Orlando Harmon
If you discover mould in your home, you must determine whether it is covered by your insurance policy. Mould removal can be expensive, and insurance policies typically cover mould damage only if it is caused by a covered peril, such as a burst pipe or leaking toilet. Mould resulting from homeowner neglect or lack of maintenance, such as a leaking faucet or poor ventilation, is generally not covered. If mould is covered by your insurance, you should report it to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing proof of damage, such as photos or videos, and making any necessary temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to report mould to insurance company | As soon as possible after discovering it |
| How to report mould to insurance company | Online, by phone, or via the company's app |
| What to do before reporting mould to insurance company | Document the damage, take photos or videos, and gather receipts |
| What to do after reporting mould to insurance company | Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage |
| What to do if the insurance company denies the claim | Appeal the claim |
| What mould removal costs | Average of $2,365, but projects have ranged from $373 to $7,000 |
| Who pays for mould remediation | Depends on the cause of the mould and the insurance policy |
| How to prevent mould | Eliminate standing water sources, ventilate the area, and use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to dry the area |
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What You'll Learn
Reporting mould to insurance: time limits and next steps
Time limits
Mould can start growing on damp surfaces within 24 hours, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Therefore, it is important to clean up quickly after a flood or leak. Many insurers require homeowners to report mould damage within six months of the event that caused it. However, in many cases, mould damage may not be discovered until months after the incident. If you are outside this claim window, you may not be able to file a claim.
Next steps
- Review your insurance policy to see the inclusions and exclusions, or speak to a company representative for more details.
- If you find mould in your house and believe it is from an accident, contact your insurer immediately. You will need to convince them that the mould is a recent issue and that you reported it as soon as you realised there was a problem.
- Document the damage by taking photos or videos of the affected areas and items.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as cleaning up excess water and removing wet items or carpeting. Keep receipts for any materials you buy.
- Submit your claim and wait for the insurance adjuster to review and document the damage.
- If your claim is denied, you can try appealing it.
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What causes mould and how to prevent it
Mould is a common problem in many homes, and it can cause damage to surfaces and furnishings, as well as potentially causing health issues. Mould spores are always present in the air, but they will only grow if there is moisture for them to feed on. Therefore, the key to preventing mould is to control moisture levels in your home.
Mould spores are present everywhere, both outdoors and indoors, and they play an important role in nature by breaking down dead organic matter. Mould spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through the air, both inside and outside. Mould begins to grow indoors when spores land on surfaces that are wet.
Mould can start growing on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours, so it is important to dry wet areas quickly to prevent mould growth. Sources of moisture that can cause mould include leaks, flooding, seepage, and condensation. Poor ventilation can also cause mould, as it prevents surfaces from drying out.
How to prevent mould
To prevent mould, it is important to minimise moisture and increase ventilation in your home. Here are some specific ways to do this:
- Fix any leaks, including plumbing, roofs, and gutters.
- Reduce condensation by using exhaust fans, opening windows, and wiping away excess water.
- Vent clothes dryers to the outside and clean lint filters regularly.
- Increase air circulation by moving furniture away from walls and using reverse cycle air conditioning or mechanical dehumidifiers.
- Keep the house warm in cool weather, as mould is more likely to grow when the air is less able to hold moisture.
- Dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mould growth.
- If you have experienced flooding or a water leak, clean up excess water and dehumidify the area.
- Make sure gutters are working properly and that the ground slopes away from your house to prevent water from entering.
- If you have a basement, consider painting concrete floors and using area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet.
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What to do if your insurance company denies your claim
If your insurance company denies your mould claim, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, review your insurance policy to understand the policy inclusions and exclusions. Speak to a company representative to clarify any doubts about your coverage.
If you believe that your claim should be covered, you can appeal the decision. Provide evidence to support your claim and convince the insurance company. If your appeal is denied, you can hire a private adjuster, a professional insurance claim handler, to handle your claim and negotiate with the insurance company. They have experience dealing with insurers and can improve your chances of getting a claim or appeal approved.
If you feel that your insurance company is treating you unfairly, you can hire a lawyer to help settle your claim. However, this should be saved for major claims as lawyers typically come with a big fee.
To avoid having your claim denied, it is important to report mould damage within six months of the incident that caused it. Additionally, take steps to prevent mould from growing and spreading. Ventilate the area, clean up excess water, and use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to dry the area. Make temporary repairs and keep receipts for any supplies purchased. Document the damage by taking photos or videos and gathering receipts for any damaged items.
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How to file a mould insurance claim
The first step in filing a mould insurance claim is to understand whether your insurance policy covers mould damage. Most standard home insurance policies do not cover mould damage due to flooding or a lack of home maintenance. However, your policy may cover mould damage if it occurs due to a sudden and unexpected event, such as a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet. Review your insurance policy carefully to understand the inclusions and exclusions, or speak to a company representative for clarification.
Once you have confirmed that mould damage is covered by your policy, the next step is to report the damage to your insurance company. This can typically be done online, by phone, or via the company's app. Act quickly, as mould can start growing on damp surfaces within 24 hours and many insurers require homeowners to report mould damage within six months of the incident.
After reporting the damage, document the affected areas by taking photos or videos. Also, gather any receipts for damaged items and keep records of any expenses incurred during the cleanup and repair process. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, but avoid making permanent repairs until the insurance company has assessed the situation.
During the claims process, stay responsive to the claims adjuster. They may request additional documentation or have questions about the claim. Provide all the necessary information promptly to ensure your claim is processed quickly and fairly.
If your insurance company denies your mould claim but you believe the damage should be covered, you can try appealing the claim or resolving the dispute through your state's department of insurance or insurance regulator. In some cases, you may need to consult a lawyer who specialises in representing policyholders.
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What types of mould are covered by insurance
Whether or not mould is covered by insurance depends on the type of insurance policy you have and the cause of the mould. Homeowners insurance policies typically cover mould damage if it is the result of a "covered peril", meaning it must be caused by something that your policy already covers, like water damage from a burst pipe. For example, if your toilet overflows and the water damage leads to mould in your bathroom, your insurance company will typically cover the mould. However, if the mould is caused by a lack of maintenance or neglect, such as a leaking pipe or faucet that you haven't fixed, poor ventilation, or a window that isn't properly sealed, your insurance company will likely not cover the mould damage.
Additionally, standard home insurance policies usually do not cover mould damage caused by flooding or water originating from outside your house. For this type of mould damage, you would need a separate flood insurance policy. It's important to note that mould can grow within 24 to 48 hours of water damage, so it's crucial to address water issues and report any damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurers require homeowners to report mould damage within six months of the event that caused it.
If you're unsure whether your mould damage is covered by your insurance policy, carefully review your policy or contact your insurance agent for clarification. It's also important to document the damage and make temporary repairs to prevent further issues while waiting for your insurance company to process your claim.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you should report mould to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Many insurers require homeowners to report mould damage within six months of the event that caused it.
You should provide as much information as possible, including photos or videos of the damage and any relevant receipts. You may also want to bring in a professional to determine the official cause of the mould.
It depends. Standard homeowners insurance policies cover some types of mould growth, but not all. Mould damage is typically only covered if it is sudden and accidental, and some insurers limit the amount they will pay for mould removal.
It is important to clean up any excess water and dry out the area using fans, opening windows or dehumidifiers. You should also ventilate the affected area and make any necessary temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
