Mold in homes has become a very controversial issue as of late. There are more cases these days because 1) there are older houses, and 2) people are more aware of the issue. While the problem itself isn’t new, the affects of mold can be devastating to the human body. Because mold is generally in places we don’t see, such as behind walls and under floors, it can be a silent killer.

Insurance companies vs. mold

Removing mold from your home can be difficult – but trying to have your insurance company pay for it can be a nightmare. Bob Scott, an attorney with the Advocate Law Group in California, has seen cases where consumers have had to fight tooth and nail to get their insurers to pay. According to Scott, “The most common claim is for leakage in the water heater. These claims should be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, but insurance companies don’t like them as they are very expensive and often require an environmental team to come in and access the situation. However, once the environmentalists get involved, the insurance company has to get out of it and let the experts do their job. Unfortunately, carriers hate it and they tend to just walk away.”

Consumer tips

It’s often difficult to know if you have mold, but according to experts, you can often see it and smell it. Mold loves drywall and floor matting. It is common in areas with high humidity and before you contact your insurer, you should make certain that you’ve got it. According to Scott, “Consumers should confirm everything in writing and have the insurance company do the same or you’ll end up with a he said / she said situation. It’s very important to get copies of all the reports (from the environmental companies, costs of remediation, plans for removal, etc.) If your insurance company doesn’t hire an environmentalist, hire your own! It may cost you a few thousand dollars, but if you’re right, the insurance company will have to pay. Tell them that you’re doing it – and put it in writing.”

A stitch in time…

Mold concerns should be addressed as soon as possible. Mold can be very dangerous to adults, pets and children. According to Scott, “It’s very dangerous for young kids as they can become hypersensitive to it for the rest of their lives. That could be threatening. I’ve had clients with very serious physical systems, such as asthma and respiratory concerns.”

Don’t wait

If you discover mold in your home, don’t wait to get it remediated. Diligently work with your insurance company until the mold has been completely removed. If you can’t get anywhere with your insurer, contact an attorney who understands not only how insurers operate, but also how dangerous mold can be.