Home insurance and mold - FAQs

If you're a Liberty Mutual customer and have concerns about mold damage in your home, visit our home insurance claims center.

Frequently asked questions about home insurance and mold

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Yes and no. Most homeowners insurance can provide coverage for

• Mold
• Mildew
• Fungus
• Wet/Dry rot damage

However, to be covered, these must have been a result of a covered loss named in your policy. If they're caused by something not listed or by homeowner's neglect, it may not be covered. Due to the complexity of this type of damage, each claim is examined on a case-by-case basis.

Often, mold-related damage is the result of a lack of proper home maintenance. In these cases, it may not be covered under a homeowners insurance policy.

Common examples of when mold damage isn't likely covered include

• A leaky faucet that wasn't repaired for months and resulted in mold damaged flooring, countertops, and cabinets.
• Windows with worn or old seals that allowed water to accumulate, causing mold to grow and damage walls, windowsills, and frames.
• Poor ventilation in a laundry room or bathroom that led to mold, mildew, or fungus growing on the walls and ceilings.

When would a homeowners insurance policy cover mold?

In general, mold, fungus, and wet/dry rot are covered by homeowners insurance when

• The damage is listed as a "named covered peril"
• Your insurance policy specifically states you're covered
• The cause of the loss is deemed sudden and accidental (the cause of the mold happened suddenly and without fault)

Therefore, what's covered under your home policy is dependent on

• The listed covered perils
• Specified limits within your policy
• If it was caused by an unexpected and accidental event

This is why any mold damage caused by a homeowner's lack of maintenance wouldn't be covered.

Common examples of mold causing damage that can be covered under a homeowners policy may include

• Frozen damaged, leaking, or burst pipes
• Weight of snow, ice, and sleet
• Household appliance malfunctions
• Mold that may build up after a home fire
• Water and steam damage overflow from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems

Please note, you should check your policy to see what is covered in your homeowners policy.

How can I help prevent mold, mildew, fungus, and wet/dry rot damage in my home?

Mold removal and remediation is a labor-intensive process. This is why it's important to prevent issues before they happen.

The key to mold prevention in and outside of your home is moisture control. By following these steps, you can proactively help keep mold away.

• Don't wait to fix leaks (even small ones). Address them as soon as you notice an issue.
• Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawl space to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture.
• Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Turn off certain appliances (humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.
• Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses.
• Use insulation or storm windows.
• Increase air circulation by using fans, moving furniture from wall corners, and keeping doors open between rooms.
• Carpet on concrete floors can absorb moisture and hold other pollutants - use area rugs which can be washed often.
• Dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 - 48 hours to help prevent mold growth.