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 Virginia, 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, accidental water discharge from household systems or appliances, vandalism, vehicle damage, theft, falling objects, and the weight of ice, snow, or sleet. However, mold damage that arises from preventable issues like routine leaks, flooding, high humidity, or poor maintenance is generally not covered under standard homeowner's insurance policies. Policyholders should review their individual insurance contracts for specific coverage details and exclusions related to mold damage.