Your home is a valuable asset, and you likely want to protect it as best as possible. Homeowners insurance provides a safety net in case of damage from disasters or accidents like fire, hail, or burglary. For example, home insurance fire coverage can help replace belongings or repair the structure of a home if it’s damaged in a fire.
Read more: Does Home Insurance Cover Fire Damage?
Mold is a fungus that will grow almost anywhere there is moisture. It can cause structural damage to your home, and it can also be harmful to your health. If you are worried about mold in your home, you may wonder if homeowners insurance covers mold damage. We will discuss whether or not homeowners insurance covers mold and what you will do to protect yourself from this dangerous fungus.
Instances When Homeowners Insurance covers Mold
Homeowners insurance is designed to cover sudden and accidental damage, so mold that results from a covered peril will likely be included in your policy. These include:
1) Water Damage from Covered Causes
It could be covered if a pipe burst or your home is flooded after a storm, and the water damage leads to mold growth. However, many insurance policies exclude long-term water damage from sewer backups or flooding due to poor drainage outside the property.
2) Fire Damage
Fire damage may occur due to electrical malfunction or a fire caused by external sources. If there’s any water damage from the firefighting efforts, mold may occur and be covered under your homeowners’ policy.
3) Hail Damage
Hailstorms can cause roof damage, leading to leaks in your home and creating mold growth conditions. If the hail is considered a covered cause, any resulting mold growth would be included in your policy.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Mold Damage?
Sometimes, you may not get warranty coverage for black mold damage from your homeowners’ insurance. This usually happens if the following conditions are met:
1) Poorly Sealed Doors and Windows
When doors and windows are not correctly sealed, it can cause moisture to become trapped in the house. This allows mold to grow quickly and spread easily. The insurer might deny coverage if you failed to seal your doors and windows properly before filing a homeowners insurance claim for mold damage.
2) Not Reporting Damage Promptly
When it comes to mold, promptness is the key. If you wait too long and the damage becomes more severe, your insurer may reject your claim based on late reporting. For example, black mold damage may not be covered if you waited more than 24 hours after noticing the damage to file a claim.
3) Negligence or Lack of Maintenance
If your insurer can prove that you were negligent in taking proper care of your home, it could deny your claim for mold damage. This includes ensuring that minor water leaks are fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Negligence or lack of maintenance is often seen as a reason for the insurer not to pay out for mold-related claims.
When mold damage occurs, it can devastate homeowners and renters. Mold growth can lead to various health problems and significant property damage. For the best home insurance in Decatur, GA, contact Focus Insurance Group. Our agents specialize in helping homeowners find the right coverage.
