Does Homeowners Insurance in California Cover Mold?

Many times, homeowners find it difficult to understand what their homeowners insurance, California covers and what it does not. So, a common question that people face is whether their insurance would cover mold damage. 

Mold can be a major problem, especially in hot and humid areas or after water damage, so it’s worth knowing whether your homeowners insurance covers removal and remediation of this issue.

What is Mold Damage?

Mold is found where there is too much moisture in a small space. This may be the result of a leaking roof, burst pipes, flooding, and other reasons. If not dealt with properly, it can lead to costly damage to your home and serious health risks, particularly in rooms like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens.

Is Mold Covered by Homeowners Insurance California?

Homeowners insurance in California does not cover mold damage in most instances unless it is due to a covered peril. A peril is an event that damages your home and property, like fire, wind, or vandalism.

Mold caused by a covered event, such as a burst pipe or a roof leak from a storm, may be covered if the mold is the direct result of the incident. But if the mold results from negligence or lack of care of the home, like a trickle of water that dripped slowly for months without anyone noticing, homeowners insurance is not likely to cover the cost of remediation.

Which Mold Damage Types Are Covered by California Homeowners Insurance?

Mold damage coverage depends on the cause. The following are some common scenarios:

• If a burst pipe results in water damage that causes a mold problem, your homeowner's insurance may cover mold remediation as part of the water damage claim.
• Second, your insurance may respond to the presence of mold resulting from a roof or windows damaged from a storm exposing your home to the elements.
• Third, mold due to flooding is generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. For flooding coverage, you'll need a separate flood insurance policy and that's usually provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Want to learn more?
We recommend checking out this blog: Maximum Coverage of Flood Insurance For an Apartment Building

When Will Mold Damage NOT Be Covered?

There are a few instances where homeowners insurance will not cover mold damage. First, if the mold is caused by negligence (like a long-standing problem, such as a slow leak or lack of maintenance), it may not be covered by insurance. Next, if mold existed before an insurance policy was purchased, damage may not be covered either. Moreover, flooding damage is another frequent exclusion because standard homeowners insurance typically excludes mold from flooding.

Tips to Prevent Mold Damage in Your Home

While homeowners insurance may cover certain mold scenarios, the best means of defense for your home is prevention. This is important so that ventilation is sufficient in the kitchen and bathrooms, where moisture can make the air humid, and therefore, you can also prevent the growth of mold, among other microorganisms. Roof, plumbing, or foundation leaks must be repaired immediately as well. If not, mold can set in and create bigger problems down the road.

In places like basements or attics that are prone to dampness, routine inspections are also essential. Early mold detection can save health hazards and expensive damage. Dehumidifiers can drastically reduce humidity and prevent the growth of mold in humid climates. By reducing the chance of mold growth, regular usage of these devices protects your house from possible harm.

Tips for Scoring the Best Homeowners Insurance Quote

Searching for the best homeowners insurance policy in California can take time, and it's crucial to get coverage that meets your needs, including coverage for mold damage. To get the most accurate home owners insurance quote, consider reaching out to an experienced agent who will help you understand the details of your coverage options and help you make a decision.

At e360 Insurance Services, a top homeowner insurance company, we offer the best homeowners insurance options available. Whether you’re interested in Progressive homeowners insurance or seeking the best coverage for California homeowners, we are here to help you find the best homeowners insurance quote. Let us assist you in securing the right protection for your home.

Are you looking for a leading California-based insurance company?
Contact e360 Insurance Services today.

What Are Common Homeowners Insurance Myths?

Don’t be taken in by some common home insurance myths when considering your options for California homeowners insurance, because they may lead you to misunderstand what to expect from the coverage policy. An example of that would be the general assumption that mold insurance is always a good thing to have, but as we just saw, that is not necessarily the case. This also applies to the assurance that any type of water damage will be covered by the insurance.

Wrapping Up

Mold damage can be a significant concern for homeowners, so understanding whether it is covered by your homeowners insurance policy is important. Although coverage differs based on the cause of the mold, many policies cover mold if it’s caused by a covered peril. To understand how well your home and possessions are protected, you should discuss the particulars of your coverage with a trusted insurance agent.

Get in touch with e360 Insurance Services, a top homeowner insurance company, for USA homeowners insurance and find out more about how we can protect your home from mold damage and other dangers. 

Protect your home today with the best homeowners insurance before it is too late.