Water and Mold - Questions from the Insured

[fed up]

As far as my 'professional opinion' which you seem to dismiss because it doesnt align with what you want as an answer, your mold coverage limit is usually a dollar amount contained in your policy language. 'We will cover mold damage up to $X. The policies I am mist familiar with ( Allstate, Nationwide, Progressive) are limited to $5000. That is a finite limit paid to mold remediation. Once that amount is exceeded any balance for mold comes out of your pocket and is not covered by contents or structure coverage. Paint comes out of structure coverage. Furniture comes out of contents or personal property coverage. Your claim will break down how the amount was arrived at and that is where you would see carpet estimate. Do not force your carrier to dig in, you will lose. They are on your side but also have structural engineers, mold engineers, and attorneys who will work with you but will provide evidence against you if push comes to shove

 

[CampHamp]

I did sound dismissive. Sorry about that. I read all 80 pages of my HO policy and there was no breakdown of limits to the detail you described (like carpet maximum is $20/sqft). I hear now that you simply meant that “mold” will have a total limit and it does for me, too (and separate limits for personal property, dwelling and loss of use).

As mentioned, I have a mold rider providing a higher coverage limit. Painting is a large expense and now understand that amount will come out of “Dwelling” and will not impact the “personal property” or “mold” limits. #2 answered - Thanks!

Mold inspection is specifically covered by the rider, too. We’ve done that already and our adjuster said “ok” for me to claim that.

I was not clear in my question #3, but the Engineering Inspection is for a structural assessment (not mold) relating to water damages from the burst pipe. We’ll probably just get the guy in even if it comes out of our pocket. I now know that I cannot claim it. #3 answered - thanks again!

I guess all that remains is if anyone has negotiated mold damages to couches, mattresses, pillows, etc.? Visible mold on exterior can be wiped off, but what about mold spores or growth under the surface? I do not think the mattresses would be safe, but how is that typically agreed to in claims discussions?

Thanks again.

 

[fed up]

The carpet and other amounts will not be in your policy. They will be in the claim documents where your claim rep has done the diagrams of the damaged rooms and the list of allowances which will add up to the total amount offered on the check. Some items will be marked as 'depreciated' and generally require you to replace the item or complete the repair before you receive the depreciated amount. Make sure you get all copies of the claim documents from your advocate. I have seen claims where the carpet was estimated to cost $20/sq and was replaced with $30/sq which cuts into the total replacement check

 

[CampHamp]

I see. Thanks.

He is only now filing claimed items through his system. No payments have been made yet.

I will be sure to review claims docs alongside the payments. We have a replacement cost policy.

I was hoping that we would get cash for the things that we no longer want (like a baby stroller that was damaged) rather than having to buy one to get the full payment. In the worst-case, I could re-sell or maybe just return unwanted items (if that is allowed).

 

[leonard]

You mentioned mattresses. I have a wholesale account with one of the largest manufacturers, because of my business contact. Mattresses are extremely high profit. Extremely. If you replace them, if I can help, let me know. Also, adjustable beds.

 

[fed up]

I have had a similar issue back in the day, and when I called a Claims Adjuster from my carrier, he told me that he cannot help me with anything, as he doesn't have to do anything with it, and that annoyed me really really much. The things is that we were trying to get rid of that mold, and it would go away, and after a couple of days it would come back. At last, we decided to do a crawl space encapsulation, as we heard that it helps in preventing it. I had no idea how to do it actually, and I was thinking about calling for some specialists for this job, however due to the guide from Crawl Space Encapsulation - Complete Guide To Repair The Crawlspace I was able to do that on my own.

Nice spam. This was a burst pipe and mold remediation case, not mold build up in a crawl space. Not nearly the same issue.

 

[adjusterjack]

I have had a similar issue back in the day, and when I called a Claims Adjuster from my carrier, he told me that he cannot help me with anything, as he doesn't have to do anything with it, and that annoyed me really really much.

Then you don't know squat about your insurance.

 

[jadynshay]

Determining damage to furniture like mattresses and couches can be tricky. While mold testing might not always be needed, it's essential to inspect them thoroughly for any visible signs of mold growth. Your adjuster should guide you on evaluating and documenting the damage.
Interior painting after mold remediation typically falls under mold damage, as it's part of restoring the affected areas.
For professional help with water damage restoration, you might consider reaching out to [EXTERNAL LINK] - 24/7 Water Damage Restoration & Repair New York City. They offer comprehensive services to address water damage and mold effectively.

 

[fed up]

4 Years after the loss and an "expert" weighs in.