Homeowners Insurance: Does It Cover Bed Bug Damage?

In the past few years, bed bugs have become a real problem in commercial hotels, motels, and residences. I personally know someone who was invited to a friend’s house. Little did the hosts know that they actually had a bed bug problem and neither did my friend. Unfortunately for him, some of the pests actually hid in his suitcase as he enjoyed his brief respite only to move to his mattress when he returned home.

Finally, when my friend experienced an incessant and prolonged irritating itch, he began to notice a string of bites on his arms. It was then that he decided not to waste any more time receiving medical attention. Jumping into his car, he headed to an after-hours medical facility to be examined. The prognosis was clear as day, even though the time was past sunset – my friend’s itch and rash were professionally diagnosed as bed bug bites.

Lest you think your ordeal ended easily, let me clarify: this was far from the case. Liability for bed bugs included not only general aggravation, embarrassment, and intense discomfort, but it also involved a high expense for the exterminator, something you would learn from your insurance agency that was not covered by your standard homeowners insurance policy. households.

My friend’s ordeal was a real learning experience, albeit a painful one. Although someone else might have considered filing a lawsuit against his hosts who had infected him with the tiny insects that ultimately caused him to suffer damage and loss, for him it simply was not an option because it went against his code of ethics in relation to friendships. What the affair taught him, however, was to pay close attention to all the fine points of coverage before deciding on a policy, and to weigh needs not just by comparing quotes.

While a standard homeowners insurance policy generally covers:

• Fire

• Lightening

• Sudden and accidental smoke damage

• Stole

• Vandalism

• Damage caused by airplanes, cars, trucks and other vehicles

• Wind storm damage

• Damage by hail

• Sudden and accidental damage caused by water

• Damage from heavy ice, snow and sleet

• Damages caused by social unrest and unrest

It does not cover:

• Flood damage

• Earthquake damage

• Frozen pipes (except in certain situations)

• Losses incurred when your home was vacated (according to the terms of the policy)

• Termite and bed bug wear or damage that could have been prevented with prompt care and maintenance.

Because my friend didn’t realize he had a bed bug problem right away, the crisis escalated so much that it caused damage that insurance companies defined as something that could have been prevented with proper maintenance. However, if you had included a bed bug rider on your policy before the unwanted insects appeared, you would have benefited from coverage.

You certainly live and learn. Now that losses are a thing of the past, my friend knows that you should always discuss all aspects of personal and property coverage with your independent agent, and be very careful where you establish temporary housing!