The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported more than 353,500 residential fires across the U.S. in 2023, which resulted in about $8 billion in property loss. Not only are homeowners subjected to the immediate danger of flames, but the secondary effects of smoke damage are also significant, as smoke creates perfect conditions for mold spores to thrive. This can easily happen when water is used to extinguish the flames!
For homeowners in Idaho Falls, knowing how insurance applies to mold removal after fire and smoke damage is important. This blog will discuss the relationship between smoke and mold, when mold is covered by homeowners' insurance, what to do after a fire, and how professional mold damage restoration in Idaho Falls can help you return to your home quickly and safely.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold?
The Short Answer: Sometimes. Homeowners' insurance may cover mold removal, but it depends. If the mold is the result of a sudden and accidental event, such as a fire and subsequent water damage, mold removal is often covered. However, if mold is caused by neglect, continual moisture, or poor maintenance, it is typically not covered.
Let’s break down the common situations:
- Covered: Mold caused by using water to extinguish a fire.
- Not Covered: Mold caused by poor ventilation or leaks that have existed for a long time and were never addressed.
- Maybe Covered: Mold found when cleaning fire damage, including smoke and soot, caused by the water used when firefighters extinguished the fire.
Always check the mold endorsement or fungi (limited) sections of your homeowners insurance policy. Some policies include limited coverage for mold ($5,000–$10,000), while others won’t cover mold at all unless you have purchased an endorsement.
The Importance of Professional Mold Removal in Idaho Falls
Attempting to remove mold can be a risky endeavor. In addition to typical DIY remediation worsening the mold problem, it can void your insurance coverage if the mold worsens. The mold remediation process includes:
- Moisture mapping and assessment
- Mold containment and removal
- Air filtration utilizing HEPA equipment
- Cleaning and sanitizing the areas impacted by the mold damage
- Structural drying and restoration
If you search for mold damage restoration near me, make sure the provider is certified, insured, and has experience working directly with insurance companies.
From Smoke Damage to Mold – This Can Be An Insurance Battle
Even if the mold stems directly from the fire and smoke damage, the insurance company may try to deny or limit your claim. Some common reasons an insurance company may give include:
- The mold is considered "maintenance-related."
- Not enough time has lapsed to report the mold problem
- Lack of documentation
- Did not use licensed restoration professionals
Utilize a professional mold damage restoration company in Idaho Falls to conduct a thorough inspection and report of your home for post-water-smoke damage. Retain receipts, photographs, and reports from experts to prove that the mold is a result of the water used to extinguish the fire. Have the restoration contractor speak directly to the claims adjuster and provide technical documentation.
Immediate Actions to Take to Prevent Mold
The two most important factors in both securing a successful insurance claim and preventing continued mold growth are documentation and speed. Specifically, here’s what you need to do:
- Report the Claim to Your Insurance Company
It is important to contact your insurance company immediately after the fire and before clean-up efforts. Report the fire, as well as any visible smoke or water damage. Confirm what your insurance policy defines as coverage specifically for mold. Take detailed photos of all visible damage before beginning any clean-up.
- Seek a Professional for Inspection
Independent inspection and property damage restoration professionals understand that mold grows in hidden places. Even if mold is not yet visible, an inspection can identify moisture at its source and even prevent mold risks before they begin to grow or spread. This will be the key to your insurance claim, and mold will cause more property damage the longer it grows.
- Start Water and Smoke Damage Mitigation
If there is extensive destruction, certified restoration specialists will dry out the property using industrial-sized dehumidifiers, clean and remove soot and smoke, and record moisture levels to document for an additional mold claim.
- Get a Written Report
Ask your restoration team to review and respond in writing regarding whether any windows were opened and if the mold originated from the water used to suppress the fire. That information will be critical to supporting your case in your insurance claim.
Why Time is Important
Time is crucial when dealing with mold recovery. If you delay cleaning up mold, it can become progressively worse, often causing extensive damage and seriously impacting your health. Mold spores can:
- Trigger allergic responses and respiratory distress
- Compromise structural materials
- Destroy furnishings, flooring, and personal belongings
- Spread to previously unaffected areas of your home
By promptly hiring a residential mold damage restoration company, you can identify and contain the moisture issue early and get reimbursed by your insurance company as feasibly as possible.
Choose A Restoration Company That Works with Insurance
Hiring a company that has experience with mold and water damage restoration in Idaho Falls is a good place to start getting support with the complexities and processes of submitting your claim. They know how to:
- Speak insurance language
- Provide the right amount of documentation
- Complete mold remediation steps that insurance companies approve
They also provide the most important service, i.e., restoring your home to a safe and healthy condition so you can move back in comfortably.
Take Action & Stay Safe with Rainbow Restoration of Idaho Falls
One of the least anticipated aspects of smoke and fire damage is the opportunity for mold to grow. Mold poses a risk to your family’s health as well as the integrity of your home. Insurance coverage for mold exists, and it may apply to your situation. It all comes down to how quickly you act, the documentation you gather, and a knowledgeable restoration company.
Don’t let delays or assumptions cost you thousands in unrecoverable repairs. If your home has suffered smoke damage, be proactive, promptly inspect, report, and hire a professional to identify both visible and hidden damage.
Rainbow Restoration of Idaho Falls is your trusted local specialist in fire, smoke, and emergency mold damage restoration in Idaho Falls. We have spent many years and resources performing remediation for both residential and commercial properties. All of our technicians are certified and trained in the latest tools and methodologies to ensure your property is safe, clean, and free of mold.
Whether you need emergency cleanup, a detailed inspection, or complete mold damage restoration services in Idaho Falls, we can help! Our team will work directly with your insurance company, provide comprehensive documentation, and restore your property with purpose.
Are you looking for a dependable team of professionals? Contact us now for recovery from damage and peace of mind.
