I too have just been informed by Massey that it is time to have my property retreated in order to continue my termite protection. The property was initially treated in 2014 when it was being built. That treatment is said to be good for 5 to 7 years. Massey claims that after 5 years if it is not retreated your renewal covers only the cost of the retreatment and will not cover the cost of any damage to your structure or furnishings. This statement is in direct conflict with their written brochures and guarantee which states that "so long as yuour protection is in force*, your property is protected for both retreatment and repair of new damages against subterranean termites." Furthermore, they define "in force" to be when your home is inspected inside and outside and your renewal is current. Effective April 2021 my agreement is set to renew automatically and the property has already been inspected. Despite this, if I let it renew without retreatment they claim I will not be covered for any damage. Rather than setting myself for an extended court battle in the event I should have an infestation in the future I am now scheduling quotes from other firms in the area. It has been an eye opening experience as to the differences in pricing, coverage and just their attitudes on whether it makes sense to pay extra for what they term full coverage including drywood termites, powder post beetles and old house borers. Some will flat out tell you you only need coverage for subterranean. Some recommend liquid treatments and others will tell you the baiting stations are the way to go. Either of these options mean more $$$$ upfront and an annual fee to continue coverage. Hopefully next week I should have everyone's quotes and be able to decide which approach makes sense to me. To me, even though I have owned numerous homes over the past 50 years with no problems with termites on any of them, it is piece of mind, insurance if you will, to have someone else responsible in the event there is ever an issue. Everyone needs to decide for themselves where they are comfortable and make your decision accordingly but I highly recommend shopping around and making sure exactly what you are purchasing or perhaps giving up in the event you decide to go the DIY route. I will keep you posted once my decision is made.
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