Is mold covered by homeowners insurance?

The general rule: cause decides coverage

Insurers look at why the mold grew, not just that it is there. Triple-I's guidance puts it plainly: most mold is not covered by a standard homeowners policy because, like rot and insect infestation, it is considered a home maintenance issue. The exception is mold that is the direct result of a covered peril. Triple-I's example is a burst pipe.

This page is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Policies differ by company, by state, and by the endorsements you bought.

Mold that is often covered

Mold is more likely to be covered when it follows a sudden, accidental water event the policy covers, and you acted promptly:

• A pipe that burst or a supply line that failed suddenly
• A water heater or appliance that broke and flooded a room
• Damage from an ice dam or wind-driven rain, which Triple-I lists among water damage homeowners and renters policies cover

Mold that is usually not covered

These are the situations where mold claims are commonly denied:

• Long-term leaks that went on for weeks or months, such as a dripping drain under a sink or a failing shower pan
• Ongoing humidity or condensation: a damp basement, a crawl space without a ground cover, or a bathroom without a working fan
• Neglected maintenance, such as a known roof leak that was not repaired
• Flooding from rising water, unless you have flood insurance (see below)
• Sewer or drain backup, unless you added backup coverage

Flood insurance and sewer backup are separate

Triple-I explains that water coming from the bottom up, such as an overflowing river, is covered by a separate flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program or some private insurers. If you have federal flood insurance, Triple-I says it may cover mold and mildew damage, but only if the mold is directly attributable to a flood.

Sewer and drain backup is another gap. Some homeowners policies cover it, many do not, and Triple-I notes you can buy a sewer backup rider for homeowners or renters coverage. If your basement has ever taken water from a floor drain, it is worth asking your agent whether you have it.

Renters insurance

Renters insurance covers your belongings, not the building itself. The building and its repair are the landlord's responsibility and insurance. If mold damaged your furniture or clothes after a covered water event, your renters policy may apply to those items. If you rent and have mold, see the guide on mold in an apartment for what to ask your landlord.

How to document a mold or water claim

Most denied mold claims come down to timing and evidence. Make it easy for the adjuster to see that the water event was sudden and that you responded quickly:

• Stop the water and start drying right away. The EPA says drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours prevents mold growth in most cases, and policies expect you to limit further damage.
• Photograph and video the source, the water, the damage, and the date before cleanup.
• Report the claim promptly and write down the claim number and who you spoke with.
• Ask the restoration company for moisture readings, a drying log, and photos. Adjusters often rely on them.
• Keep the failed part (pipe section, supply line, valve) and every receipt, including hotel costs if you had to leave.
• Ask your insurer before tearing out materials they may want to inspect.

If your claim is denied

Ask for the denial in writing with the specific policy language it relies on. Compare it to your policy, including any mold exclusion or limit and any endorsements. You can ask your agent to review it, request a re-inspection, and, if you believe the decision is wrong, contact your state's insurance department. In Colorado that is the Colorado Division of Insurance, which handles consumer questions and complaints about insurers.