Is mold testing covered by homeowners insurance?

Author: Prof. Eryn Waelchi PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Homeowners can be relieved to know that mold inspection and remediation generally falls under most homeowner insurance policies. If you're a homeowner who suspects that mold might be growing somewhere on your property, call the C.A.R.E. team to inspect and remediate the mold problem.

Does house insurance cover mold removal?

In most cases, no. You can safely assume that home insurance won't cover any damage caused by mould or for mould removal or cleaning. Mould and fungus is typically found as a general exclusion in home insurance policies, and will not be covered in any way. However, there are some exceptions.

What is an example of a mold claim?

Examples include;

Black mold experienced after a ruptured water heater. Mold located at the bottom of storage cupboards after the kitchen experienced flooding (due to a malfunctioning dishwasher). The development of mold after a house fire was extinguished with water.

Is mold testing worth it?

Mold is a serious problem, and spotting mold contamination before it grows out of control can save you thousands of dollars. This makes the cost of a mold inspection well worth a few hundred dollars when you are buying a new house. Mold testing, however, is not really worthwhile.

Is mold considered water damage?

Water damage does not always mean mold, but signs of water damage may indicate mold growth since mold grows where there is a lot of moisture. Clean and dry water-damaged surfaces within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Is Mold Remediation Covered by Homeowners Insurance | Tips on How To File the Claim

Will insurance cover mold removal?

Is mold remediation or removal covered by insurance? Remediation and removal of mold won't be covered by your homeowners insurance unless the mold resulted from a covered peril, and coverage is often limited.

What are the symptoms of mold exposure?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

How much does it cost to have mold tested?

With these variables, a mold inspection can be higher or lower than the national average. In his California market, the cost can range from $275 for a simple visit to $2,900 for a complex inspection.

How do I get my house tested for mold?

It's best to hire a professional mold inspector for accurate results. They have the experience and equipment such as digital moisture meters, hygrometers, infrared cameras, and borescopes, to detect and identify mold growth, and DIY kits may be unreliable.

Who pays for mold inspection?

Homeowners can be relieved to know that mold inspection and remediation generally falls under most homeowner insurance policies. If you're a homeowner who suspects that mold might be growing somewhere on your property, call the C.A.R.E. team to inspect and remediate the mold problem.

How much can you sue for mold exposure?

Judgments and settlements awarded to tenants suffering from mold can vary but can be several thousands of dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending upon whether the landlord was negligent, and the severities of the health problems caused by mold.

Will insurance cover hidden water damage?

But will insurance cover the cost of hidden water damage should it be uncovered on your property? In short—yes, your insurance coverage should encompass water damage that might not be visible to the naked eye.

How do you prove mold is making you sick?

If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing or other bothersome symptoms that persist, see your doctor.

Does home insurance cover cracks in walls?

Walls can crack due to humidity, natural settling, sagging ceilings and more. Unfortunately, cracked walls aren't typically covered under homeowners insurance.

Is mold remediation a medical expense?

Mold removal with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

How to safely remove mold?

Pour some alcohol or vinegar onto a cleaning cloth and wipe it over the mould stains until they disappear. In the case of stubborn mould, you can leave the product to work for a little while. Then wipe the surface with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

How to tell if mold is behind walls?

How to Detect Mold in Walls
  1. Water stains.
  2. Dark rings.
  3. Discoloration.
  4. Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

The wording in a homeowner's insurance policy is often vague, and coverage details for mold remediation may not always be clearly outlined. In general, however, coverage for mold damage is excluded, unless the mold is due to unforeseen water damage—a covered claim.

How much does it cost to get rid of mold?

Most mold removal professionals charge around $10 to $25 per square foot. So, if you're removing mold from a 100-square-foot area, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,500. But factors like where the growth is and the mold type can affect how much it costs to remove it.

Can I test for mold myself?

Mold testing kits are available at most home improvement stores or online retailers, although not all tests are the same. There are some kits that only test for the presence of mold on surfaces, while others collect or grow samples of the mold that may be in your home.

Do air purifiers help with mold?

Mold is an obvious health risk in any home, but investing in an air purifier can help limit your exposure. The best among them will ideally offer HEPA-level filtration, with this level of filtration being able to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

How to tell if your house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

What kills mold in the body?

Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.

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