Is Mold Removal Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Look, nobody wants to deal with it. It’s like that uninvited cousin who shows up after a rainy weekend and decides to live in your walls. And here in Washington State, where it rains about 362 days a year (give or take), this problem isn’t just a possibility. It’s practically a roommate. But before you go grabbing a flamethrower or moving to Arizona, let’s talk about Washington homeowners insurance, mold coverage, and how you can keep your place from turning into a mushroom farm (and not the fun kind). 

What Types of Mold are Covered by Insurance for Removal?

What exactly is covered? Well, the story is a little more complicated than simply “covering” mold damage. Here’s what to know about prevention, growth, and more. 

Common Household Molds & Risks

Not all types of mold are created equal. Some are mostly harmless, like the green fuzz on leftover pizza you swear you just put in the fridge yesterday. But then there’s the darker, nastier kind that can mess with your lungs, your walls, and your resale value. 

Common ones found in homes include: 

• Cladosporium: This species likes damp fabrics and wood. Eww.

• Penicillium: It’s not just for antibiotics anymore. This one loves water damage.

• Stachybotrys Chartarum: That’s the fancy name for black mold, which sounds like a death metal band but is actually worse. And it can mess up your health, for real.

When It Becomes a Health or Structural Issue

Your homeowners insurance might help if the issue is a result of something already covered, such as a busted pipe that turns your basement into a swamp. If your walls start melting because of that leak, your insurance may cover the water damage and the mold cleanup. But if the cause is a leaky window you ignored for three winters in a row? Yeah … that’s on you, pal. Maybe you should clean up that messy house. 

Situations Where Coverage Is Denied

Insurance companies don’t like mold that could have been avoided. So if it grew because: 

• You didn’t fix your roof (which has been doing its best colander impression)

• Your bathroom fan is more decorative than functional

• Or your idea of ventilation is “cracking the door open once a month”

… your claim might be denied. That’s why it’s important to keep your home dry in Washington. 

How to File a Mold Damage Insurance Claim

Sadly, the damage has already been done. What do you do next? Here is a step-by-step guide to follow when you notice some special fungi growing out of your bathroom sink because of springtime storm damage. 

Steps to Take After Discovering Mold

You found some of the yucky stuff. It’s gross. You panic. But don’t worry, here’s what to do: 

1. Stop the source: If it’s a leak, patch it. If it’s a flood, mop it. If it’s your teenager’s laundry pile, maybe just burn it.

2. Document the damage: Take pictures. Take videos. Pretend you’re filming a moldy true crime documentary.

3. Get help fast: Mold spreads faster than rumors in a middle school. Call your insurance company right away.

Documentation and Working with Adjusters

When the insurance adjuster shows up, be ready: 

• Show them all your photos and receipts.

• Point out the source of the water damage (if you know it).

• Don’t try to DIY clean the stuff before they see it … yes, it’s gross, but they need to see the crime scene.

Bonus tip: Stay polite. Adjusters are like referees, and yelling won’t help your score. 

Additional Coverage Options for Mold

Standard homeowners insurance has limits. That means even if it’s covered, the payout might top out faster than your Wi-Fi during a storm. That’s where riders or endorsements come in. These are optional add-ons to your policy that can boost mold coverage. Consider them if: 

• You live in a high-humidity zone (aka Western Washington).

• Your house has a history of leaks.

• You’re allergic to this stuff and mildly paranoid.

You might also want to check out flood insurance. Spoiler alert: Standard homeowners policies don’t cover floods. And if your basement turns into Lake Washington 2.0, you’ll want that backup. 

Riders and Endorsements for Added Protection

Here’s the deal: Your standard homeowners insurance policy is kind of like a basic burger. It gets the job done, but if you want bacon, avocado, and a side of mold coverage, you’re gonna need some extras. That’s where riders and endorsements come in. 

These are basically little add-ons you can tack onto your policy to beef up your protection. Want extra coverage? There’s a rider for that. Want higher limits for cleanup or testing? Endorse it like you’re sponsoring a skateboarder. Some riders even cover the cost of testing the air, removing spores, or putting in dehumidifiers so your house doesn’t smell like a swamp again. 

Explore Your Home Insurance Options with Vern Fonk

Mold happens. But that doesn’t mean you have to face it alone in a hazmat suit armed with a bottle of bleach. With the right insurance coverage, you can fight the mucky stuff and protect your home like a Pacific Northwest pro. 

Need help figuring out your policy? Want to add coverage or learn more about flood protection? We’ve got you. Get a quote online, give us a call at (800) 455-8276, or come say hi to us in person at one of our many Washington locations. We’re “fun guys.” See you soon!