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Does Your Homeowners Insurance Include Mold Coverage?

Mar 08, 2023

Homeowners insurance

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Include Mold Coverage Does Your Homeowners Insurance Include Mold Coverage

Mold infestation is a common occurrence in homes. Statistics suggest that nearly 70% of homes contain mold. Besides causing damage to your home, it can be a health hazard for you and your loved ones. While you must take steps to ensure that your home is free of mold, you must also learn if your homeowners insurance covers mold growth, when your insurance covers it, and when it does not.

Is Mold Coverage Offered by All Homeowners Insurance Providers?

If the mold growth in your home is caused by a covered peril and is accidental in nature, your insurer may compensate you for the money that you spend on its removal. The causes may be sudden flooding by:

  • Sudden bursting of a pipe
  • Extinguishing a house fire
  • Malfunction of the plumbing, heating, or cooling systems or an appliance

Mold growth due to flooding caused by natural elements can also be covered, but for that, you need to have an added flood insurance policy as it is not included in standard homeowners insurance.

If your insurer, on assessment of the condition, determines that mold infestation is due to your negligence, it may not be covered by homeowners insurance, even if it is caused by a covered peril. Your insurer may deny you coverage for the following:

  • Neglected leaks and seepages
  • Poor ventilation inside your home

Factors to Look for While Buying the Right Mold Coverage

The amount that you may receive for mold coverage by a covered peril is limited. While it may vary from one insurer to another, the amount is usually between $1,000 to $10,000. For increased coverage, you may buy a policy rider for an additional cost. The two options that you may consider are:

  • Water backup coverage

    It may cover mold growth due to flooding caused by a water backup incident.

  • Hidden water damage coverage

    It may cover mold growth in moist areas not visible such as spaces behind cabinets or under the floor.

Steps to File a Mold Insurance Claim

As soon as you discover mold growth, you must file a claim so that with the money you receive from your insurer, you can take measures to limit the extent of its damage. To file a claim, you must:

  • Inform your insurance provider about the incident
  • Take pictures of the mold growth and also of the damaged items
  • Include the previous repair bills of the malfunctioning appliance as proof that it is not due to negligence
  • Take steps to limit the spread of mold, such as buying a dehumidifier or opening up the doors and windows for better ventilation
  • Do not clean the affected area till after the adjuster’s visit to assess the situation.

Based on the adjuster’s assessment, you may or may not be reimbursed. While for smaller areas, you can do the clean-up for mold removal on your own, for larger areas, you may need professional help, which can be expensive.

Secure Your Home from Mold Infestation with Expert Insurance

You must ensure that your homeowners insurance has adequate coverage to cover the perils that may cause mold infestation in your home. For more information, contact our team today. At Expert Insurance, we have the expertise to find you the coverage best suited to your unique needs.

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