If you are a home-owner in an area of the country that is hot and humid – such as Texas, Florida, Louisiana or California – you might be well-versed in the problem of mold.
Mold can be difficult and costly to remove, and for many Americans, the presence of mold in the house contributes to serious health problems, including:
- Allergies
- Respiratory illness
- Asthma
- Headaches
According to a story in the Wall Street Journal Online, many homeowners’ insurance carriers do not cover claims for mold damage, clean-up or removal. Homeowners in muggy regions have dealt with a lack of coverage for mold claims for many years.
In the period from 2001 to 2003, insurers were forced to pay heavy settlements for mold claims. As a result, many insurers began to limit or eliminate coverage for mold damage.
Policyholders in the Northeast and Midwest now are experiencing similar denial of coverage for mold claims. Many insured parties are receiving notice that their policies do not include coverage of mold damage.
Some insurers do offer “mold riders” for policies at a substantial charge. Policyholders should exercise caution when opting for such coverage to ensure the insurance company is not acting in bad faith, such as, offering coverage that is presented in unclear or misleading terms.
Visit our library to learn more about bad faith insurance issues.
If you have been denied coverage and believe you have a valid claim, contact an experienced attorney at our firm. We can evaluate your case for FREE, and there are NO FEES unless one of our personal injury lawyers wins your case.
