Mold growth can be insidious, often hidden from plain sight until significant damage occurs. When you finally file a claim, your insurance company may argue that the mold was present before your policy went into effect, thus denying coverage. How do you prove otherwise?
How insurance policies usually work
Insurance companies typically distinguish between:
- Sudden mold outbreaks: Often covered (burst pipe flooding).
- Long-term mold growth: Usually denied (ongoing leak, poor ventilation)
- Hidden mold problems: Coverage disputes arise when mold develops in concealed areas.
Florida’s humid climate creates perfect conditions for mold growth. Insurance companies know this and often include specific mold exclusions in their policies.
The law limits mold coverage to $10,000 unless you purchase additional protection. This cap applies even when the mold results from a covered water damage event.
How pre-existing mold impacts your claim
When insurance companies spot mold, they frequently argue it existed before the current damage occurred. This classification as “pre-existing” gives them grounds to deny your claim. They might say:
- The mold developed over time due to maintenance neglect.
- The damage happened outside the policy period.
- The mold resulted from unresolved previous issues.
- The growth stems from construction defects not covered by your policy.
- The mold relates to excluded causes like flooding or humidity.
Florida law requires insurance companies to act in good faith when handling claims. If an adjuster immediately dismisses your case without proper investigation, this may violate your rights.
What to do
Documentation becomes your strongest ally. Take dated photos of the damage, maintain repair records and keep all communication with your insurance company. If you suspect the denial is unjustified, request the specific policy language they use to deny coverage.
Many successful claims hinge on proving that the mold directly resulted from a sudden, accidental event covered by your policy and not from gradual deterioration or pre-existing conditions. This can be challenging to prove without the help of a legal professional, so make sure to have a skilled attorney on your side when pursuing a mold damage claim.