Do insurance companies cover mold removal?
Short answer. Only sometimes. Homeowners insurance generally pays for mold removal when the mold results from a covered, sudden water loss, such as storm damage that opened the roof, and often only up to a mold sublimit. Mold from humidity, long term leaks or neglect is usually excluded.
When mold removal is usually covered
- Hail or wind opened the roof and rain soaked the attic or ceiling.
- A pipe burst suddenly inside a wall.
- Water from a covered loss was dried promptly, but some mold still developed.
When it usually is not
- A slow roof or plumbing leak that went on for weeks or months.
- Condensation, high humidity or poor attic ventilation.
- Flooding, unless you have separate flood insurance.
- Mold that grew because the homeowner did not dry things out after a known leak.
Sublimits
Many policies cap mold, fungi or bacteria coverage at a set amount, often in the thousands of dollars, such as $5,000 or $10,000, even when the underlying water loss is fully covered. Some offer more through an endorsement. Check the endorsements list on your declarations page.
Protect your coverage
- Stop the water source and tarp any roof opening right away. See your duty to mitigate.
- Dry wet materials within a day or two using fans and dehumidifiers.
- Photograph the water damage and any visible growth.
- Report the claim promptly, describing the original water event.
- Use a remediation company that documents moisture readings and containment.
For roof related water claims, read interior water damage from a roof leak.