Does homeowners insurance cover mold damage remediation?

Florida is a much sought-after travel destination due to our warm sandy beaches and year-round sun. However, our wonderful warm climate also happens to be the ideal habitat for mold growth.
 
Mold is a fungus that, if given the right moist and humid conditions, grows on several surfaces, including drywall, insulation, wood, carpet, clothing, and the list goes on.

Water leaks from plumbing, air conditioning, appliances, roofs and hurricanes, are also a major cause of mold growth, which can occur in as quickly as 24-48 hours after a leak. Mold may be made up of tiny particles, but it is still a living organism that requires a food source (moisture) to grow.
 
Although there are several types of mold, you would most likely see mold spores if they are in a visibly accessible location. There are times when mold can be hidden or unknown and you may experience allergic symptoms as a result.  In many individuals, mold has been known to cause a variety of allergy symptoms.  The more toxic the mold, the more serious the symptoms, like respiratory issues.

HOME MOLD INSPECTION AND TESTING

Mold can not only pose serious health concerns, but it can also result in serious damage to your home. If you suspect there is mold in your home, what should you do?
 
First, you must determine the source that is causing the mold and do everything possible to fix the problem and resolve the underlying issue. It may be hard to see mold in certain areas of your property. Sometimes your air conditioning system can be the source so it is important to have routine inspections done and regular maintenance performed on your air conditioning system.
 
After determining the cause and resolving the issue, you should take the necessary steps to have a professional conduct an inspection and an air quality assessment.  Hiring a professional who is skilled in mold detection and testing is the safest way to begin making your home safe again. They will prepare a detailed report on the type of mold present and how it should be removed.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS MOLD REMOVAL?

Mold removal can be extremely toxic. Professional mold remediation is your best option because they know which safety protocols to follow in order to avoid spreading the fungi or cross-contaminating other areas of your home.
 
The question is, how much will it actually cost you to have the mold safely removed? The reality is that it can vary tremendously and is dependent on several factors, such as the type of mold, extent of the mold, its location within the property, and whether or not it is covered by your insurance policy.

DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER MOLD?

Mold insurance claims are a bit different and often outside the scope of the average insurance policy. In some instances, though, mold can be covered.
 
For example, if your water supply line sprung a leak and caused water damage inside your property and mold grew as a result of that leak, your insurance would most likely cover the water damage and mold damage. However, if something caused mold growth that is not caused by your insurance policy, the resulting mold would not be covered.  

FINDING AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO HELP WITH A MOLD CLAIM 

Too often, we hear from a potential client that their mold claim was denied.  If a property owner does not present their claim properly to the insurance company, you could miss out on the property claim payment for covered mold damage removal and remediation.
 
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we can help you determine if you have an insurance claim and how much you may be owed. We also offer a free policy review to help you determine if your current policy makes sense for your family’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.