How the Insurance Industry Can Solve our Nationwide Mold Problem.

AuthorElrubino, Micha
PositionGUEST ARTICLE

Most individuals are probably unaware of what insurance coverage they have for mold growth, and anything they do know is hazy at best. Unfortunately, by the time people start to consider what their mold coverage is, they're facing a current colonization problem. It's an unfortunate and generalized fact of modern-day life.

While society doesn't yet consider mold a prevalent problem, that doesn't mean it isn't one. Most individuals will experience some type of mold exposure during their lives, and it's often right in their own homes or businesses. As research regarding mold continues to evolve, we too must adapt to the times to better treat and prevent this fungi's growth. With the average human breathing in over 20,000 breaths a day, and most of these taken inside, air quality is immensely important; even if it's not widely discussed or thought of.

That's why insurance coverage is so pivotal. By fostering a new system that focuses on building mold awareness and protection for clients, the insurance industry can assist in creating a safer indoor environment for all.

EDUCATING CLIENTS

A great first step in creating a better system overall would be to help clients understand what mold is, how mold can affect their lives, and what coverage they have should a mold problem develop. Mold can happen to anyone, in any home, and at any time. By explaining how this affects the indoor air quality, the cost of remediation, and the potential impact on their health from exposure, individuals will be able to make educated decisions on how much coverage they need.

In the current system, mold insurance is a bit muddled. As mold insurance is not mandatory for home insurance policies, some people may not have coverage at all. It's often an add-on that many may not even consider when building a policy. Outlining the importance of coverage and the options available can help policyholders ensure they'll be protected should a mold event occur. They shouldn't just stop at mold and fungal insurance, though.

Weaving in other policies like property damage, flood damage, loss of use, and personal damage can help mitigate what could be an expensive remediation treatment. Mold knowledge and research continue to advance, and remediation techniques follow suit. What used to cost a few thousand dollars for treatment may now easily exceed $10,000. It's not just about eliminating a single spot of mold. It's finding all of the areas with issues, remediating the mold, fixing the...

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