Most homeowners assume that pests and other problems will make themselves known, leaving clues like gnaw marks in your attic or obvious water damage in your basement. However, one of the most common household issues is also the most covert: mold.
Mold can cause significant structural damage. Even worse, it can impact your family’s health. But even though it’s common, not many homeowners know if mold is something their insurance covers.
It’s a valid question! Mold remediation can be costly and unexpected, so knowing how much insurance can help is vital in giving you peace of mind. Here’s what you should know about whether insurance covers mold remediation.
Understanding Why Mold Is Such a Risk
You can’t justify the cost of mold remediation if you don’t fully understand the issue. Mold is a type of fungus that loves moist environments. Unfortunately, it’s also very resilient and can grow just about everywhere.
Mold is commonly found in areas where moisture is normal, like the bathroom. But it’s also associated with water damage and can signal that you have a leak or structural damage.
Mold damage can worsen or cause structural issues. Dealing with these problems is often much more expensive than mold remediation. Mold can also cause respiratory issues and make allergies unbearable. This is because mold spores are released into the air and inhaled by you or your family.
The Importance of Mold Remediation
Mold remediation involves identifying mold growth and taking actions to eliminate it. It also involves preventing further colonies from popping up later. But why bother with professional remediation instead of taking care of it yourself?
Health Concerns
Mold growing in your home is bad enough. However, it can get a lot worse if you try to address the problem yourself. Direct exposure could lead to everything from intense respiratory issues to skin rashes.
Structural Concerns
If your home has water damage, it could be dangerous to eliminate the mold yourself. Weakened structures could collapse and cost a fortune to repair. It’s often much easier to have a professional manage this so you aren’t stuck with more problems than you started with.
Proper Elimination
How can you be confident that you know where all the mold is? Only professionals have the specialty tools necessary to find and eliminate every last bit of mold in your home. Without professional help, you’re just playing whack-a-mole with every colony that appears, hoping this one will be the last.
Now that you know why removing mold from your home is so important and why hiring a professional is vital, learn more about how this procedure relates to your insurance.
Insurance Coverage for Mold Remediation
Unfortunately, homeowners insurance doesn’t often cover the cost of mold remediation. The only exception is usually “perils,” or unexpected or accidental events like a burst pipe or a fire. If the need for remediation is a direct result of this, you may find that your insurance will pay for it.
Flood insurance, on the other hand, will often cover mold remediation services. The damage must have been specifically caused by flooding. If you happen to have this type of insurance and your need for mold remediation was caused by flooding, you’re probably covered.
Some insurance companies offer additional coverage specifically for mold. These are add-ons for your policy and could be worth looking into. Homeowners living in high-humidity climates (like Georgia), or those who have experienced mold issues in the past, will likely see these add-ons as beneficial.
Filing Your Claim
Even if you’re confident your insurance company will cover mold remediation, it’s good to know what to do to increase the chances of your insurance paying for most or all of it:
- Take videos and photos of mold-affected areas
- Notify your insurer the moment you notice mold in your home
- Take action to prevent the mold from spreading
- Reach out for a professional assessment of the damage
- Get an estimate for the remediation to show your insurance provider
There is no guarantee that any insurance company will cover the exact amount you need. But with these steps, it will be much easier to make a case for yourself. Regardless, it’s important to have the mold problem handled as swiftly as possible.
Solving Your Mold Problem, With or Without Insurance
Regardless of how your insurance responds, it’s vital that you address mold problems as they arise. The best thing you can do if you’re concerned about mold growth is to schedule an assessment with professionals. They can provide you with personalized quotes and discuss the next steps to eliminate mold, all while working within your budget.
