Will my homeowners insurance cover this type of mold damage?

Question

Apparently water has been getting through cracks in the grout of our tile. We've completely gutted that bathroom and have found mold and moisture that's gone totally throught the sheetrock, into the insulation and 2x4's. My question is... since the water didn't come from a direct leak/hole in any pipe or faucet will my insurance cover it? I have a feeling that they won't and I don't want to go through the hassel of filing a claim just to be denied. Thanks.

Answer 1

I am an attorney in Garden Grove, California.  I have defended dozens of lawsuits against insurance carriers based on water losses.  Although I mostly represent consumers now, I am sorry to say that MSAD's answer is very accurate, particularly her reference to damage occurring over a period of weeks/months/years. Of course, your specific homeowner's policy language will control the outcome, but most policies are nearly identical these days.  Adam Fullman

Answer 2

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Answer 3

No clue about insurance. But this might help in dealing with the problem and preventing health issues...

Check out the remarkable research on toxic mold removal done by environmental expert Dr Ed Close. Simply diffusing a therapeutic-grade essential oil regularly will likely result in an environment very hostile to mold.

http://www.secretofthieves.com/mold.cfm

Cost of the Thieves Household Cleaner, a diffuser and a couple bottles of the Thieves oil that Dr Close recommends to his remediation clients: about $250.

Answer 4

homeowner insurance covers all damages you must contact to your insurance servayer and consult and moveforward

Answer 5

If it came from a leak that happened over a period of weeks/months/years then most likely the claim is not covered. If there is any rot (wet or dry) that is not covered.

If the cause of the loss is not covered - then the mold will not be covered.

And since mold is such a hot topic right now - when the adjuster sees the mold - they will have to report that to the underwriting department. Most likely underwriting will invite you to get insurance with someone else. Now the mold claim will show up on your CLUE report - so when you go to get insurance with another company - that could prove to be difficult.

So, if it's not too expensive to handle that out of pocket - that's what I would do - just to avoid the headache that mold claims can cause.

You may want to discuss the matter with your agent - before you decide if you want to turn in a claim or not. Your agent should be able to give you an idea how your insurance company handles this type of claim.  

Answer 6

Depends on the insurance company.  Several years ago when insurance companies were slammed with claims, most of them added an addendum to their policies that mold was not covered or limited coverage.

The best thing to do is call your insurance company and ask them.

Answer 7

Hi. I just talked to my insurance agent today about just this. They specifically will not cover this type of loss due to maintenance issues. They will only cover if it is an accidental release of water. Like a broken washing machine supply hose. Sorry.