Did you just find mold in your home? Unlike mildew, mold is hard to clean up. Mold is not a problem that you should ignore because it’s important to remove the mold quickly. The question then becomes is mold covered in your homeowners insurance policy?
What is Mold?
Mold is a spore that needs to be eliminated. It’s usually black, brown, and greenish white, and it needs to be identified as such. Mold only grows in wet areas, and if you have a moisture problem, a wet problem will create mold. The only treatment for mold is destroying the spores and killing them once they get inside your home.
What can be done to get rid of mold? The only way to get rid of mold is to clean it up. Some people end up getting rid of the mold themselves with a paint scraper, squeegee, or a vacuum. However, a mold removal company is usually the best way to take care of the mold in your home.
Is mold covered in my homeowners insurance policy?
The answer is not a simple yes or no. Usually mold is not part of a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, you may be able to be reimbursed for its removal if it was caused by covered peril. For example if your home insurance policy covers plumbing system failure and mold results from a frozen pipe problem then your policy may pay for its removal. In contrast if mold is caused by something that isn’t a covered by your homeowner insurance such as a flood then your insurance will not pick up the bill.
What can I do if my home insurance doesn’t cover the costs of mold removal?
There are times when a claim for mold damage may not have been covered. The best advice is to not get overly discouraged if you get this news. You can still resolve the problem, without spending a lot of money on a mold removal specialist. The problem could be something simple.
Further, for a small additional fee you may be able purchase a rider on your insurance policy which would provide coverage for mold. Your insurance policy can give you better information on what to do if you think your coverage may not cover the cost of removing the mold in your home.
At E&Y Agency we are committed to helping our clients get the desired coverage at the best available price. If you have a question about your insurance policy, please give us a call at 248-362-1313 or fill in the form below. We will be happy to answer all your questions.
