Homeowners insurance and specialized supplemental policies may cover storm damage, including water damage caused by leaks in a roof. When hail, intense rainfall or strong winds damage a roof, the entire structure is potentially at risk.
Property owners typically need to repair the roof and replace any property directly damaged. They can count on their insurance to help them address the damage and replace their lost property. In some cases, they may also need mold remediation services due to the water that gets into the property.
Does homeowners insurance typically cover mold remediation as a side effect of storm damage?
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Mold clean-up could be covered
Every insurance policy is different, and most policies that protect private property have numerous limitations written into them. Insurers often try to limit their liability by restricting coverage in some situations. Mold damage can be very costly to address, especially if it is widespread through the building and not localized to one area.
Secondary or subsequent damage caused by storm damage may be eligible for insurance coverage in some cases. However, the timeline for mold development, the homeowner’s response to the initial damage and the details of the policy may all influence whether mold damage is eligible for coverage at all, and how much of the remediation costs are covered by the policy. People may need help documenting property damage, reviewing the coverage and negotiating with the insurance company.
Working with an experienced homeowners insurance lawyer reduces the likelihood of homeowners losing the coverage for which they paid and facing major out-of-pocket expenses for interior mold issues caused by storm damage.