Mold is the result of standing water and excess moisture, which turns into a fungus that can cause severe damage to your home and even your health. Residents of South Carolina are no stranger to natural disasters that result in moisture, so it's important to make sure your home is protected against the risks of mold. 

Depending on the situation, your South Carolina homeowners insurance may not cover a mold incident in your home. Fortunately, South Carolina independent insurance agents are experts in home insurance and can make sure you have the best protection possible. But first, let's learn more about homeowners insurance and mold. 

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in South Carolina?

Homeowners insurance helps pay for any damage your home might sustain from a variety of risks and events. It does this through a package of policies that included damage to property and liability, as well as any injuries or property damage you might cause to other people while at your home. It even includes injuries caused by pets. A homeowners policy will cover the following claims.

• Property damage: This includes damage to your house and any structures on your property as a result of water, fire, and severe storms.
• Natural disasters: Not all natural disasters are covered, but damage from fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, and smoke are covered under typical home insurance.
• Standard home liability: Provides financial protection if someone is injured or their personal belongings are damaged while on your property. 
• Extra money for living expenses:  If the damage to your house temporarily displaces you from your home, most South Carolina homeowners insurance policies will pay for a hotel and other living expenses.
• Personal property coverage: Furniture, clothes, and personal property inside your home can be covered up to a certain amount.

Additional events that are typically covered under homeowners insurance include theft and vandalism, falling objects, damage from snow, ice, or sleet, and mold, as long as it's a covered peril. If a pipe burst and the water caused mold, it would be considered a covered peril. 

What Doesn't South Carolina Homeowners Insurance Cover?

With regard to mold, if it is the result of flooding or the homeowners negligence, it will not be covered. 

A standard homeowners policy in South Carolina also will not cover flooding or earthquakes. Both of these are additional policies that you can purchase, and they are recommended for most residents in South Carolina. Homeowners policies also will not cover damage that is a result of poor maintenance.  

What Policy Do You Need for Mold to Be Covered in South Carolina?

Unfortunately, there is not a specific home insurance policy you can purchase that will cover all incidents of mold. Coverage will be determined by the peril that caused the mold. If it is caused by a flood but you have flood insurance, then it will be covered. The following are commonly covered mold-causing events in a standard homeowners policy.

Seeing as South Carolina is home to continual severe weather events, homeowners should speak with an independent insurance agent to understand their risks of mold and to purchase the best possible coverage. 

Does South Carolina Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Remediation?

Mold remediation is the act of removing mold and repairing the damage that it caused in the home. Most standard policies will also include mold repair or removal, but it might not cover the full cost. According to insurance expert, Jeff Green, "Mold damage claims are subject to policy deductibles and limits." This means that even if the mold falls under a covered peril, your policy limits may affect the amount of coverage you receive for remediation. It's likely that a policy will put a cap on mold removal and remediation.

Are Certain Areas of a Home Restricted from Coverage? 

Fortunately, when you purchase South Carolina homeowners insurance, it covers your entire home. Restrictions are not based on locations or areas of your home, but more on the type of insurance you purchase and how well you maintain your home. When it comes to mold, if your laundry room develops mold from a leak from your washer because it was not routinely checked, it's likely that insurance will deny the claim. However, if your washer begins leaking while you're on vacation and you've got mold when you return, it will most likely be a covered peril. 

Homeowner Stats in South Carolina

South Carolina is home to more than 5 million residents. The state has more than 2.3 million housing units. Since this state prone to natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes, mold is a legitimate concern for homeowners. Here are some additional stats on homeownership and insurance in South Carolina.

In addition to hurricanes and tornadoes, the top risks for homeowners in South Carolina are ice storms and freezing, burglary and other property crimes, wildfires and residential fires, flooding, and water damage. 

How Can a South Carolina Independent Insurance Agent Help?

South Carolina independent insurance agents are experts in the field of homeowners insurance and what policies you need to protect your home. They work with a number of insurance carriers to pull different quotes that they can present to you. Since they're independent agents, they aren't tied to a specific carrier. Their sole interest is in finding you the home insurance policy you need at the best rates possible.