Homeowner’s insurance covers a variety of things, including mold damage. Mold damage in Miami can be catastrophic and can occur almost anywhere. During the aftermath of a natural disaster, it is not uncommon to find broken windows, foundation cracks, or damaged structures that have allowed the elements in. Even a burst pipe damage can cause mold contamination if it is not handled properly, and cleaning it up is not easy. However, your insurance policy will only cover the damage if the mold damage is the result of a covered peril.
To make sure you are covered, it is always advisable to speak with a public adjuster in Miami. You should also take the time to read your house insurance policy carefully in order to avoid surprises.
Is mold removal covered by homeowners’ insurance?
Mold removal is covered by home insurance depending on the damage, policy and insurance company.
It is difficult to determine the frequency of coverage. Depending on the carrier and individual policy, coverage may vary. The majority of companies that do offer mold coverage have limits. This depends on the individual policy and what the customer is willing to pay in terms of premium.
A home insurance company will cover an insurance claim during the winter. A home insurance company may cover water damage caused by an ice dam since it falls under the “covered perils and timing” section of your policy.
Mold damage may not be covered if a leak goes unattended for a long time and mold begins to grow. For example, if an ice dam forms in the winter, water leaks into the attic for a brief period, and mold damage becomes apparent, then the damage may be covered. Mold damage coverage is strictly determined by the insurance adjuster conducting the investigation. In general, homeowners insurance protects you if damage occurs to your home or its contents.
Most homeowner’s insurance companies only cover the items listed in the policy. Fire damage and vandalism coverage are standard on most policies, but you can also add additional coverage to your policy. Mold damage insurance coverage may be available.
Home insurance usually does not cover damage resulting from floods, water backups, or water seeping through the ground as a mold claim.
What to do if you spot mold damage in your home?
- When you find mold, the first thing you need to do is not touch it. Next, make sure you take photos of it.
- For your health and safety, since some molds are toxic, stay away from the affected areas.
- Be sure to turn off the fans and HVAC system.
- Don’t allow anyone to enter the area with mold. To help contain the mold in a room or an area with a door, close the door or cabinet.
- Contact your public adjuster for further steps.
The worst thing you should not do when you see a mold damage
- Mold shouldn’t be touched or disturbed.
- Do not spray bleach or other disinfectants on mold.
- You shouldn’t paint over it.
- If there is mold growing on a surface, do not blow air across it since it can spread the mold to other areas.
- Drying the area yourself is not recommended.
Talk to a public adjuster in Miami to help with your insurance claim for mold damage
The next step would be to contact a public adjuster in Miami as soon as possible after discovering mold damage. A public adjuster in Miami will help assess whether a mold claim is covered by the policy and the extent of the mold damage to the property. In cases where it is warranted, the public adjuster will file the initial claim and help every step of the way to alleviate the burden during a stressful time.
Whenever mold damage occurs, it should be handled with the highest priority. Putting off collecting a claim will only make things worse and could possibly jeopardize its validity, resulting in rejection or a significantly lower payout.
In this situation, the homeowner will likely wonder if mold damage is even covered by a policy. It can be difficult to understand policy coverage on your own. Keeping informed on what is in a given policy, even reading the fine print, is important and will allow a policyholder to update their policy as needed. A public adjuster can be of great assistance in these situations. The public adjuster will be able to help determine whether mold damage is covered by a policy and if a claim ought to be made.
Contact Alconero Public Adjusters who services the areas of Miami, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Palm Beach, FL, for a FREE inspection.
