Living in Florida, you’ve made the smart decision to include water and flood damage coverage in your insurance policy to account for coastal natural disasters. But water breeds mold, and now you’re left wondering if that’s covered, too. This is a question with no clear “yes” or “no” answer, but here’s the key: it is all in the wording of the policy language and we’re here to help you figure it out. Learn more about when insurance companies might (and might not) pay for mold damage before reaching out to Altieri Insurance Consultants Tampa, the partner property owners rely on!
When Mold Isn’t Covered By Tampa Property Insurance
Let’s consider the standard home insurance policy in Tampa, or anywhere else for that matter. Mold is primarily always excluded from coverage, unless it results from a covered event. But with new policy language inserted by insurers, they can give you trouble even then. Understand that insurers will investigate where the mold came from and how it developed. Occurrences bolstered by obvious signs of neglect, where mold has been visible to the naked eye for a period of time will surely be met with a denial of coverage. However, even where the circumstances are less obvious, it has been discovered that some insurer experts have been found to write their reports to reflect the policy’s exclusionary language. That is very unfortunate for the policyholder. We have even seen an insurer trying to use the growth of mold after firefighting efforts with water, to deny severe fire damage claims due to subsequent mold presence. With Altieri Insurance Consultants on your side this will never happen.
Mold grows when moisture festers in an area over a period of time. By this logic, a property would only encounter mold through lack of maintenance (climate controls), untreated water damage, or hidden moisture. These are just a few scenarios why you won’t find too many insurers in Tampa willing to pay for damage caused by mold.
Read more > Pre-Existing Damage: Why Your Claim Could Be Denied If Insurers Think The Damage Isn’t New
However, that’s not to say insurance companies would never pay for mold damage. It’s all situational, and it helps to hire a public adjuster when filing a water damage claim in Tampa to see if your mold damage can be covered.
When Mold Is Covered By Tampa Property Insurance
The general rule of thumb with insurance claims is that coverage is typically approved for accidental damage caused by fortuitous events. So, if you have mold, it must have come from a covered cause like a fire, hurricane, or pipe break. If you can prove that your mold damage is a result of an accident or sudden, unpreventable occurrence, then there’s a chance that your insurer will offer payment. The only question then becomes: Will the payment be sufficient to cover the repairs?
Some cases that may lead to accidental or unpreventable mold damage in Tampa might include:
- Burst pipes
- Toilet overflow
- Sewer back up
- Natural floods
- Storm-related damages
These unexpected types of water or storm damage might lead to mold growth if an insurance company takes too long to supply compensation checks for repairs. Time is of the essence, and public adjusters in Tampa can help expedite the process.
Learn more > Denied Or Underpaid Water Damage Claim After A Storm? Here’s What You Can Do
Here’s What to Do When You Encounter Mold Damage:
1. Stop the leak if you can do so safely. Preventing further damage, if possible, should take first priority for your safety and the integrity of the property.
2. Contact your insurance company immediately. Get started on the damage claim process as soon as possible to meet deadlines and reach a faster settlement.
3. Document everything. Take note of when the damage occurred, what was damaged, and invoices or receipts showing the cost of repairs.
4. Reach out to a public adjuster. These Tampa-based professionals can guide you through your water damage claim and help you get fair compensation for mold damage.
Make Sure You Get What You Are Owed. Call Altieri Insurance Consultants Today!
Think your mold damage should be covered? Let us help! Altieri Insurance Consultants Tampa is here to help you get your life back after flood or water damage. Just give us a call at (813) 247-4757 for a team of public adjusters you can count on!
