Toxic mold a costly problem

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Toxic mold a costly problem

reported by TaneyLast updated: February 11, 2004 10:44 PM

COLLIER COUNTY, February 11, 2004— It starts with black spots on your wall, the next thing you know you're out tens of thousands of dollars. Clean up claims for mold insurance are through the roof in Florida. State Farm reports, claims have quadrupled over the past few years. Because of the surge in claims, many insurance companies no longer pay for mold clean-up unless you catch the problem early.

Just a few years ago, Deborah Calloway had a clean bill of health."Perfect health. I was on the go 24-7 nothing was wrong," said Calloway.And then, high levels of mold were found in her Florida home.Doctors said the mold made her sick. She lost part of her lung and lost most of her savings to clean up the mold.It's a story mold tester Fulkerson knows all too well."A lot of sad people, their insurance companies won't pick that up," said Fulkerson.Most Florida insurance companies won't pay for mold cleanup, meaning the bill, which can be as much as $20,000, is left up to the homeowner."It becomes very stressful and a financial burden as well," said Fernandez of UTESTEM, Inc.It's an issue Florida legislators are trying to deal with.Right now, a mold workgroup made up of state representatives has begun conducting research by interviewing victims and insurance providers."To really get a feel on how big of a problem it is," said Representative Mike , R-District 101.For people like Calloway, it can't get much worse than failing health and an empty bank accountCourt battles between homeowners and insurance companies have also skyrocketed. Nationwide more than 10,000 cases are pending.Your best bet to protect your self from paying for a big clean up is early detection. If you find the problem early enough, insurance companies are more likely to pick up the bill. It's the cases that go undetected for months insurance companies won't touch.Florida Home Mold and Mildew GuideMold information from the CDC