Does Homeowners Insurance Provide Protection Against Mold?
Mold is not a source of concern when it grows outdoors. However, it is a serious issue that must be quickly tackled when it grows indoors. The reason is that it can cause severe health problems for you and your family. Also, it can damage your belongings and your home itself.
Unfortunately, despite how detrimental it is, mold is not always covered in a standard homeowners insurance policy. As such, we recommend getting in touch with the experts for more information.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage?
Most of the homeowners insurance policies that cover mold do so based on the source of its growth.
Examples of these are:
Broken water heater
Water damage after extinguishing a fire
Burst or broken pipe(s)
Broken appliance, like dishwasher or washing machine, causing a leak
Take note that mold formation is the result of any of the above and not the initial damage. In such scenarios, a homeowners insurance policy will repair your floors or walls and remediate the mold. However, most insurers won’t replace the broken appliance.
Additionally, the policy may limit the amount to be paid for mold remediation, which may be less than what you need.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Fail to Cover Mold Damage?
If mold formation is due to a lack of regular maintenance or upkeep, most insurers will decline to cover it. If your home has any of the following, expect your insurance provider to decline to provide insurance coverage.
Broken or dirty roof gutters that cause water to flow to other parts of the house
Faulty sealing along the shower or toilet base that causes water to seep through the floor
Poor ventilation in bathroom or kitchen that causes an increase in humidity
If you find yourself in any of the scenarios above, you will have to pay the entire repair cost out-of-pocket.
How to Prevent Mold Growth
The most efficient way to prevent mould growth is to manage moisture properly. To do this, identify the areas of your home that are prone to trapping moisture from all sources and monitor them. This is because they have the highest tendency for mold growth.
How to Control Moisture
To effectively tackle excessive moisture content in your home, adhere to the following tips:
Clean up water spills and leaks immediately after they occur or as soon as you notice them
Regularly clean air conditioning drip pans and clear the drain lines to ensure proper water flow
Regularly clean and repair roof gutters
Ensure that the ground slopes away from your home to prevent water from pooling around your foundation
Mold growth is an unpleasant occurrence. Fortunately, it is largely preventable. Make it a habit to conduct regular examinations to identify when maintenance is needed. This way, you can avoid having mold grow in your home, along with its consequence.
At Abbate Insurance, our team of expert professionals can help you get the right home insurance coverage for your unique needs. Contact us today to get started!
