Does Your Insurance Cover Mold?

February 18, 2002

WISC Channel3000.com

Wednesday February 13 08:39 PM EST

If you think your insurance policy protects your home from mold damage,

you're partially right.

Mold is not covered if it's a maintenance issue, but most policies will pay

if mold results from a covered loss, such as a burst pipe.

However, a jump in mold-related claims may force a change, News 3's Katy Sai

said.

The state Insurance Commissioner's Office recently approved a request giving

insurance companies the option of limiting mold coverage at $10,000.

It's still unclear which companies will take that option.

" I think consumers need to do the right thing of getting on the phone,

finding out from their agent what is or isn't covered, as well as the macro

issue of all of us doing a better job of managing water because the world

has changed, " Englund of Wisconsin Insurance Alliance said.

If your insurance company plans to take the new limitation on mold coverage,

they need to notify you 60 days before the change, Sai reported.

" It's also a good idea to check around to see which companies offer the best

coverage for you.

Moldy Madison Homes On The Rise

Madison schools aren't the only places with fears about health and property

damage from mold.

Local officials report a huge increase in the complaints and questions.

Building inspection and health officials said they used to get a handful of

mold-related calls a year; now they're getting around 30 per month.

Tenants like Angie Dalton have complained that mold growing in her apartment

made her sick. She moved out, but still wanted the city to look into the

problem.

To better handle calls like that, two city departments are teaming up to

share expertise and resources. For more information, check out the city of

Madison's Web site

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