Mildew Mishaps: How Home Insurance Can Help With Cleanup

Mildew is a type of mold.[1] Spores thrive in wet, damp environments. If you experience some type of leak or flood, you may notice patches of mildew growing close to the area. In time, it may spread to other parts of your home, and it can develop into a serious problem. 

Mildew will grow on wood, ceiling tiles, cardboard, carpet, and plenty of other surfaces within your home.[2] It’s very similar to mold, but important differences exist. This chart will help you understand how these spores work:[1,2]

Mold vs. Mildew 

	Mold	Mildew
Where does it grow?	Walls, concrete, damp fabrics, and building materials (like insulation)	Fabrics, wood, and paper
What color is it?	Black or green	Gray or white, turning brown
What shape is it?	Dots, circles, or finger-like	Spots or sheets
How tall is it?	Sometimes fuzzy and moss-like	Flat

Mildew and home insurance rarely get along. A standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover damage caused by either mold or mildew. Most plans consider spores a home maintenance issue.[3] 

It’s your job, as a homeowner, to clean up spills fast, so mildew spores don’t spread and grow. 

When Do Mildew & Homeowners Insurance Work Together? 

Sometimes, mildew grows due to events that are covered by a standard homeowners plan. 

Common events that could cause mildew that your insurance may cover include the following:[4]

• Burst pipe 
• Overflowing toilets 
• Broken washer lines 

If you have flood insurance, mildew cleanup could be part of your policy. If you have a sewer backup policy, mildew from that issue could also be part of your plan. 

When Is Mildew Not Covered?

A standard home insurance policy won’t cover mildew problems caused by storms. If wind and rain allow water to blow into your home, spores could grow and spread. A standard policy may not offer protection in this instance. 

No matter the reason for your mildew, your insurance company will ask you to do your best to prevent it. For example, if your pipes burst and you don’t try to clean up the mess, the company could deny your mildew claim. 

A homeowner dealing with damage after Hurricane Ian faced this problem. Her insurance company denied the mildew claim, saying she should have done more to prevent it.[5] 

A different homeowner dealing with hurricane-related mold damage faced a similar problem, as the company claimed some of the damage was caused by improperly installed items in the home.[6] 

It’s critical for all homeowners to look for leaks within the home and clean them up as quickly as possible. Preventing mold can ensure you don’t pay the price for a denied claim. 

How to File a Claim for Mildew Damage 

Read your policy carefully, and you may discover that mildew is part of your homeowners insurance policy. Contact your agent immediately and talk about how to file a claim. 

Take these steps to file a water-based claim:[7]

• Report water damage immediately. 
• Take photos and videos of the damage.
• Clean up the problem to prevent mold (with your agent’s permission).
• Remove damaged items to prevent mold, but don’t throw them away until your adjuster has seen them.

An adjuster will come out to view the damage firsthand. Work closely with this professional to ensure that the process moves as quickly as possible. 

How to Prevent Mildew Damage 

Mildew grows within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure.[2] It’s critical for you to do your part, as a homeowner, to ensure that spores don’t grow. Your insurance company may deny your claim if you don’t take these critical steps to mitigate the issue. 

These steps can help prevent mildew from growing:

1. Fix the leak. 
2. Mop up the fluid. 
3. Wipe down all surfaces with soap and water. 
4. Wash all fabrics in the washing machine. 
5. Remove anything you can’t clean and dry. 
6. Set up a dehumidifier. 

If you didn’t catch the problem in time and the mildew has spread, a professional may need to help you. Contractors have special cleaning tools and chemicals that can eliminate the spores and ensure that your home is truly safe. Even if you have to pay for this care yourself, it will likely be worthwhile. Your home may not be safe without it.[8] 

Learn More About Mildew & Homeowners Insurance 

Does your homeowners plan include coverage for mildew? How much protection do you have? It’s critical to read your plan and understand what is and is not covered. If you’re uncertain, contact your insurance provider.
If you don’t feel like your plan has enough coverage, ask your provider about additional policies. Flood insurance or sewer backup insurance could provide the protection you need when the worst happens.