Homeowner's insurance covers mold damage if it was caused by a covered peril, as defined in the homeowner's insurance policy. Otherwise, a homeowner's insurance policy generally will not cover mold damage.

Homeowner's insurance policies generally don’t cover mold caused by a preventable water leak, flooding, or high humidity, for example. Similarly, homeowner's insurance policies don’t usually cover damages from mold caused by lack of maintenance.

But a homeowner's insurance policy will cover mold if it was caused by a covered peril, such as:

• fire

• lightning

• frozen pipes

• accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam from plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sprinkler systems, or household appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.)

• vandalism or malicious mischief

• damage caused by vehicles

• theft

• falling objects

• weight of ice, snow, or sleet.

In Wisconsin, as in many other states, homeowner's insurance policies may cover mold damage if it results from a 'covered peril' as specified in the policy. Covered perils typically include sudden and accidental events such as fire, lightning, frozen pipes, and accidental water discharge from household systems or appliances. Mold damage stemming from these incidents may be eligible for coverage. However, mold that develops due to preventable issues like persistent leaks, flooding, high humidity, or inadequate maintenance is generally not covered under standard homeowner's insurance policies. It's important for homeowners to review their specific policy details and consult with their insurance agent or an attorney to understand the extent of mold damage coverage under their policy.