If you are dealing with the after-effects of a major hurricane, such as Irma, you could very well have a black mold removal problem, as well. Hurricane Irma caused major damage to numerous homes in Florida. The pros at National Restoration Experts (NRE) can help homeowners who are faced with some of the destruction that resulted from the recent storm. We are certified, licensed, and insured, and we have long-standing experience in such tasks as water damage restoration and mold remediation.
One problem that you may not be aware of is how quickly mold can manifest. The average length of time for mold to begin growing after a storm is between 24 and 48 hours. This means that if you sought shelter elsewhere and returned to a damaged home, mold could already be an issue.
Knowing what Your Insurance Policy Covers
After a natural disaster such as Irma, many residents wonder if their homeowners’ insurance covers mold damage. The answer to that question is dependent on a variety of factors.
Consider the following points:
- Maintenance Neglect: Most insurance companies deem that mold damage that results from lack of maintenance should not be covered in a policy. This means that if mold is growing in your shower for months and you begin to realize that it must be treated, your insurance company is most likely to not cover that expense.
- Preventable Issues: Insurance companies also do not generally cover problems that could have been prevented. Thus, if you experience a mold issue because of a leak that you did not get fixed, you will probably not be compensated via your homeowner’s insurance.
- Covered Perils: In many cases, insurance does cover what are known as “covered perils.” Policies vary, of course, but your policy may cover the effects of an event such as a major storm. If those effects are water damage and subsequent mold, you would probably have a valid claim. Your best course of action is to ask your insurance agent to explain exactly what is covered before you purchase a policy. You might also have the option of adding a mold rider to your policy to provide extra coverage.
Black Mold
The most dangerous kind of mold that you need to keep your eye on is black mold. One of the first questions that come to mind is “does your insurance cover black mold?” This will depend on the ‘Covered Perils” section in your insurance policy. However, your black mold insurance claim may not be honored if the black mold grew as a result of preventable issues.
There is an interesting “relationship” between black mold and house insurance, as black mold is both a property and a health hazard. Something that many people are unsure of is whether their health insurance will cover the black mold removal if it is medically ordered. This too is dependent on your state’s laws.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Black Mold Resulting from a Leaky Roof?
A leaking roof is considered a preventable measure. Despite the negative health effects of black mold, you will have a hard time getting your insurance to cover a black mold outbreak as a result of a leaky roof, so ensure your roof is well-maintained and watertight.
Renters insurance for black mold claims has lower limits, usually up to $5,000. This may seem like a small amount. But, if the black mold is caught quickly that is all you will need to solve the problem. Typically, the most common black mold insurance claims are for fridges with ice makers, as this is where most mold problems start. If the problem is larger, however, you will need homeowners insurance to cover your black mold claim as major rework to your home could be involved.
In the past, there have been multiple toxic black mold farmers insurance lawsuits that resulted in direct action being taken by the Farm Bureau Insurance for black mold removal. This means that farmers insurance covers black mold claims.
The insurance implications of black mold can be quite costly; with the tenuous relationship between homeowners and black mold insurance coverage, it is advisable to get it removed as quickly as possible.
Your Florida Restoration Company
NRE knows that you do not have time to waste in the aftermath of a catastrophic event like a hurricane. You must have water damage and mold corrected quickly, or you could be faced with further damage. The longer you wait to deal with such an issue, the longer it will take to repair it. Once mold has been detected, our team will get started on the mold remediation process. We want you to be able to resume your normal routine as soon as possible, and we are here to help you.
National Restoration Experts is a highly reputable mold cleaning company in South Florida. We will bill your insurance company directly for the services we provide. Contact us now or call us at 1-800-556-3472.