Mold Insurance Claims in Washington

In short: Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner notes that most homeowners policies don't cover mold, though some offer limited coverage. Mold is most likely to be covered when it results from a sudden, accidental event the policy covers, like a burst pipe, and least likely when it comes from a slow leak, long-term humidity or flooding. Many policies cap mold payouts with a sublimit.

When mold is often covered

• A burst or frozen pipe
• A sudden appliance failure, like a water heater or washing machine supply line
• Water from putting out a fire
• A sudden roof leak caused by a covered storm

Even then, coverage is typically tied to the water claim and may be limited by a mold sublimit in the policy.

When mold is usually not covered

• Slow, ongoing leaks under a sink or behind a shower that went unrepaired
• Long-term humidity and condensation, including most attic and crawl space mold in Bothell homes
• Lack of maintenance: clogged gutters, failed caulk, disconnected bath fans
• Flooding from the Sammamish River, North Creek or other surface water. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood; that needs separate flood insurance
• Delay. If a covered leak isn't dealt with promptly, the mold that follows can become a point of dispute

Renters insurance typically doesn't cover mold either, though it may cover some damaged belongings depending on the cause.

How to document a mold claim

1. Stop the water and protect the property

   Policies expect reasonable steps to prevent more damage. Shut off the water and start drying, but don't throw anything out yet.

2. Photograph and video everything

   The source, every wet or moldy area, damaged belongings, and the date. Before cleanup, not after.

3. Report it promptly

   Call your insurer or agent, get a claim number, and ask directly about mold coverage and limits.

4. Get a written assessment

   The cause, moisture readings, affected materials and square footage, and a line-item scope. Adjusters respond to specifics. Our inspections.

5. Keep every receipt

   Emergency drying, plumbing repairs, temporary housing, testing and remediation invoices.

6. Get clearance in writing

   A post-remediation verification report closes the loop. About clearance testing.

If your claim is denied

• Ask for the denial in writing, citing the specific policy language
• Compare that language with the cause shown in your documentation
• Ask your agent whether an endorsement or rider applies
• Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner offers consumer help with insurance questions and complaints. See their homeowner insurance and mold page, linked below

Protecting yourself before the next storm

• Read your policy's mold, water-damage and water-backup sections
• Ask about water backup coverage (for sewer and sump pump backups) and a separate flood policy if you're near the river or creeks
• Fix slow leaks and moisture problems early. Gradual damage is the most common reason mold isn't covered

Water in the house right now? Start with the first-48-hours steps on our mold after water damage page.

Sources

1. Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner – Homeowner insurance and mold
2. NerdWallet – Does homeowners insurance cover mold?
3. Progressive – Does homeowners insurance cover mold?