Is Mold Damage Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

When fungus growth does threaten your home in Knoxville, TN, take a good look at your insurance or call SERVPRO for advice.

Once a small amount of water gets where it doesn’t belong, mold can start to develop. While the health hazards are still being discussed, one certain problem with fungus growth is that it damages (and can eventually destroy) the materials that houses are made from. Some homeowner’s policies may include mold insurance, but it depends on the wording and circumstances.

Your Insurance May Cover Mold Damage
Usually, the most important consideration is if the mold was the natural consequence of a “covered peril.” That typically includes such things as the following:

Fire damage
Storm and lightning damage
Accidental discharge from plumbing and appliances

So, if a lightning bolt strikes and damages your roof, allowing water to enter it, that would be covered. If lightning hits a tree, causing it to fall on the roof and encourage fungus growth, the same applies.

There Are Limits, Conditions and Exceptions
When experts tell you to read your insurance policy carefully, it’s because there can be massive differences in the fine print. For instance, even if the mold damage was caused by a covered peril, you won’t be covered if the damage was reasonably preventable – such as knowing about a leak but letting it go for longer than necessary.

Also, homeowner’s insurance will never cover damages from flooding; the National Flood Insurance Program provides that. Keeping a higher indoor humidity than normal also could trigger an exception.

Some policies may have a rider or endorsement that specifically does offer mold coverage. However, there are usually limits to the payout, capping damage awards. Finally, any insurance claim can potentially raise the cost of your premiums, so in some circumstances, you may be better off paying a professional mold cleanup company yourself to fix the problem.

When fungus growth does threaten your home in Knoxville, TN, take a good look at your insurance or call SERVPRO for advice. They can answer your questions and take pride in leaving your home “Like it Never Even Happened.”