Mold damage is an issue that surfaces regularly. Whether it be mold in the home or mold on your property, this trouble will often present itself and can be a huge problem for homeowners if not handled properly. One question many of us may ask ourselves is whether mold damage is covered under our homeowner’s insurance policy? This article will discuss some of the basics of what you need to know about how home insurance policies cover mold, so keep reading!
Mold damage can be caused by many things, such as a leaking pipe or roof, flooding, rain seepage, and more. If you’re dealing with mold in your home, it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Mold can not only cause structural damage to your home but it can also be harmful to your health.
If you have mold damage, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Many homeowners policies will cover the costs of repairing and removing mold, but there are some things that may not be covered. For example, most policies do not cover mold damage that is caused by neglect. So, if you know that there is mold in your home but do nothing about it, your policy may not cover the damages.
The If’s and Don’ts with Mold Damage
While most cases of mold infestation will be covered under their basic homeowner’s insurance policy, there are certain situations where your insurance company will deny your claim. Some of those instances include:
- If mold was caused by a peril not covered by your insurance policy. For example, suppose a flood destroyed your home and mold grew, but you do not have flood insurance. Mold damage would not be covered by your insurance company.
- If the mold was caused by an exclusion, such as ‘wear and tear.’ Did your old pipes deteriorate and cause a leak, which resulted in the growth of mold?
- If the mold grew because you did not properly maintain your home. Even if your insurance policy covers mold damage, if you fail to maintain your home, such as regularly inspecting your pipes for leaks or quickly drying a wet area, your insurance provider will not cover the mold damage.
- Was the mold caused by your failure to prevent further damage to your home? If a leak starts in your kitchen and you simply let the water run without doing anything to mitigate the damage to your home, your insurance company will not cover it.
It’s also important to keep in mind that many policies have a maximum amount that they will pay out for mold damage. So, if your home experiences extensive mold damage and the repairs exceed the maximum amount that your policy covers, you may be responsible for the additional costs.
In Conclusion
If you’re dealing with mold damage in your home, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Not only will this help protect your home from further damage, but it will also keep you and your family safe from potential health risks. Our public adjusting firm has NORMI and IICRC certified inspectors that specialize in mold damage and detection. If you have any questions about mold damage or your homeowner’s insurance policy, be sure to contact our agency today.
We are here to help and provide free consultations!