Mold can grow in your home after flooding or in places with a lot of moisture (e.g., around leaks in windows, roofs, pipes). It can also enter your home from the outside through open doorways, vents and windows. When mold grows in your home, it can cause property damage and may result in mild to severe health conditions. Read on to learn when your homeowners insurance policy can protect you from mold-related property damage.  

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold? 
Although individual policies may vary, your homeowners insurance may pay for mold damage if a covered loss caused it (e.g., pipe burst, broken water heater). There may be limits on the amount of money your insurance company will pay for mold removal, which means you could still have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses associated with mold even if your claim is accepted.  

Mold that results from flooding or natural disasters is typically not covered under a homeowners insurance policy. Generally, a home insurance policy will also not cover mold-related damages if they occur due to negligence (e.g., if an unintentional avoidance of home maintenance allowed mold to grow and spread). 

Contact The Insurance Store USA for more information on our homeowners insurance coverage and to speak to an insurance agent today. 

How Do I File a Mold Claim? 
Here are some tips for filling a claim if you notice mold in your home: 

• Find the source of the moisture and try to fix it immediately.  
• Document the damage. 
• Clean up excess water. 
• Dehumidify the area. 
• Make necessary repairs to prevent further damage. 
• File your insurance claim as soon as possible. 
• For further guidance, contact The Insurance Store USA today. 

How Can I Prevent Mold? 
The best way to prevent mold-related property damage is to prevent mold from growing in the first place. Although accidents can happen, here are some tips to reduce the risk of mold in your home: 

• Keep humidity low with dehumidifiers and air conditioners. 
• Direct rainwater away from your home. 
• Inspect pipes, hoses, roof and faucets for leaks regularly. 
• Fix water leaks right away. 
• Keep your gutters free of debris. 
• Install exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to improve ventilation. 
• Consider replacing the hoses on large appliances (e.g., washing machine, dishwasher) every five years. 

Getting Homeowners Insurance 
Your home is likely one of your most significant assets. Contact The Insurance Store USA to find out how our homeowners insurance coverage could be right for you.  

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.