Determine if home insurance typically covers mold damage.
Have you noticed patches of mold in your home? If so, you’re not alone. Many homes suffer from mold, and it takes time and elbow grease to get on top of it and to stop it from spreading further. If the mold is damaging your property, you may be tempted to turn to your home insurance policy for help. But, does your policy cover mold?
Typically, home insurance policies don’t cover mold issues that result from a preventable water leak, flooding, or high humidity. Keep in mind that home insurance companies generally do not pay for maintenance issues that insurers think a homeowner should have prevented. Insurers expect homeowners to proactively take care of these issues in order to prevent damage and a claim.
The good news is that home insurance will cover eliminating mold if a covered peril was the cause of the mold. In that case, your homeowners insurance policy will likely pay for repairs and clean-up. Home insurance covered perils include:
- Fire
- Lightning
- Vandalism or malicious mischief
- Theft
- Falling objects
- Weight of ice, snow or sleet
- Frozen pipes
- Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from plumbing, heating, air conditioners, sprinkler systems, or household appliances
As always, read through your insurance policy and talk to your agent if you are unsure about your coverage.
Mold needs moisture to grow. Keep in mind these tips to prevent mold from getting out of hand in your home:
- Maintain lower levels of humidity by ensuring good air flow and using de-humidifiers if necessary.
- Inspect your home regularly for indications and sources of indoor moisture such as leaking pipes, showers, and toilets.
- Clean and maintain your gutters and make sure downspouts are directed away from the home’s foundation.
Your homeowners insurance is designed to safeguard your property and wallet when they need the most protection. Contact the team Lou Aggetta Insurance Services in Pleasant Hill to get started on your tailored policy.