Mold - Covered or Not Covered?

By William J Louis

Mold can grow anywhere. It is a common fungus and only needs moisture and a food source such as wood, drywall, carpet and almost anything else found in a typical home.

Fortunately most types of mold won't harm you, but there are some that can cause respiratory problems that may become debilitating. All mold smells which is a good thing because it makes it relatively easy to locate.

Although no home is ever completely dry, mold is much more prevalent in states with a lot of rain, humidity and stormy weather. Mold problems can be instigated from various causes such as poorly maintained areas of the home such as the basement or laundry room. It can grow after an event such as a bursting water pipe or leaking hot water heater. It can ruin furniture, carpeting and curtains. In many cases mold remediation is going to require a professional contractor and the cost may be significant. This is where your homeowner policy can either save the day or let you down.

Whether you will have coverage for mold remediation depends on the language in your insurance policy. Most companies have put in specific language regarding mold and limit coverage to an associated covered peril. For example, if a pipe burst in your home (which would be covered) and the mold was a result of that covered peril, then by association you would probably have coverage for mold remediation. If however, you find mold growing inside a wall of your home or in the basement and it is associated with a slowly leaking water source, you're on your own. You'll either be paying out of pocket or doing the remediation yourself.

If you suspect a mold problem in your home, instead of getting on the phone with your insurance company, ask a reputable mold remediation company to provide an estimate on cleaning up the situation. If your estimate is considerably more than your deductible,
call in the claim and an adjuster will come out to investigate your claim. You will then probably be told that your policy either doesn't cover the claim or there is a sublimit (cap) on how much your company will pay.

If you cannot negotiate a favorable settlement, it's time to call a reputable Public Adjust to get help with your claim. The Public Adjuster will examine the damage and review your insurance policy, and then make a recommendation whether to fight or fold.

Public Adjuster Arizona
Bonus Free Insurance Claim Guide - Get Expert Advice on how to file an insurance claim. Visit us for your free claim guide to show: What does homeowners insurance cover? What is a public adjuster? How to make an insurance claim and claim advice services.

http://www.nationalclaimadvocates.com/mold/

http://www.nationalclaimadvocates.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_J_Louis
http://EzineArticles.com/?Mold---Covered-or-Not-Covered?&id=8899289