Is That Mold? 3 Homeownership Issues Where Insurance Will Save the Day

Houses are complex structures with a lot of moving parts. It’s impossible to predict all the little mishaps and issues that will arise over the years due to accidents or wear and tear. I’m sure some people’s houses flood, you may think. But I just updated my plumbing so I’ll be fine. That may hold true, but savvy homeowners are always prepared for the unexpected. If you discover something has gone awry in your home, you may be left wondering whether your insurance policy will cover it.

Learn more about three situations that insurance may handle, and compare homeowners insurance quotes with CoverHound to make sure your policy has your back if your home ever sustains unexpected damage.

Mold: The Unexpected Visitor

The nose knows, and one day you may realize that the musty smell you’ve been noticing is a result of an unwelcome mold colony setting up residence in your home. Does homeowners insurance cover mold? It depends. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), mold caused by excess humidity, condensation or flooding is generally excluded from standard homeowners policies. However, if the mold problem arises as the result of a covered peril—like a bust pipe—it would also be covered.

If a pipe bursts in your home and you don’t want the mess to grow bigger than it already is, execute a swift cleanup. The Environmental Protection Agency writes that wet or damp areas cleaned up within 24 and 48 hours of a leak or spill will usually not grow mold.

Lightning Strikes Once, or More

It’s hard to sleep when you hear thunder cracking in the distance accompanied by bursts of bright light. While it’s not likely that your house will sustain a direct hit, lightning has been known to strike houses and start fires. Earlier this year, four homes in Southeast Wisconsin were struck during a seasonal storm, reported Fox 6. Firefighters were busy throughout the early morning putting out the resulting fires. Luckily nobody was injured.

It might help you rest easier knowing that lightning and fire are considered covered perils under standard homeowners insurance policies. Homeowners can also take measures to protect their belongings—particularly their expensive electronics—with surge protectors of the appropriate strength. It’s also important to look out for your personal safety during a lightning storm!

Heavy Snow and Ice

Winter storms tend to shake up your routine. It’s harder to get to work and the grocery store, walking the dog becomes an Arctic adventure and you must keep an eye out for damage to your property because of the turbulent conditions. Even if the flakes, sleet or hail have subsided, you’re not necessarily in the clear yet. A buildup of heavy snow or ice on the roof might be putting serious pressure on your home.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety reminds homeowners that non-damaged roofs can generally support about 20 pounds per square foot of snow without becoming stressed. This equates to about two feet of old snow. Luckily, many standard homeowners policies cover “damage to the house and its contents caused by the weight of snow or ice that creates a collapse,” per the III.

Are you prepared for the possible ups and downs of owning a home? Learn more about coverage options when you compare homeowners insurance quotes from CoverHound!