No, you typically cannot file a claim for damage that occurred before you bought hte house. Once you buy a house, your coverage applies to events that occur after your policy becomes active. Particularly with issues of neglect, buyers may end up on the hook for the entire cost of repairs regardless of if it was a known issue before. For that reason, use the tools available to you: Get an experienced home inspector to look for signs of mold, termite damage, etc.