty covers. 

For example, a warranty that covers repairs will typically cost you more per year. 

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

In the United States, a standard termite inspection will usually cost around $100. 

You generally won’t see an inspection cost more than $250. 

How Much Does it Cost to Exterminate Termites?

Getting a professional to treat your home for termites can cost quite a bit of money. 

The average amount spent on termite extermination in the US is $550, but some treatments can be as high as $850. 

Therefore, if you are at high risk of getting termites, a standard termite warranty can definitely be worth the money. 

How Much Does it Cost to Repair Termite Damage?

How much it costs to repair termite damage varies because the price depends on factors like how long the termites were in the home and what they destroyed. 

Yet, overall, I can say that it normally costs around $3,000 for a homeowner to repair termite damage after they have gotten rid of the infestation. 

Conclusion 

Typically, a termite warranty covers the costs of a yearly termite inspection as well as any needed termite extermination. 

In some cases, a termite warranty also covers the home repair costs needed to rectify termite damage.