Mold testing is important in filing an insurance claim for mold damage. It is a process involving mold identification and the extent of its growth. The results of safe and reliable mold testing in Fort Worth can help determine the following:

Cause of the mold
Does your insurance policy cover it?
The amount of compensation you are supposed to receive

In this blog, we will discuss the role mold testing plays in insurance claims. And what you need to know about insurance policies regarding this.

The Role of Mold Testing In Insurance Claims

The safe and reliable mold testing in Fort Worth helps identify mold damage. Besides this, there are various other roles mold testing plays in the process of filing an insurance claim.

Identify the type of mold

Some specific types are more dangerous than others. These can cause serious health issues. For example, black mold can pose issues like:

Headaches
Respiratory problems
Allergic reactions

If your house is exposed to black mold, it is important to have it removed immediately.

Identify the source of mold growth

In addition to the identification of the type of mold, mold testing also identified the source of mold growth. You can use this information to prevent mold damage and growth in your house.

Not all insurance policies cover mold damage. But, if your insurance policy does cover mold damage, you may hire a professional to conduct a thorough mold test.

This test can ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.

Moreover, professional mold testing services in Dallas might also lead to identifying potential water damage. You can use this information to claim your insurance and save the cost of related costly repairs.

What Insurance Policies Usually Cover?

It is highly unlikely that you will see the mention of “mold damage” in your insurance policy. But what you will see is the associated water damage. Not to mention, water damage is often the root cause of mold growth.

The question is hard to answer in case you want a mold inspection without claiming for water damage. Generally, insurance covers mold testing and inspection. Often, homeowners who ask for mold testing also have water damage claims.

Instances when home insurance covers mold

Your home undergoes fire. The mold develops after the firefighters use water to extinguish the flames.
Malfunctioning of your dishwasher, flooding your kitchen. This results in mold growth along the base of your cabinets.
Rupturing of your water heater. This releases water that causes black mold growth on the surrounding walls.

Your home insurance company will most likely deny the insurance claim for mold, especially if:

Your own negligence causes it
It is caused by a lack of maintenance

It is also possible that a minor leak causes mold. This mold can spread throughout the surrounding area.
If you filed a claim for the leak and resulting mold weeks or even days after it became apparent, your insurance provider might deny coverage, citing your delayed action.

Your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover mold damage from regional floods because it doesn’t include flooding. But if you got separate flood insurance, it would cover any mold damage from a flood.

Instances when insurance doesn’t cover mold

A storm causes flooding, resulting in mold growth.
You live in a humid climate. And you have failed to use a dehumidifier in your basement. This results in black mold.
Your bathtub has been leaking for years. This results in mold infestation.

How Much Will Insurance Cover for Mold?

Mold damage remedy might cost between $15,000 – $30,000. This is why insurance companies take care of several measures that reduce their risk. One such measure is reducing the amount they will pay for mold damage. This happens even if a covered peril causes it. For mold remediation, typically, insurance policies state a limit of between $1,000 and $10,000. This is its maximum limit, but surely, it can vary in every area. If you intend to purchase mold coverage about this amount, this usually gets added as an optional rider.

How to File A Claim When You Have Mold?

To minimize the extent of damage, you should act quickly to file a homeowners insurance claim. Below are the steps to file your claim for mold with your insurance company:

Report the incident

You can do this over the phone, online, or in person. Your insurer will assign you an adjuster. They will get the process going.

Document the damage

Take videos or pictures of the mold growth. You may also capture and record any related damage to your belongings or home. Later, compile a list of everything that has been damaged. This ensures that your insurance company has as much detail as possible.

Clean up what you can

If you have an active water leak or a burst pipe, you should do anything to stop it. This may involve turning off your home’s water main or shutting off the water supply at the site of the leak.

Later, you can:

Get rid of pooling water
Remove waterlogged carpeting or rugs
Run a dehumidifier to dry out the area
Remove damaged items from the affected area

If you buy materials for the cleanup, keep your receipts for reimbursement.

Consider hiring a professional

If the affected area is small, you can do the cleanup yourself. However, if the area is significantly larger, you shall hire a licensed professional to do the job. This can be done if:

You find mold growth near air conditioning or heating duct
Damage was caused by a septic tank or sewer

Your insurance company may be able to provide you with a list of state-licensed specialists.

Mold Testing and Mold Damage Claims

Professional mold testing services in Dallas are critical in filing an insurance claim for mold damage. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, it is important to contact a professional to conduct a thorough mold test. It is also important to note that not all insurance policies cover mold damage. However, if your policy does cover mold damage, it is important to have a professional conduct a thorough mold test to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.

TexInspec – Your Trusted Choice for Safe and Reliable Mold Testing in Fort Worth, along with Home and Termite Inspection Services! Contact us now to safeguard your home’s well-being.