In the last few years, bed bugs have become a real problem in commercial hotels, motels, and residences. I personally know someone who was a guest at a friend’s house. Little did the hosts know that they actually had a bed bug infestation problem and neither did my friend. Unfortunately for him, some of the pests actually hid in his suitcase while he enjoyed his brief respite only to transfer to his mattress when he returned home.
Finally, when my friend experienced long-term incessant and annoying itching, he started noticing a chain 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 drove to an after-hours medical center to be examined. The prognosis was clear as day, though the hour had passed well past sunset: My friend’s itch and rash were professionally diagnosed as bed bug bites.
Lest you think your ordeal ended easily, let me make it clear: this was far from the case. Liability for bed bugs not only included general annoyance, embarrassment, and intense discomfort, but also involved significant expense for the exterminator, something you would learn through your insurance agency that was not covered by your standard homeowners insurance policy. households.
My friend’s ordeal was a genuine learning experience, albeit a painful one. While someone else might have considered filing a lawsuit against his hosts who had infected him with the little bugs that ultimately caused him damage and loss, it was simply not an option for him because it went against his code of ethics regarding friendships. What the affair taught him, however, was to pay close attention to all the finer points of coverage before settling 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
• Heist
• Vandalism
• Damage caused by aircraft, cars, trucks and other vehicles
• Windstorm damage
• Damage by hail
• Sudden and accidental water damage
• Heavy ice, snow and sleet damage
• Damage from riots and civil unrest
It does not cover:
• Flood damage
• Earthquake damage
• Frozen pipes (unless under certain situations)
• Losses incurred when your home was vacated (depending on the terms of the policy)
• Wear, termite and bed bug 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 he had included a bed bug rider in his policy before the unwanted bugs appeared, he would have benefited from the coverage.
You certainly live and learn. Now that losses are a thing of the past, my friend always knows to discuss all aspects of personal and property coverage with his independent agent, and to be very careful about where to set up temporary accommodation!