Most of us are grossed out by the fact that mold can grow inside of our homes, and would like to forget it exists altogether, however in the case of mold ignorance is not bliss. Any issue involving mold as the problem needs to be faced head-on. We’ve already given you tips in our previous blogs on Controlling Moisture – Reducing Mold Risk but, if you already have a mold problem in your home, you should know what that means and if your homeowner’s insurance plan can help you recover the cost of mold remediation. …
Black Mold and Insurance Claims
If you’ve ever encountered a major problem in your home, one of the first questions you’ve probably asked yourself is “does my homeowners insurance cover this?” With Black Mold, the question is even more important for you to understand a head of time. Not only does black mold cause damage and unsightly messes in the home, but it also poses health problems. Costs can get out of control when it comes to abatement, and with inadequate or no coverage, you could be on the hook. Here is what you need to know regarding black mold and insurance claims.
- As black mold becomes an increasingly common problem, it’s important that any time you take on new homeowners insurance, or switch companies that you specifically ask about coverage for mold related issues.
- Although black mold may be covered due to the event that caused it, many insurance companies set limits or exclusions in their policies. It is important to ask your agent about any limits or exclusions set forth in the policy.
- If you do not have flood insurance, mold caused due to a flood may not be covered. Again, important to read and understand your policy. You may want to have flood insurance depending on your area.
- Mold issues due to neglected maintenance on your home may not be covered! Mold caused by leaks, seepage or poor drainage will most likely not be covered which means you need to do your due diligence and make sure those problems aren’t happening on your property.
The bottom line is that you need to know what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t. You’re your insurance company today! Ask them what mold related coverage you have, what the limits are, and what any exclusions would be. You may need to add coverage such as flood insurance in order to be completely covered. Also, review our top ten list for what you can be doing to prevent mold in your home and protect yourself now!
Home Owners Insurance & Mold
Home Owners throughout the years have found out the hard way that problems they thought would be covered under insurance may not actually be covered. There are many rules and steps that need to be followed from the beginning in order to be able to use your homeowner’s insurance for coverage. We advise all customers to review their individual home owner’s policy or call their insurance company to understand exactly what is covered when it comes to mold.
Some insurance companies allow claims for water damage, as you know from reading our blogs, moisture from water damage in the home is a prime accelerant for mold growth. Once water damage is found in the home immediate steps should be taken to find out the source. New water damage should be taken care of immediately, and drying the are out within 24 hours is important in preventing mold growth.
If an area of water damage is found that seems to have been a recurring or long-term issue, this is when a mold assessment should be performed. Although you may not see mold, the extent of long-lived water damage may reach further into walls, floors, etc. where you may not be able to see yourself.
Always do research on the mold assessment company that you choose and make sure that you ask to see their mold assessor license number so that you can confirm they are in fact licensed. If you do have an insurance claim involved, using a licensed professional for assessment is generally required.
That being said, HNST Mold Inspections is a licensed NYSDOL Mold Assessor as well as Inspector. We perform our services in New York and New Jersey. Contact us today for your mold assessment or inspection.
