Does My Insurance Policy Cover Mold Damage?

When a home encounters mold issues, one of the first questions many homeowners ask is: Does my insurance policy cover mold damage? 

In Florida, where humidity and storms are prevalent, understanding the intricacies of your homeowners insurance policy regarding mold coverage is crucial. Here, we’ll delve into the details of mold damage and home insurance in Florida. 

As a distinguished insurance law firm representing homeowners with mold insurance claims in Florida, our mold damage lawyers at The Morgan Law Group are ready to help.

Homeowners Insurance Mold Damage Coverage

Mold can be both a health hazard and a significant expense to remediate, especially when it involves black mold. Typically, home insurance policies do not cover mold damage unless it results from a “covered peril.” 

A covered peril might include scenarios such as mold from water damage caused by a burst pipe. However, if mold results from neglected maintenance, like continuous leaking without repair, insurance policies are unlikely to cover it.

Legal requirements for insurance providers include offering some level of mold coverage, which is embedded within the broader scope of the policy, but this can vary significantly between policies and providers. The amount of coverage can range from a $1,000 limit to much higher, depending on the premium and specific endorsements added to the policy. It’s essential to review your policy closely and consider additional mold coverage if living in regions susceptible to humidity and water damage.

In some cases, ordinary homeowners’ insurance will absolutely cover mold. In other cases, mold is not covered under a typical homeowner’s insurance policy. Mold damage is quite often a result of preceding water damage. By default, a homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover mold damage. However, home insurance policies will cover mold damage if it was caused by what is called a “covered peril”. A covered peril is an incident that causes the loss or damage that your insurance policy provides coverage for.

Examples of commonly covered perils on a typical home insurance policy are:

• Fire
• Lightning • Vandalism • Theft
• Falling objects
• The weight of ice, snow, or sleet on your home
• Water damage from frozen pipes and breakage of pipes
• Water damage from sudden accidental leaks or overflows of water from plumbing, heating, air conditioners, sprinkler systems, or household appliances

However, most insurance policies do not cover flood damage and therefore mold that is a result of a flood is not covered under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Flood insurance coverage can be purchased separately from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you live near a flood-prone area, it is in your best interest to purchase a separate flood policy. A flood policy will usually cover mold and mildew that is a result of water damage that is covered under the flood insurance policy. The exception for mold and mildew under NFIP policies is damage that could have been prevented or avoided, such as failing to remediate in a timely manner, or caused from a pre-existing condition. If your home floods and you fail to clean up the water or prevent the mold from spreading, for example, then the insurance company may deny your claim.

If you’re in doubt about whether or not your home insurance policy covers mold, check your policy. Look through your home insurance policy coverages and exclusions. Check for any language pertaining to “water” and “mold”. Most home insurance policies do not cover mold damage unless it’s a result of a covered peril. Your policy, however, might have a special section dedicated specifically to mold, fungi, wet and dry rot.

Pursuing Mold Insurance Claims in Florida

Homeowners’ insurance coverage for mold is often contingent on the source of the moisture that caused the mold. For example:

• If an air conditioning unit malfunctions and leaks, leading to mold, this might be covered if the insurance policy includes coverage for HVAC systems.
• The mold that develops after a roof leak from a storm might also be covered under storm damage.

It’s important to act quickly if you notice mold. Documenting the damage and notifying your insurer promptly can increase the likelihood that your mold insurance claim is processed favorably.

Seeking Mold Damage Lawyers in Florida

While dealing with mold damage in Florida can be daunting, understanding your insurance policy’s stipulations about mold coverage is the first step in managing this challenge. In Florida, where mold is a common issue, securing the right legal advice and representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your mold insurance claims.

At The Morgan Law Group, our mold damage lawyers in Florida offer legal guidance through the complexities of filing a mold insurance claim. 

We can help you:

• Understand the specifics of your home insurance mold coverage.
• Evaluate whether your mold damage should be covered based on the origins of the mold.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to cover mold remediation costs.

Our experience in mold insurance claims is backed by a deep understanding of Florida’s insurance laws and homeowner rights. We are well-equipped to guide you through the process and advocate for your needs, ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation allowed under your policy. If you’re facing a mold issue at home, contact us to schedule your free case evaluation for assistance and advocacy in navigating your insurance claim in Florida.