At Save the Day Restoration we’ve been doing mold remediation for over 15 years. That means we know all about how homeowners insurance works for mold too.
Your homeowners insurance policy may not be entirely clear when it comes to this issue. Sometimes mold is covered and sometimes it’s not. So, let’s take a look at when you can claim for mold remediation and how much you can claim for.
We’ll also talk about how you can prevent a moldy home in the first place!
I Just found mold in my home! What Should I Do?
Finding mold isn’t ideal, but it’s a good sign if you’re reading this article because it’s a problem you won’t want to ignore. In fact, the best thing you can do is prepare for your insurance claim. And in preparation:
- Turn off your AC or heater so there are fewer airborne spores
- Take clear photos of the mold and mold damage to your property
Most importantly, don’t touch the mold! We know. Your gut instinct is to kill it with bleach and scrub it away, and then paint over it. But you shouldn’t do any of these things for two key reasons:
- You could seriously damage your health and that of your family. Mold can be deadly and most people underestimate the respiratory problems it can cause.
- Or breach your homeowners insurance policy by doing this and be left with the big mold remediation bills. This means your insurance company may be able to avoid paying you what you would have been entitled to.
When does insurance cover mold remediation?
Did you happen to experience or notice any of the following issues recently:
· A crack in your water heater
· A washing machine or dishwasher leak
· During a fire, your home got hosed down
In these situations, any mold that is caused by water damage would typically be covered. It is, however, important to check your homeowners insurance policy.
Consider “covered peril”
Sounds alarming, doesn’t it? Well, it’s actually pretty dull. “Covered Peril” is what your home insurance company will reimburse you for so it’s something you want.
Check your insurance policy carefully because you may be covered, or at least be able to claim some of the cost.
How much am I likely to get for mold remediation?
Insurance companies don’t really like to pay out, and that includes paying out for mold. So, depending on your insurance company, the amount is likely to go from $1,000 up to $10,000.
Why would I be refused coverage?
Was the water leak gradual? You’ll likely be refused coverage for mold remediation if you let it slide or you didn’t get around to sorting it out quickly,
Be aware too that homeowners insurance companies consider “water damage” and “flooding” to be entirely different. If mold is the result of a flood, it’s unlikely it will be covered.
In the following cases where you got mold, you’re unlikely to get a payout:
· You ignored a leak until it got bad
· You didn’t use a dehumidifier despite living in a humid area
· The water came from a flood or a storm
Insurance companies are unlikely to pay out for gradual water damage or damage incurred from weather conditions.
How should I prevent mold?
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” may be a common saying. But it’s especially true when it relates to something your insurance company won’t want to shell out for.
Below are some easy ways to prevent mold forming so you won’t have to worry about coverage:
- Clean your bathroom and kitchen with bleach
- Get exhaust fans for your bathroom and kitchen
- Check the area around your refrigerator and dishwasher regularly for leaks
- In damp rooms, install tiles or wooden floors instead of carpet
- Maintain your gutters to keep rainwater flowing away from your home effectively
Then, if you do get mold, it won’t be because of something you overlooked. And that means your homeowners insurance policy is more likely to cover it.
Need mold remediation in your home?
Contact Save the Day Restoration because we’re experts in getting rid of mold. What’s more, we’ve been helping customers in Los Angeles with mold remediation for over 15 years and our customers say our service is the best! Get a free quote today by calling us at (562) 246-9908 or sending us a message.
