Why won't my insurance company pay for vermin damage or extermination?

Why won't my insurance company pay for vermin damage or extermination?

Sam Friedman (Editor-in-Chief, National Underwriter, Property & Casualty Edition) gives expert video advice on: Why won't my insurance company pay for damage caused by a flood?; Why won't my insurance company pay for vermin damage or extermination? and more...

Vermin damage or extermination, much like dry rot and other types of maintenance issues, are not covered under standard homeowner's insurance policies. These are the types of things that homeowners have to look after to try to maintain their property. It's not an insurable risk. Usually insurable risks are things that you think might happen, catastrophes that could destroy your property that are not likely. Vermin infestation, dry rot, mold are things that are much more frequent, and if the homeowner is not vigilant in maintaining their property, these damages arise. A hurricane or a fire where the homeowner may have very little control will be covered by homeowner's insurance.