Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Mold Damage?
Investing in the things that you want is important when you have a home, but so is investing in the things you need, like homeowner’s insurance. However, homeowner’s insurance does not have a one-size-fits-all approach, and different companies have numerous policies for you to choose from. You may even be wondering whether your homeowner’s insurance covers mold damage. Well, with the right understanding of insurance and your specific policy, you can find the answer.
What Is Mold Damage?
Fully understanding what qualifies as mold damage is important to fully understand whether your insurance covers such damage in your home. Mold is a fungus that loves to appear in moist environments and damp surfaces. It can spread and damage your home and you and your loved ones if you don’t notice or treat it right away, as the spores are not safe to breathe in. Sometimes your home may simply have damp and humid places where this fungus propagates, but you may have water damage that creates an environment for mold to thrive.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Mold?
Depending on your insurance policy, the answer is generally a maybe. In some instances, like neglect or wear and tear, your insurance will not cover the mold damage. On the other hand, when mold emerges because of an accident or covered incident like burst pipes, your insurance coverage may take care of you. Carefully read through your policy to be completely confident about what it covers.
Covered Incidents
Most insurance companies and policies don’t cover all kinds of mold damage, so what are the incidents where they will cover the damage? As mentioned already, you may be entitled to a claim if there is an accident or incident that leads to mold. The incidents where this is normally the case include:
- Burst pipes
- Leaky roofs
- Plumbing issues
Again, be sure to carefully review your specific policy so you can be sure that you’re getting the coverage you want. For example, be sure to double-check that you have the right coverage if you’re in an older home that’s more likely to experience these leaks or issues.
First Steps
Immediately take photos and document the damage if you notice mold. Even if you’re not sure that you have coverage, documentation like this and contacting your insurance provider will help you handle the issue quickly. In addition to contacting your insurance, contact mold companies to help you assess and treat the damage. Taking care of this sooner rather than later can help you get your property back in working order in no time at all.
Mold in your home is an incredibly annoying thing to deal with, and once you know whether your homeowner’s insurance covers mold damage, you can start the removal process. Mold, water damage, and home insurance in general can be a lot to deal with, which is why you need to get an AmeriClaims water damage public adjusters on your side. With our expertise and years of insurance experience, we can help get your insurance company to cooperate with you so you can go back to living your normal life!