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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold? | Godbey Giardina Law Group

Written by Michael Giardina | Jun 17, 2025 6:25:46 PM

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?

What Every Homeowner Needs to Know in 2025

Mold can be a serious problem — damaging property, threatening health, and often causing confusion when it comes to insurance coverage. One of the most common questions homeowners ask after discovering mold is:

Does my homeowners insurance cover this?

The answer: It depends on the cause of the mold and the language in your policy.

When Mold May Be Covered by Homeowners Insurance

In general, standard homeowners insurance covers mold only if it’s caused by a sudden and accidental covered peril. That means if the mold results from something your policy already covers — such as a burst pipe, accidental water discharge, or water used to extinguish a fire — then the mold damage may also be covered.

This is typically part of your policy’s dwelling coverage, and may include mold remediation and repairs related to the covered incident.

When Mold Is Not Covered

Homeowners insurance does not cover mold when it results from:

  • Long-term water leaks or repeated seepage

  • High humidity or poor ventilation

  • Lack of proper home maintenance

  • Flooding, unless you have a separate flood insurance policy

These are considered preventable conditions, and insurers usually treat them as the homeowner’s responsibility — not an insurable event.

Mold Exclusions and Policy Limitations

Some homeowners insurance policies include explicit mold exclusions, meaning mold is not covered under any circumstances — even when tied to a covered peril. Others may include limited mold coverage, often capped at a set amount (such as $5,000 to $10,000), and only if specific criteria are met.

To know where you stand, you need to review:

  • Your policy’s "Exclusions" section

  • Any clauses related to “Fungi, Bacteria, or Rot”

  • Optional endorsements or riders related to mold coverage

How to Protect Your Claim

If you discover mold in your home:

  1. Act immediately — report the issue to your insurance company as soon as possible.

  2. Document the damage thoroughly with photos, videos, and written descriptions.

  3. Take steps to prevent further damage (such as using fans or hiring a restoration company), but avoid major repairs until your insurer has inspected the property.

  4. Review your policy or have an attorney review it on your behalf to determine your exact rights.

What to Do If Your Mold Claim Is Denied

Insurance companies often deny mold claims — even when they should be covered. Denials may be based on exclusions, delays in reporting, or vague policy language. If your claim has been denied or undervalued, it’s important to understand that you have options.

At Godbey Giardina Law Group, we help homeowners across the country navigate property damage disputes and enforce their rights under their insurance policies. Our team understands how insurers operate — and we’re here to advocate for you.

Need Legal Help With a Mold Insurance Claim?

If you’ve discovered mold damage and are unsure whether your insurance policy covers it, or if your claim has already been denied, we’re here to help. We offer free policy reviews and can guide you through the next steps.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation