Doing what you can to mitigate the damage is a great idea! Unfortunately, home insurance does not usually cover black mold removal.
After a surge in mold damage claims 30 years ago, home insurance companies changed the wording in policies to limit mold coverage. Now, insurers will only potentially cover black mold removal if it was caused by one of the named perils
in your policy. It’s difficult to prove that sudden or accidental damage caused black mold, but it’s not unheard of. Here are some of the perils that can cause mold:
Fires: Extinguishing a fire with water leads to excess moisture in the area, which could lead to mold growth.
Freezing of household systems: Freezing temperatures often result in burst pipes. The resulting leaks could lead to mold damage.
Windstorms and hail: If high-speed wind or hail damages a window, your home could be exposed to additional moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold spores.
Before you make a claim, take plenty of photos of the black mold damage and avoid repairing the issue yourself. Mitigating the damage is fine as long as that means you aren’t disturbing the mold. Your insurance claim adjuster has to be able to determine the source of the black mold.
If you want to find a lower insurance rate or a new company, just use Jerry
. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and helps to cancel your old policy. Even better—Jerry will help you bundle your home and auto policies for maximum savings.