Woodworm has a talent for ruining the mood
Woodworm rarely arrives with drama. It prefers small holes, fine dust, and the slow realisation that something has been nibbling away for a while. Insurers don’t panic, but they do pay attention. Timber matters. Especially when it holds the house up.
From an insurance point of view, woodworm is less about insects and more about structure.
What insurers usually mean by woodworm
“Woodworm” covers several types of wood-boring insects. Insurers aren’t entomologists. They care about activity, extent, and whether the infestation is historic or ongoing.
- Common furniture beetle in floorboards and joists
- House longhorn beetle in roof timbers
- Signs of active infestation versus old, inactive holes
- Whether load-bearing timber is affected
Old, inactive woodworm is viewed very differently from active infestation.
Why woodworm attracts scrutiny
Timber damage develops gradually, which places it outside most insured events. Insurers are wary of risks that worsen over time without a clear starting point.
Where woodworm affects structural elements, potential repair costs rise quickly. That’s what drives underwriting caution.
Disclosure matters more than the diagnosis
If woodworm is known, insurers usually expect it to be disclosed. That often comes from survey reports or previous treatment records.
Not mentioning known infestation can complicate claims later, especially if damage spreads or structural repairs are needed.
Treatment records carry real weight
Insurers tend to focus on whether woodworm has been treated properly and whether there is evidence of success.
- Reports identifying the species involved
- Dates and details of professional treatment
- Guarantees or warranties, where available
- Follow-up inspections confirming inactivity
Clear documentation helps shift the conversation from risk to resolution.
Active infestation versus historic damage
Active woodworm is treated as an ongoing maintenance issue. Historic damage that has been treated and stabilised is often viewed more leniently.
Insurers usually want confirmation that the cause has been addressed, not just the visible effects patched over.
How woodworm affects claims
Most home insurance policies exclude damage caused by insects or gradual deterioration. That means claims for woodworm damage itself are usually not covered.
Where an insured event exposes or worsens existing woodworm damage, insurers may separate what they see as new damage from what was already there. That distinction matters.
Structural concerns raise different questions
If woodworm affects joists, roof timbers, or other structural elements, insurers may ask for engineer or surveyor input.
Properties with unresolved structural timber issues are harder to insure than those where repairs have been completed and signed off.
Buying a house with woodworm history
Woodworm often appears in surveys, sometimes with alarming language. Insurers tend to look past tone and focus on facts.
Arranging insurance early in the buying process allows time to gather reports or confirm treatment before exchange.
Maintenance expectations don’t disappear
Even after treatment, insurers expect reasonable care. Damp conditions, poor ventilation, and untreated leaks can encourage recurrence.
Ongoing monitoring shows the issue hasn’t simply been forgotten.
Why precision works better than reassurance
Homeowners sometimes minimise woodworm because it feels common in older properties. Insurers prefer clarity.
Home insurance for houses with woodworm is usually available. Outcomes depend on activity, treatment history, structural impact, and how accurately those details are presented from the outset.