Fungus Among Us: The Hidden Dangers of Aspergillus in Your Home

Aspergillus is a mold commonly found in homes across the United States. For people with underlying illnesses or weakened immune systems, Aspergillus can be dangerous. Unfortunately, a standard homeowners insurance policy generally won’t cover cleanup and mitigation efforts to address this mold. 

If your Aspergillus mold stems from water damage that was both sudden and accidental (like a burst water heater), your insurance may offer coverage. Payouts are typically limited. If you don’t take steps to clean up the mess and keep mold from growing, getting your money from your insurance provider could be hard. 

Is Aspergillus Mold Dangerous?

Aspergillus mold is a bluish-white fungus that grows in circles or dots that expand and blacken when exposed to oxygen. 

In studies, researchers found Aspergillus in many of the homes they examined. Close to 18% of houses in one study had been exposed to this type of mold.[1] If you’re struggling with these spores, you’re certainly not alone. Sometimes, you could get sick from areas contaminated with Aspergillus. 

If you spot this type of mold within your home, it’s critical to take action. Your next steps will depend on the mold’s cause. 

Dangers depend on your underlying health, but Aspergillus has been linked to several serious issues, including the following:[2]

• Heart damage 
• Allergic asthma
• Pneumonia 
• Bronchitis 

Aspergillus and Homeowner’s Insurance 

Most standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover mold growth, including Aspergillus.[3] Insurance companies consider this a home maintenance issue. In other words, your provider expects you to keep your home clean and dry enough that mold won’t grow. 

Insurance companies do recognize that even the most diligent homeowners can’t eliminate all sources of water. That’s why most policies offer some protection for water intrusion and mold. 

When It’s Covered 

Most homeowner policies cover water damage—and associated mold—when the water entrance is sudden and accidental.[4] If your pipes burst, your water heater fails, or your toilet overflows, the water damage and resulting mold could be part of your coverage. 

Even with coverage, risks exist. Your insurance company expects you to do your part to stop the water from flowing in. You’re also expected to do your best to clean up the mess so mold won’t grow. If you don’t take these steps, your insurance company could fight you and getting the damage covered could be tough. 

Your policy might also include coverage limits. In Florida, for example, policies often cap mold damage at $10,000.[5] You may need much more money to fix all of the issues within your home. 

When It’s Not Covered 

Most homeowner policies don’t cover water damage—and associated mold—that stems from gradual leaks or water seepage. If your pipes have a slow leak that allows Aspergillus to blossom, the company may not cover it. 

Your mold may also not be covered if the water entered due to flooding or a storm surge.[6] You will need a special policy just for flood-based damage for this type of problem. A standard policy is usually not sufficient.

Aspergillus can be sneaky and hard to spot, and sometimes, people don’t notice problems until months later. Some homeowners discover that their policies won’t pay for the damage because the insurance company determined the water entered before the home was purchased.[7] 

How to File an Aspergillus Mold Claim

Read your policy carefully, and you may discover that your Aspergillus problem is part of a covered event. Filing a claim is critical.

Take these steps to file a mold-based claim:[4]

1. Report the water immediately. Even if you don’t see Aspergillus yet, contact your insurance company and explain that fluid has entered your home and you want to file a claim. 
2. Document the damage. Create a spreadsheet with a list of all the items that are wet. Include possessions, carpets, walls, and anything else that’s damaged. Use photos to prove that things really are as you’re describing them. 
3. Stop the water. Find the leak and plug it. The fix can be temporary (such as shutting off the water supply to a broken appliance), but it should be immediate. 

Claims can take time to resolve. Work closely with your home insurance inspector and allow in-person visits and investigations. 

While your claim moves forward, do your part to dry all wet areas.[6] Use fans, dehumidifiers, and other air circulation tools to aid the process. These steps can keep mold spores from growing. 

What Happens if Your Claim Is Denied? 

Insurance companies may be reluctant to pay for Aspergillus cleanup, even if it comes from a covered event. After your insurance adjuster’s visit, you may get a notification that your claim has been denied. 

Don’t despair. Start by calling your adjuster. Explain that you believe the mold stems from a covered event, and point to your photos and spreadsheet to prove your point. If you’re still not satisfied, contact your state’s department of insurance.[8] That organization could help you to resolve the problem. 

If you’re still unsatisfied, you could hire a lawyer to help you. Some professionals will take cases like this without an advance payment. They’ll get paid only when you do, but they will take a portion of your payouts too. If you have a strong case, attorneys will be willing to take the risk.

How to Prevent Aspergillus

Mold spores in the Aspergillus family are incredibly common, and they’re found almost everywhere. You can’t get rid of all of them within the home. You can ensure that they don’t get large and spread. 

Take these steps whenever you spot moisture in your home:[9]

• Remove the source of water. 
• Close doors, windows, and other contamination sources, so the spores don’t spread. 
• Done rubber gloves and an N-95 mask. 
• Apply a 70% alcohol solution to damp or moldy areas. 
• Wipe that alcohol away. 
• Apply detergent to the spot. 

If you have underlying health conditions, such as asthma, don’t clean Aspergillus yourself. Since spores can be tiny, they may be present when you can’t see them. Ask someone to help you clean up the wet spots to keep mold from growing. If you’re in doubt about the safety of the situation, contact a professional to do the work.

You Can Deal With Aspergillus & Homeowners Insurance 

Look for moisture sources within your home, and deal with them as quickly as possible. These simple steps can help you stop mold from overtaking your home. 

Research your homeowners insurance policy thoroughly and ensure you have adequate mold coverage. If you don’t, ask your insurance agent for products that can keep your home safer, even if water intrudes.