Finding mold in a high-end home can feel devastating. How far has the mold spread? What is the extent of the damage? And how will you restore your home to a safe environment?
Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover mold damage due to a covered peril. However, you need to keep a few considerations in mind when navigating this type of claim for a high-end home vs. the average property. A mold claims in high-end homes lawyer can help you approach the claims process correctly.
Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Mold Claims in High-End Homes?
Before submitting a mold claim, review your homeowners’ insurance policy with a property damage attorney to ensure that it covers mold damage.
Homeowners’ policies typically do not cover all types of mold damage. They only cover mold that occurs from a sudden or accidental covered peril. For example, if a pipe bursts in your home, leading to water damage that causes mold formation, your homeowners’ insurance may cover the mold remediation.
In contrast, if mold forms in your attic due to improper ventilation, your homeowners’ insurance coverage likely will not extend to this damage. However, your insurer may offer a separate mold insurance policy that could expand coverage.
Be sure to review your mold coverage limits as well. Depending on the extent of the mold growth, your homeowners’ policy may not provide adequate coverage.
Collecting Evidence To Support a Covered Mold Damage Claim
For a valid mold damage claim, you must show that the mold occurred due to a covered event, not lack of maintenance or other circumstances. A mold claims in high-end homes lawyer can help you gather compelling evidence.
As soon as you notice mold in your home, take photos and videos of it. If you can safely locate the source of the mold, take photos of this area as well. This insurance claim documentation can help the insurer trace the mold growth back to a covered event.
Next, create a complete list of all damaged items and structures in your home. If mold has spread to any furniture or fixtures, you may need to replace them.
The Mold Insurance Claims Process
So, how are mold claims handled for high-end homes? Your claim will likely follow this process.
- Contact your insurer. Your insurance company will walk you through the process of filing a claim. Contact them as soon as you discover the mold to start the claims process.
- Meet with the insurance adjuster. The adjuster will come to your home to assess the damage. They may also send a mold remediation professional to inspect it more closely. Prepare for these visits with adequate documentation of the damage, repair estimates, and other helpful information.
- Wait for the insurer to accept or deny your claim. Legally, the insurer should accept or reject your claim within 15 days of you providing all necessary information. If the insurer is stalling or rejects your claim, it must tell you why in writing. A mold claims in high-end homes lawyer can help you appeal the rejection or navigate a bad faith claim denial.
- Work with a mold remediation company. If the insurer accepts your claim, it will send you a check that you can use to hire a mold remediation company. Even if the insurer denied your claim, strongly consider hiring this type of company as soon as possible to mitigate the damage. If mold spreads to high-end furniture or artwork, you may face significant repair expenses.
Contact a Mold Claims in High-End Homes Lawyer
Need help navigating a mold claim for a high-end home? McLaurin Law PLLC can assist. Contact our mold claims in high-end homes lawyers today at 713-804-7598 to request a consultation.
