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Home Insurance Mold Policies
What about mold damage?
Homeowners and tenants alike can experience
a case of mold in their home through no fault
of their own. Not only can mold be hazardous
to your health, but it can also cause significant
damage to your property. Unfortunately, in many
cases, home insurance policies do not cover
damage related to mold and/or other fungi. However,
in certain cases, if mold develops as a result
of an incident such as a water leak, mold damage
might be covered. Before filing a claim, check
the fine print in your home insurance mold coverage.
How does mold occur?
Mold spores seek out moisture and cling
to areas where moisture is most abundant. The
onset of mold growth most often occurs at a
water damage site. It can spread throughout
your home very rapidly, and can cause serious
health problems to the members of your household.
It is difficult to rid your home of mold spores,
so prevention is the key to protection.
 When
to file a lawsuit
In particular cases whereby mold develops
due to a water leak, a pipe burst, or a damaging
event beyond your control, filing a lawsuit
may be warranted. It is your responsibility
to mitigate the damages as soon as possible.
To file a legitimate lawsuit you will be required
to answer the following questions upon your
first visit to a lawyer:
• Where was the mold?
You must note the location of the mold. If
inside your home, you might be able to file
a suit against the previous owners for failing
to disclose the problem at the time of purchase.
If you had your home built, you might be able
to file a suit against the contractors for
either failing to notify you of potential
damage, or for improper construction.
• What caused mold growth?
You will need to prove what initiated the
mold growth. If you recently purchased certain
items, such as faulty piping, you may be able
to sue the manufacturer for not keeping their
standards up to code.
• What damages were incurred?
You will be required to show the damages you
sustained, be it material damages and/or health
damages.
• What was the cost of repairs?
You must provide receipts and/or estimates
of the total cost to repair the damages. This
is crucial in determining a fair settlement.
If you are a tenant, you must file a home insurance
mold claim immediately upon discovering the
mold. If an agreement with your insurance company
cannot be met to your satisfaction, your next
step would be to consult with a lawyer who specializes
in that field.
Remember that not all home insurance mold policies
are the same. It is important to be well-informed
prior to initiating a claim.
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