TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
 Floods can be devastating, especially when it comes to your home. Unfortunately, even after the flood damage itself is handled, you can still suffer more damage when the water is cleared. Large amounts of standing water can typically bring mold, which can wreak havoc on your home and cause individuals living there to fall ill.
Mold isn't just a nuisance for a property. It can also be exceptionally dangerous to the people in the home. While some varieties are harmless, the worst of the worst can be deadly. Flood insurance is available to property owners to stave off the damage from unexpected water, which makes it natural to ask whether such insurance will cover mold.
In certain cases, flood insurance can cover mold infestation. However, the homeowner is required to prove that the mold stemmed from a covered reason. In other words, if a sink pipe bursts from old age and you blame the resulting mold on a recent storm, this claim will be denied. Mold is generally seen as negligence, which means it grows overtime and can generally be prevented. You will have to make your case that you were unable to prevent or treat mold before it caused damaged.
When it comes down to it, all insurance claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, this statement is particularly true for mold cases. Because mold can hide deep in the walls of a property, it's not always easy to determine the source of it. It's possible for an insurance policy to examine all the evidence of a claim and still come to the wrong conclusion.
Homeowners are also required to take action and eliminate as much mold as possible (preferably the moment they become aware of it). So, if a resident notices mold in the corner of the basement, they're expected to take reasonable mitigation steps. This may include drying the basement out to ensure that no future mold forms or it may mean administering some sort of common mold killer to the area. This may not kill the mold entirely, but it can prevent it from spreading. Any expenses used for this are typically covered under a flood insurance policy, as are additional professional repairs needed after that.
Mold can be notoriously difficult to get rid of, and it's not always safe for homeowners to attempt DIY removal. A professional will be able to not only test the type of mold you have, they can also test the home and grounds to ensure it's not hiding anywhere else on the property. Flood insurance can be the key to taking care of mold as soon as possible. It can both preserve the home's value and protect the people who live in it.
Is Flood Insurance Required?
Flood insurance isn’t generally required by any state or federal law. If you live in certain flood zones, you could be required or recommended to carry flood insurance by your lender or landlord as part of your property policy. If you have a home or renters insurance policy, be sure to ask your insurance agent about adding flood insurance coverage to your policy.
Not all insurers provide flood insurance, however, so it is important to find an insurance provider that offers flood insurance at the price and coverage limits you need.
How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?
The cost of flood insurance varies depending on your location, credit score, value of the home and belongings being insured, history of claims, coverage limits and other factors. On average, you may pay around $700 a year for flood insurance. You can often save money on this coverage by bundling it with other property coverages such as home insurance or commercial property insurance.
Tips for Preventing Mold
Although a bad flood can make it difficult to prevent mold, there are steps you can take day to day in order to lower the risk of mold in your home. This includes:
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Making sure the home is ventilated with fans and that all of your amenities vent outside the home rather than inside
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Fixing leaks
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Use bleach to clean any signs of mold but do NOT mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners
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Use cleaners to keep your home clean, especially the bathroom and other areas where mold is likely to grow
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Buy and add mold inhibitors to paint before painting
Mold prevention is crucial, as it can be more difficult to treat it once it arrives before it causes severe damage. Make sure to protect your home from mold and flood damage as much as possible. If you have any questions about the coverage offered under your home insurance policy, be sure to speak with your insurance agent.
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