How do you file an insurance claim for mold damage?
Short answer. Report the mold to your insurer as soon as you find it, describing the water event that caused it and when it happened, and send photos plus any roofer, plumber or drying company records. The insurer will inspect, may bring in a mold specialist, and then decides coverage and approves a remediation scope, usually paid within the policy's mold limit.
What the insurer will ask
- When did you first notice the mold, and when did the water event happen?
- What was the source: roof, plumbing, appliance, HVAC?
- Was there any earlier leak in the same spot?
- What did you do to stop the water and dry the area?
Answer accurately. If you do not know when a hidden leak started, say so rather than guessing.
What to send
- Dated photos and video of the mold and the water damage.
- The roofer's or plumber's report naming the cause, with repair invoices.
- Drying company moisture logs and invoices, if mitigation was done.
- Any testing results.
- Receipts for extra living costs if part of the home was unusable.
The inspection and scope
An adjuster inspects the area and may bring in an industrial hygienist or mold specialist. Ask that the remediation scope be approved in writing before work begins: containment, removal, cleaning, rebuild and clearance testing. See preparing for an adjuster inspection.
Payment
The water damage itself is usually paid under the main dwelling coverage, while mold removal and testing come out of the mold limit. Keep these separate in the estimate so the mold cap is not used for ordinary drywall and paint.
Meanwhile
Keep the area closed off, run dehumidification, and do not disturb large patches yourself. See interior water damage coverage.