Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?
Does Home Insurance Cover Mold?
Mold is usually only covered by homeowners insurance if caused by one of the circumstances or events covered in your homeowners’ insurance policy. These could be things such as accidental water damage. Mold caused by a burst pipe, for example, or an appliance suddenly malfunctioning, will undoubtedly be covered by insurance.
Your Homeowners’ Insurance Policy May Also Cover Mold Damage Caused by:
- A faulty water heater.
- Water damage is caused by putting out a fire.
- A frozen or burst pipe.
Though your policy may cover mold damage caused by a broken appliance, it is unlikely to cover the cost of replacing the appliance. This is because most insurers only cover the resulting mold and water damage. They do not cover the cause of the damage.
Some insurance companies limit how much they will pay for mold removal. Even if your policy accepts your claim, you may still be required to cover some costs.
It’s critical to thoroughly read your policy to understand the scope of your coverage and what you’ll need to do if you need to file a claim.
When Does Mold Not Fall Under Homeowners Insurance?
Mold caused by lack of routine maintenance or neglect is typically not covered by home insurance policies. This includes mold damage caused by:
- Inadequately sealed doors or windows.
- An unresolved leaky faucet.
- Poor ventilation in a moist environment, such as a bathroom.
Other common causes of mold damage that are typically not covered by a standard home insurance policy are listed below.
Failure of the sump pump and water backup damage Sump pump and water backup failure can be costly and are typically not covered by standard home insurance policies. You should seek out addons for these.
Natural Flood damage. Flooding isn’t usually listed on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. As a result, to be covered for flood damage, you must purchase additional natural flood insurance.
Even if you have flood insurance, it’s possible that it won’t cover mold damage. Mold damage may be covered only if you cannot access your home after flooding for specific reasons.
It’s worth noting that mold damage coverage varies depending on the flood insurance policy. If you have any questions about your policy, contact your insurer.
