Home Insurance: Water Damage & Mold Coverage
Homeownership is a significant investment, one that requires diligent care and protection. Homeowners often worry about water damage and mold growth. Fixing these issues can be expensive.
Dealing with insurance claims can also be complicated. This blog post from Restoration1 explains when insurance covers water damage and mold. It gives tips on preventing and dealing with these issues.
Understanding Your Coverage: When Does Insurance Step In?
Covered Scenarios:
Many home and renter insurance policies protect against water damage caused by burst pipes, overflowing toilets, or broken washing machine hoses. These accidents can cause significant damage to your property.
Reviewing your insurance policy is important to understand what it covers. Make sure you have the appropriate coverage for potential water damage incidents. If mold grows because of this water damage, your insurance usually covers that too.
Exclusions to Keep in Mind:
Regular home insurance typically does not cover slow leaks or seepage, which can cause mold. Being aware of this is important. Home insurance does not cover flood damage, so it also does not cover mold from floods. For flood-related coverage, a separate flood insurance policy is necessary.
Augmenting Your Policy: Mold Cleanup Coverage
Some insurance policies do not cover mold cleanup and testing after an item is damaged and removed. You can add this coverage to your policy. Insurance companies often allow homeowners to extend their policies to include cleanup efforts resulting from a covered loss. Consult your insurance agent to explore the additional coverage options available to you.
Immediate Steps Following Water Leak or Flooding
To mitigate further damage if a water leak or flooding occurs, consider the following actions:
- Stop the Leak: Immediately halt the water flow by shutting off the main valve or the valves located under your sinks and near appliances.
- Get rid of water and dry areas quickly to stop more damage and mold from growing. Remember, mold can start developing within just 24 hours after a leak.
- Secure Wet Items: Move any wet items to a dry area with ample ventilation. If moving items outdoors, ensure they are secure against theft.
- Address Wet Flooring: Remove wet carpets and rugs to prevent further damage and mold growth.
- Professional Assistance: If the situation is beyond personal remediation, don’t hesitate to engage a professional service. Your insurance agent can also recommend companies specializing in water damage restoration.
Filing a Claim: Water Damage and Mold
Water Damage Claims:
- Prompt Reporting: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. You should report hidden water damage within days of discovery.
- Document Damage: Before making any repairs, list all damaged properties and document the damage with photos or videos. Hold onto damaged items until an adjuster inspects them.
- Temporary Repairs: Protect your property by making temporary repairs, such as tarping your roof or boarding up broken windows. Keep receipts for any materials purchased for these repairs.
Mold Claims:
Make sure the professional you hire for mold removal is licensed. A thorough inspection should confirm mold removal and address the underlying cause. A certificate of mold removal from the professional will be necessary to support your claim.
Resources and Assistance
Understanding the nuances of your home insurance policy regarding water damage and mold can be challenging. Stay informed and prepared to handle incidents effectively, keeping your home safe and cherished. For further assistance and expert services, consider reaching out to Restoration1 of Evansville, your partner in home restoration and care.
