Will homeowners insurance policy cover the cost of repairs for damage from a leaking toilet?
Question Details:
Bought home about 10 years ago that had a toilet with marble cemented around the toilet base. When preparing to paint the adjoining bedroom it was discovered that the wallboard was moist. When investigated it was determined that the toilet had been leaking under the cemented in marble and had deteriorated walls and it appears black mold is present. Is the replacement of the wall materials and removal of the mold covered by the normal homeowners policy?
There are two particular parts of your policy that you want to review. First, most homeowners policies have a section called "Additional Coverages." Some policies under "Additional Coverages" will provide up to $10,000 in coverage for mold resulting from water discharge from plumbing. Second, in many policies under the exclusion for wear and tear or detoriation, there is an exception for water damage resulting from plumbing. Under that scenario, you should get coverage for the wall replacement.
Putting aside mold, many homeowners policies will provide coverage for water damage resulting from your plumbing, even if there is no coverage to actually repair your toilet. You should submit the claim to your insurer. It will then have a duty to investigate your loss.
Probably not in this case. Homeowner's insurance covers damage from a relatively sudden cause--a fire; hailstorm; wind damages; etc. Insurance usually does not cover damage from deterioration over time. Damage, including the growth of mold, from a slow leak over years is not the sort of loss or damage that homeowner's insurance normally covers.
However, there is no reason that you should not not check. You should carefully review your policy to see what it does and does not cover. (Insurance is a contract; the terms of the policy, which is the contract, will control or govern.) You also might call your insurer to either inquire into coverage, or even to simply submit a claim and see if its honored. You should be prepared for disappointment, however.
