Does Insurance Cover Mold Cleanup?
"Mold grows fast. Insurance coverage? Not so much."
At ZeroMold, we’re often asked the same urgent question: “Will my insurance cover mold removal?” And while the answer isn’t always straightforward, here’s the truth:
Sometimes it does, but only under specific circumstances.
Let’s break down how insurance works when it comes to mold remediation, what situations might be covered, and what proactive steps you can take to protect both your home and your wallet.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?
In general, standard homeowners insurance covers mold cleanup only if the mold was caused by a “covered peril.” In insurance language, a “covered peril” means a sudden and accidental event that your policy explicitly protects against.
✅ Mold may be covered if caused by:
A burst pipe
An appliance that overflows (e.g., washing machine or dishwasher)
Water used to extinguish a fire
Sudden HVAC leaks
In these cases, mold is considered a secondary damage related to a primary covered event. If that primary damage is eligible for a claim, mold remediation may be covered too, but usually with limits.
Typical coverage limits for mold removal:
Often capped between $1,000 and $10,000
May vary by insurer and policy type
When Mold Isn’t Covered by Insurance
Insurance companies don’t like slow leaks, neglect, or anything that could have been prevented with basic maintenance. So if your mold issue was caused by long-term moisture, the cleanup is likely not covered.
❌ Mold usually isn’t covered if caused by:
Ongoing pipe or roof leaks
Poor ventilation or high humidity
Flooding (unless you have flood insurance)
Delayed or insufficient maintenance
In short: if it looks like it could’ve been prevented, your policy likely won’t cover the cost of mold remediation.
Is Flood-Related Mold Covered?
Most homeowners are surprised to learn that flooding is not covered under standard insurance. You need a separate flood insurance policy to cover mold damage from rising water or storm surge.
Even then, mold coverage may still be limited, and subject to strict conditions, like proving that you acted quickly to dry and clean the area.
Can I Add Mold Coverage to My Policy?
Yes! Some insurers offer mold endorsements, optional policy add-ons that extend coverage for mold-related damages.
These endorsements:
Increase your coverage limits (often up to $50,000)
Cover more scenarios, including humidity and slow leaks
Come at an added cost (but can be worth it in high-risk regions)
If your home is older, in a humid area, or prone to water issues, talk to your insurance provider about this option.
How to Protect Your Home (and Your Policy)
You can’t control every leak, but you can control how quickly you respond to water issues, and how well you document the damage.
Mold Prevention Tips:
Fix leaks immediately
Use dehumidifiers in basements and bathrooms
Run exhaust fans while cooking or showering
Keep indoor humidity below 50%
Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts regularly
If You Spot Mold:
Document the damage with photos and notes
Contact your insurance provider to report the issue
Schedule a professional mold inspection
Act quickly, delays hurt your claim chances
The Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance sometimes covers mold cleanup, but only when mold is the result of a covered peril.
If mold forms because of long-term neglect or everyday humidity, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket. That’s why fast action and preventative care matter.
At ZeroMold, we help our clients navigate the claims process with thorough documentation and detailed reports. And even when insurance doesn’t step in, our fast, non-invasive, and eco-friendly mold remediation process helps minimize your costs and maximize peace of mind.
