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Navigating Mold Damage Insurance Claims

Navigating Mold Damage Insurance Claims

Mold is a common issue that many property owners face. It’s not just an unsightly nuisance; it can also cause significant health problems and major damage. At Cordo Claims Group, our licensed Public Adjusters have extensive knowledge and experience dealing with mold damage claims and helping you obtain a fair and balanced settlement. We know how important it is to get your life and property back to normal. 

According to industry experts, mold has been a very contentious topic in the home insurance industry for quite some time. From the late ’90s to the early ’00s, the insurance industry altered the wording of home insurance policies to limit mold coverage after a spike in mold damage claims in conjunction with water damage claims.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid environments. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air, settling on surfaces and growing when conditions are right. Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors and can grow on a variety of materials, including wood, paper, carpet, and food.

Early Detection is Key

Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water damage. Water damage and moisture levels that are not controlled can cause mold and mildew to grow and spread rapidly. The growth will only worsen if the underlying water issue is not addressed. Early detection is essential for your health and your property.

Health Risks

Exposure to mold can lead to health problems such as allergies and other respiratory issues. Common health effects include sneezing, coughing, throat irritation, wheezing, nasal congestion, red eyes, and skin irritation. If you suspect mold, it’s important to take action promptly.

Property Damage

In addition to health hazards, mold can cause significant property damage if left untreated. It can deteriorate walls, ceilings, and floors. It can even affect the structural integrity of a home or building. Mold can stain, discolor, or deteriorate the surfaces and materials it grows on. It can also produce unpleasant odors and affect the air quality in your home or business.

Mold Causes & Coverages

Mold can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

  • Leaky pipes or drain hoses 
  • Roof leaks
  • An appliance malfunction i.e. dishwasher or washing machine failure 
  • Overflowing toilets
  • Firefighters extinguishing a fire 

Homeowners insurance typically won’t cover damages from mold if it was caused by:

  • Typical wear and tear
  • Long-term leaks that weren’t repaired
  • Moisture or water from construction
  • Bad repairs

What to Do If You Have Mold Damage

Here are some tips to help you navigate the mold insurance claim process.

1. Review Your Insurance Policy

Understanding your insurance policy is crucial. Not all insurance policies cover mold damage. Your insurance policy may cover mold if the mold is caused by an accident, incident, or peril that’s included in your dwelling coverage. Identify any coverage limits for mold damage and understand your deductibles. Some policies have specific mold coverage caps. Our expert Public Adjusters at Cordo Claims Group provide free policy reviews! 

2. Document the Damage

  • Document the Damage with Photos and Videos: Document all areas affected by mold with detailed photos and videos. This evidence is crucial for your insurance claim. 
  • Create an Inventory List of Damaged Items: Make an inventory of all damaged property, including personal items, furniture, clothing and equipment. 

3. Mitigate Further Damage

  • Hire a Professional Mold Remediation Company: If you discover mold, it’s important to act quickly and contact a professional mold remediation company. They can assess the extent of the mold problem, identify the type and source of the mold, and perform the necessary cleaning, remediation, and dry-out procedures to eliminate it. 
  • Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all repair and remediation efforts, including receipts and correspondence with the remediation company.

4. Contact Cordo Claims Group to File a Claim

  • File Your Claim: Notify Cordo Claims Group as soon as possible to file a claim. Our expert Public Adjusters will help streamline your claim and maximize the settlement. Be prepared to provide details and documentation of the damage.
  • Insurance Claim Communications: Once Cordo Claims Group initiates the claim process, your insurance carrier will likely send an Insurance Adjuster to inspect the damage. Cordo Claims Group will be present during all inspections with the insurance company.

5. Prevent Future Mold Issues

  • Prevention is Key: Preventing future mold growth is crucial. By managing moisture levels, ensuring proper ventilation, using dehumidifiers in damp areas, and promptly addressing water leaks, mold growth can be controlled and prevented. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help minimize the risk of mold infestations in indoor spaces. Remember, when dealing with mold, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and potential health risks. 
  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your home for signs of moisture or mold, especially in prone areas like basements, bathrooms, and around windows.
  • Reduce Indoor Humidity: If you live in a humid environment, use a dehumidifier regularly to help regulate water in the air. To prevent mold growth, keep indoor humidity ideally between 30%-60%. Be sure to clean the dehumidifier regularly. You can also install bathroom fans with humidity sensors to help minimize humidity.

Have You Experienced Mold Damage? Contact Cordo Claims Group!

Our Licensed Public Adjusters at Cordo Claims Group help residential and commercial property owners as well as boat owners with mold damage claims throughout Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Colorado. With over 20 years of experience, we have extensive knowledge and experience helping our clients obtain fair and balanced settlements to get their property back to pre-loss condition. Damaged? Denied? Underpaid? Contact 1-877-55-CORDO (1-877-552-6736) for an assessment!