Clarifications on Mold Damage and Home Insurance

For homeowners, mold can be a serious problem as it can cause a great deal of damage. We have explained if mold damage is covered by your home insurance policy and other important mold facts.

Mold in your home is a result of water damage such as leaks or flooding and can grow in areas where moisture is present. Mold caused by water damage is expensive to fix, so it’s essential to know if your home insurance policy covers this.

Mold, Water Damage & Your Home Insurance Policy

As mentioned, mold is caused by water damage such as a burst pipe or sewer back-up. Typically, both a burst pipe and sewer back-up damage can be covered by your home insurance. However, your insurance provider could possibly reject certain claims if they see that mold growth has been present for an extended period; they consider this to be neglect of regular home maintenance.

The most important thing is to review your home insurance policy carefully so that you are informed of everything that is covered and not. You may be able to purchase additional insurance for your home such as a mold rider to supplement certain situations that are excluded.

Understanding How Dangerous Mold Is to Your Health

Mold can cause serious health issues, especially if you have been exposed to it for extended periods of time. In extreme cases, mold can even lead to death so it’s crucial to look for the signs that mold or mildew could be present in your home. If you have recently experienced water damage, mold could follow if you don’t clean up the water damage properly.

Where to Check for Mold Growth

Trust your nose - a moldy or damp smell is usually a good indicator that mold is present. Unfortunately, mold can grow anywhere, however, we have shared common areas to check:

Underneath the siding
Anywhere water is prone to pooling such as outdoor stairwells
Ceiling and walls that have experienced water damage
Kitchen, basement, and garage
Damp areas, especially bathrooms and laundry sinks

How to Stop Mold Growth

There are several steps to take to prevent mold from growing in your home:

Use professional services to assist with water damage clean-up or mold removal
Ensure your home is maintained at the right humidity level to improve airflow
Make sure you don’t allow areas to remain wet and clean up the moisture right away
Ensure your home has proper ventilation
Make sure groundwater properly flows away from your home

If you ever experience mold from water damage, contact your broker to see if your policy covers the damage. We are always here to assist and can provide information on the proper steps to take to resolve the issue.

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