Will Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Fungus growth in your Sunny Isles, FL, home can be a big problem. Mold damage can quickly spread from a small corner of your home to the entire property.
Remediation and restoration professionals are available to assist with black mold cleanup. Unfortunately, your homeowners insurance may not pay for this service. There are some exceptions, however.

When Mold Is Covered

Homeowners insurance typically includes limited mold coverage. However, this coverage only applies if the mold resulted from a sudden water damage emergency, such as:

• Roof collapse from the weight of sleet, ice and snow
• Frozen pipes
• Accidental discharge of water from appliances or sprinklers
• Vandalism
  

Check your specific policy to see if it includes mold insurance. If it doesn’t, you can generally purchase a separate mold endorsement for an extra fee. Keep in mind that there may be a cap on your mold coverage.

When Mold Is Not Covered
The above incidents are all examples of accidental perils that affect a home. However, if the fungus growth was caused by your own negligence, you will have to pay for the mold cleanup yourself. You thus need to take proper care of your house. The insurer may deny your claim if the mold resulted from poor ventilation or old shingles.
There are specific steps you should take to stop the growth of mold in your home. Moist areas such as showers and laundry rooms must be properly ventilated. Any leaks in the windows, pipes, or roofs should be addressed right away. If the home does flood, remove the standing water immediately. Finally, try to limit the indoor humidity levels.
Mold is typically not covered by homeowners insurance unless the fungus growth resulted from a covered peril. Even if the mold is covered, the insurance payout may be limited. That is why you should be extra vigilant if you see water damage in your home.