Termites
We inherited Massey when we purchased our 2nd home for 5 years, but a couple of years ago got the "$600 pitch" about attic termites. Talked to Bates himself, who stated they could be a problen but so far nothing much has shown up in the "north" of FL.
We did switch to Bates but my imperssion is that all we really are buying (from anyone) is the "Bond" (aka insurance) against termite damage. It appears that all any of them do is sprinkle magic bug dust around the home every so often (and maybe do a vodoo dance on the front lawn at full moon). Prior to Massey we had an independent (I can only remember Joe as his name and I believe since retired) who actually drilled chemicals under the slab, and had a termite sniffing dog which would go through the house and yard once a year. While doing our yard, the dog did discover a termite nest in a neighbors yard where the Villages covered up an old tree stump.
So, is Bates better than Massey, I can't really tell except my understanding is that Bates uses a national insurance/bonding company and Massey "carries" their own "bond". We request Bates to do an inspection annually to make sure that the magic bug dust is working and to prevent a possible claim on the insurance company's part that we were not pro-active in loss prevention.
A bit of advice; if you are going to switch, be sure you start the process before the old "policy" lapses. If the new company finds termites they won't issue a bond and the old one will disclaim any coverage. Get your home "approved" by the new company so you don't get into a battle over who should pay if a subsequent problem arises. Remember, insurance companies are in business NOT to pay claims.
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