Q. The mold scare in Texas years ago prompted us to buy add-on fungus and mold coverage, which we recently realized costs us $744 a year. We're not so scared now, so is that coverage necessary? If it is, how much coverage is usually provided by insurers, and how much should it cost?
A. Most standard homeowners policies exclude mold, unless the damage and needed repairs resulted from a covered peril, such as a burst pipe. One way to protect yourself against a mold problem is to buy add-on coverage called an endorsement, which can cost a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per year. The cost depends on the percent of damage the policy covers.
But because you're not so worried about mold anymore, we think a better and cheaper way to gain peace of mind is to drop that coverage and simply take steps to prevent a mold problem from developing in the first place by taking the steps below.
- Keep the humidity in your house between 30 and 60 percent by using air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
- Don't install carpets in damp areas, such as basements and bathrooms.
- Remove mold in bathrooms with a bleach/water solution, soap and water, and other cleaning products.
- Use mold-resistant paint.
- Be vigilant about repairing leaky pipes, faucets, and hoses.
- Hunt down sources of mold around the house, making sure to remove water and dry out damp areas as soon as you find them.
