Does renters insurance cover mold damage?
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- Renters insurance will cover mold, but only if it's the result of a covered event, like water damage.
- Mold damage from negligence or lack of maintenance is not covered.
- You need separate coverage for mold from flood or sewer line damage.
- Policygenius can help you compare renters' insurance policies to find the right coverage for you, at the right price »
Renters insurance protects your personal belongings from damage and theft.
There are limitations to renters insurance coverage, and it all depends on whether damage was caused by a covered event, known as an "insurance peril." An insurance peril refers to a specific event that determines whether or not you'll be covered against damage. Common insurance perils include fire, storm, and theft.
Does renters insurance cover mold damage?
Renters insurance covers water damage as a result of a named peril (or covered event). Yael Wissner-Levy, vice president of communications at Lemonade Insurance, said that as a renter, you are protected from anything that suddenly causes water damage without any prior known issues, like the accidental overflow of water or steam from plumbing, heating, AC, or sprinkler systems.
As for mold, if it's a result of water damage from a covered peril - such as a burst pipe, wind, or hail storm - it may be covered under renters insurance. Mold needs time to grow, along with warm weather, which is why you normally see mold after a hurricane.
If mold is not related to a peril, then most renters insurance companies will deny coverage for mold damage. If mold is a result of your own negligence, it will not be covered.
Renters insurance typically covers these events (perils):
- Fire or lightning
- Windstorm or hail
- Explosion
- Riots
- Aircraft
- Vehicles
- Smoke
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Falling objects
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam
- Sudden and accidental tearing, cracking, burning, or bulging
- Freezing
- Sudden and accidental damage due to short circuiting
- Volcanic eruption
Source: Data from The Zebra and Lemonade
Mold damage from flood and sewer lines requires separate coverage
Flood damage is not covered under renters insurance and requires separate flood insurance. Mold from backup or sewer lines isn't covered, but you may be able to get coverage as an add-on rider.
If your home gets mold as a result of a flood or sewer damage, you may not be covered unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.
How to file an insurance claim for mold due to water damage
Follow these steps for filing a claim with your renters insurance company:
- Contact insurance carrier.
- Contact your landlord. The landlord is responsible for damage to the building and structure.
- Take pictures or video of the damage and where it is located.