by If you want to protect your home from mold, you are likely wondering if your homeowner’s insurance will help cover the related expenses. Mold that grows in your home can damage your surfaces and create health problems if you don’t address it. While some at-home solutions work to remove mold, getting rid of it on your own is not always easy.
Mold can hide in places that are out of reach or out of sight. Some patches of mold are so small you won’t see them, and missing any spots gives the mold a chance to come back in the future. That’s why most people hire a company to remove mold. Whether or not your insurance company will cover the bill depends on what caused the mold and the type of coverage you have.
Floods
Does home insurance cover mold caused by floods? If you are like most people, you believe your homeowner’s insurance covers floods and the damage they cause. In addition to destroying your electronic devices and other valuables, floods give mold the perfect environment in which to grow.
You might think you have dried all the areas in your home after a flood. The problem is that moisture can seep under your carpet and behind your drywall, and getting rid of all moisture is a challenge. Many people are surprised to discover standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. If you have a separate flood policy, it likely covers mold caused by floods.
Vandalism
Does home insurance cover mold caused by vandalism? You will be happy to discover that most homeowner’s insurance plans cover vandalism and the problems associated with it. If vandals broke into your home and burst one of your pipes, your insurance company will likely cover water damage and mold removal services. Your insurance company will probably want proof that vandalism is the cause of your mold problems. So make sure you file a police report to create a paper trail.
Burst Pipes
Does home insurance cover mold caused by burst pipes? Burst pipes flood parts of your home and give mold the opportunity to grow. In most cases, your insurance company will help pay for any mold removal services you need. It’s important to file a claim right away to improve your odds of getting the compensation you need to cover the required expenses.
When Insurance Companies Pay and When They Don’t
Insurance companies only cover mold removal if a covered peril caused mold to grow. In other words, they don’t directly cover mold removal. If a disaster for which you have coverage causes the mold, you can then expect the coverage you need to handle the problem. Insurance companies almost never cover mold related to maintenance issues. For example, they won’t help if they believe you overlooked a leaky pipe or other signs that your plumbing system needs repairs.
Review Your Policy
While the guidelines listed on this page reveal how insurance companies often respond to claims related to mold growth, every insurance company is different. And you will have different coverage and benefit options depending on the type of policy you have. The best way to determine if you have coverage is to review your policy. If the mold was caused by a problem your plan covers, you should not have much trouble getting compensation.
Find Insurance Plans That Make Sense for You
Review your insurance plan to see if it offers the coverage you want. You can’t afford to learn your plan won’t help after a disaster happens. If you are not happy with the terms of your current insurance policy, you should call your insurance agent and voice your concerns. Your insurance agent can help you find a plan that gives you peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Learning whether or not your homeowner’s insurance covers mold is a little more complicated than you might think. Many factors determine whether or not your insurance company covers mold removal services. Reviewing your policy and uncovering the source of the mold gives you a clear picture of what to expect.