Florida is a haven for mold in residential properties. There are times when your policy will cover mold remediation or removal, and others will not. Ultimately, it depends upon the type of coverage you have and events that lead to mold on your property.
In this article, a Miami mold damage claims lawyer addresses when mold claims may be excluded and what events are covered. However, you should always check the language of your insurance policy with an attorney to determine if you can obtain coverage for mold damage in your home.
What Is Excluded From a Mold Damage Claim?
Water damage is usually the primary cause of mold. You will want to determine if you have water and flood damage coverage. A typical policy in Florida excludes coverage for water damage caused by maintenance issues.
Typical mold claim exclusions include:
· Continuous water leaks
· Drainage problems
· Humidity issues
If mold developed from a leak or other issue that remained in disrepair, you might have difficulty obtaining coverage. Also, your homeowners' insurance policy does not cover mold damage from a flood. However, if you have flood insurance, this may cover mold-related issues.
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What Is Included In a Mold Damage Claim?
Various factors trigger mold growth, including a single damaging rainstorm, burst pipes, and appliance leaks. The cause is critical in determining whether or not it will be covered by your Florida homeowners’ insurance policy.
In general, sudden, accidental damage is covered if it causes it mold, including:
· Explosions
· Falling objects
· Lightning
· Smoke and fire
· Theft
· Tornadoes and hail
· Vandalism
One critical point is that flooding is not a “peril” covered under your Florida homeowners insurance policy. This means that mold caused by flooding would also be excluded. However, if water infiltrates an adequately maintained roof during a storm, the situation is different, and any resulting mold damage is likely to be covered.
How Much Will Homeowners’ Insurance Pay for Mold Remediation?
Most policies now limit coverage for mold damage to $10,000, and coverage is triggered only if the mold is caused by another peril covered by the policy. Determining if your policy covers mold starts by discovering the source of damage. Occasionally, engineers and experts in water detection must be hired to determine why the mold grew to potentially dangerous levels.
If your insurance policy covers mold damage, it will likely cover a portion of the cost of detection, cleanup, and repairs under FL. Stat. § 468.8419. Most residential and commercial insurance policies cover any unexpected and accidental water damage, including burst pipes or appliance leaks. You might be able to obtain coverage in this situation under your current policy.