In the Pink: How Home Insurance Deals With Pink Mold Issues

What we call pink mold is rarely mold at all. Often, it’s a type of bacteria that thrives in wet environments, but it can be a fungus known as Aureobasidium pullulans. It can also be other things, but those are the most common.

Regardless of its status as a mold or bacteria, the pink stuff growing on your walls and possessions is rarely covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. Most companies consider pink mold a maintenance issue. However, pink mold caused by a catastrophic event, such as a burst pipe, might be covered, and you should talk to your insurance company about filing a claim.

If the pink mold is spreading, you aren’t doing a good job of drying and cleaning your home. Your best bet is to keep typically damp environments, such as bathrooms, clean and well-ventilated. 

What Is Pink Mold?

When most people think about mold, they picture a fuzzy fungus growing on decaying materials. Biologists and insurance companies take a more expansive view.[1] They consider organisms growing within households in damp environments “molds,” even if they don’t technically come from mold spores. 

What we call pink mold is typically caused by three triggers:[2]

• Serratia marcescens is a bacterium that forms on damp surfaces and is typically found in sinks, shower tiles, and toilet bowls. This is the most common cause of pink mold. 
• Aureobasidium pullulans is a fungus that starts pink but turns brown in time. Although it’s typically found on organic materials, such as houseplants and wooden window frames, it can also be found in bathrooms. 
• Fusarium is a fungus that starts growing in houseplants and then moves to wallpaper or carpet.

Pink mold spots are typically very small and concentrated in wet areas, such as sinks and toilet bowls. Traditional mold is different, as it can grow anywhere that’s been damp for several days. While traditional mold is dangerous, it’s rarely covered by standard insurance plans. Neither is pink mold. 

How Do Pink Mold and Insurance Interconnect? 

Most standard home insurance policies don’t cover water damage caused by slow leaks or seepage.[3] Since pink mold often arises in wet, poorly ventilated spaces, it usually isn’t covered. 

Sometimes, pink mold problems appear after storm surges and flooding.[3] These events typically aren’t covered by standard insurance policies. To fully protect yourself, you’ll need a policy or rider specifically designed for floods.

For mold protection, ask your insurance company about specific mold riders. Sewer backup and flood plans also offer additional protection against mold caused by events not covered in a standard homeowners policy.

Pink mold may be covered if it came from a covered event. Typically, covered events are sudden and unpreventable. Examples of events most insurance companies would cover include:

• Burst pipes 
• Broken water heaters 
• Fires put out with water 
• Appliance malfunctions 

There isn’t much variation in mold coverage between insurance companies. This chart makes the similarities clear:[4-6] 

	Covered Events	Not-Covered Events
Progressive	Water heater bursting and fire extinguished with water	Long-lasting pipe leaks and poorly sealed windows
Liberty Mutual	Burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, and fire extinguished with water	Leaky faucets, poorly sealed windows, and poor ventilation
Nationwide	Burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, broken water heater, and fire extinguished with water	Leaky bathroom fixtures, poor ventilation, broken roof gutters, and flooding

Coverage is also the same from region to region. Whether you live in Alaska (which has the highest humidity in the United States) or Nevada (which has the lowest), average plans don’t differ.[7] Lisa Koosis, a former claims specialist, says, “Although mold coverage doesn’t vary widely between regions, the need for riders that provide extra protection does. If you live in an area prone to humidity or flooding, laying out a few extra dollars to purchase a mold coverage rider can potentially save you big in the long run.”

How to Prevent Pink Mold 

If pink mold and homeowners insurance don’t interconnect, you should consider a mold-busting prevention plan.

The National Science Foundation suggests these Serratia marcescens prevention tips:[8]

• Open windows and turn on fans when you’re using the shower. 
• Spray down your shower or tub with a soap-removal cleaner after each use. 
• Wipe down the sides of your shower and your drain after each use. 
• Use a towel to dry tub spouts, faucets, and handles. 

If your bathroom doesn’t have an effective fan, install one. It’s a small investment that could dramatically reduce moisture levels in your home. Tell your insurance company when it’s installed, and ask if you can have an associated discount. 

Some insurance companies also reward consumers for leak detectors. If you’re notified the moment excess moisture enters your home, you can act on it promptly. 

How to File a Claim for Pink Mold 

If pink mold appears in several spots within your house and stems from a covered event, it could be time to file a claim. Mold claims aren’t always easy to win, but they can save you money on significant cleanup projects. 

Follow these tips to file a mold claim:[3]

• Report water damage immediately: Customers are required to tell their insurance companies as soon as they see water within the home. If you delay reporting, the company could claim any subsequent mold is your responsibility. 
• Gather evidence: Take pictures and videos of the water inside your home. If pink mold is already growing, take photos of that as well. Make a list of any damaged items. 
• Make temporary repairs: Homeowners are expected to stop water from entering their homes and reduce mold risks, even if the event was covered. Take steps to prevent further issues and ensure future claims aren’t denied.
• File a claim: Claims can be filed over the phone, in person, or via mobile app, depending on your insurer. You should attach all relevant documentation. Some insurers may also request receipts to show the value of damaged items.

An insurance adjuster will come to your home to inspect the damage. Working closely with this professional can ensure your claim moves as smoothly as possible. 

How to Clean Up Pink Mold 

If the pink mold in your home comes in patches smaller than 3 feet by 3 feet, the EPA says it’s safe for homeowners to tackle the cleanup.[8] For smaller problems like this, you may be able to manage the issue on your own. For larger areas, hire a professional.

The National Science Foundation recommends these cleanup tips for Serratia marcescens:[9]

• Mix one part vinegar and one part water. 
• Spray the mixture onto pink mold areas. 
• Let it soak for 10 minutes. 
• Rinse the vinegar. 
• Scrub the area with a firm-bristled brush. 
• Disinfect with a spray made of 5 tablespoons of bleach in a liter of water. 

As you’re cleaning, remind yourself that pink mold is preventable. Installing ventilation may seem like a smart move if it means you can skip these steps in the future. 

Keep Your Home Safe From Mold of All Colors 

Read your insurance policy carefully and understand how mold is treated. If you don’t think you have enough coverage, ask your agent about beefing up your protection with additional riders or policies. 

Do your part as a homeowner to keep surfaces clean and dry. Check for leaks regularly and fix them promptly. You should also watch for signs of mold, such as a musty smell, fuzzy or discolored patches on walls and ceilings, or household members experiencing unexplained respiratory symptoms. These steps can ensure mold doesn’t get a foothold in your home.