Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?

Short answerHomeowners insurance generally doesn't cover mold from long-term moisture or poor maintenance. If mold directly results from a covered event, such as a burst pipe, removal may be covered, often with a limit. It depends on your policy, so check for a mold exclusion or limit and ask your state insurance department if you're unsure.

What this costs

Our national estimates, not quotes.
Option	Job	Low	High
Repair	Mold Removal	$460	$3,800

The usual pattern

The Insurance Information Institute says mold is generally not covered by standard policies and treats it as a maintenance issue, but removal may be covered if the mold results directly from a covered peril. New York's regulator says mold is covered if due to a covered event, and that many policies limit payment for remediation. Texas says it is covered if it develops on an item that is otherwise covered.

Exceptions and limits

Details in the wording matter:

Hidden mold: the sample HO-3 form (ISO's October 2000 edition) excludes mold but insures mold hidden in walls, ceilings or floors when it results from an accidental discharge from plumbing, HVAC or an appliance.
Flood: Texas notes that mold from a flood isn't covered by a home policy. The Insurance Information Institute says federal flood insurance may cover mold directly attributable to a flood.
Limits: many policies cap what they pay for remediation, per New York's regulator.

What to do about the mold itself

EPA says moisture control is the key to mold control, and that cleaning without fixing the water problem will likely bring it back. Dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours. EPA says most people can handle a moldy area of less than about 10 square feet. For larger areas or contaminated water, hire someone with experience in mold cleanup.

Check your policy

Read your own policy, including any endorsements, and ask your agent or insurer how it applies to your situation. Your state insurance department can answer questions about coverage and take complaints. This page describes general patterns, not what your policy will pay.

Common questions

Does insurance cover black mold?

The sources here don't treat the type of mold as the deciding factor. The usual question is what caused the moisture and whether that cause is covered. Check your policy's mold language.

Should I clean up mold before calling my insurer?

Fix an active water problem and dry things out to limit damage. Our suggestion: take photos first and talk with your insurer before discarding or removing much. EPA advises against running an HVAC system you suspect is contaminated with mold.