Does Home Insurance Cover Mold
What the standard homeowners form and state regulators say about mold after a sudden leak and mold from a slow one.
What A Standard Policy Covers
The standard homeowners form, as filed with state regulators, sets the baseline most policies follow.
The standard HO 00 03 form excludes mold, fungus and wet rot in general.
Mold, fungus or wet rot. However, we do insure for loss caused by mold, fungus or wet rot that is hidden within the walls or ceilings
HO 00 03 covers hidden mold behind walls, under floors or above ceilings when it comes from an accidental leak from plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sprinklers or an appliance.
if such loss results from the accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from within
Inside that limit HO 04 27 pays to remove mold, tear out walls to reach it, and test the air when there is reason to believe mold is present.
The cost to remove "fungi", wet or dry rot, or bacteria from property covered
HO 04 27 excludes damage from constant or repeated seepage, humidity or condensation over weeks, months or years unless it was hidden and unknown to you.
Caused by constant or repeated seepage or leakage of "water" or the presence or condensation of humidity, moisture or vapor, over a period of weeks, months or years
Under HO 04 27 the fungi exclusion does not apply when the mold results from fire or lightning.
When "fungi", wet or dry rot, or bacteria results from fire or lightning
What State Regulators Say
Most Texas home and renters policies cover mold that grows on an item hurt by sudden and accidental water damage, such as a burst pipe.
If mold develops on a damaged item, it would be covered.
Texas home policies usually do not cover mold from gradual leaks or seepage.
Most home policies don't cover water damage from gradual leaks or seepage, and that includes damage from mold.
Mold from a flood is not covered by a home policy. You need a separate flood policy.
Mold from a flood would not be covered because home policies don't cover floods.
California says mold damage caused by a covered peril may be covered by your home policy.
Mold damage caused by a covered peril may be covered under your homeowners policy.
Mold is one of the perils usually excluded from California home policies.
Earthquake, flood, mold, earth movement, and "wear and tear" are some of the perils that are usually excluded.
New York says mold damage is covered if it comes from a covered event.
Mold damage is covered if it is due to a covered event.
Many New York policies limit how much they pay for mold remediation.
Many policies have a mold limitation for the payment of remediation services.