Woodworm infestation - will buildings insurance cover

Phirefly

My colleague has just had some terrible news that the whole of her downstairs joists, floorboards, door frames and skirtings are completley infested with woodworm and will require remedial work costing around £5000.

Obviously she is getting some second opinions but we have been discussing whether buildings insurance covers woodworm infestations. She'll be checking her policy when she gets home but I was hoping for some insights that might make her feel better in the meantime. Does anyone have any experience of claiming on buildings insurance for woodworm damage?

Any advice appreciated.

maclean2

Hi - unfortunately it's bad news as a normal buildings policy does not cover woodworm or similar damage.It will be buried somewhere in the small print along with the exclusion of damage by vermin.Even if the cover includes accidental damage then it is still unlikely to be covered.

Phirefly

Many thanks for your reply. We pretty much assumed that might be the case.