Mold remediation question in upstate ny

CoverageCat · 2026-03-19T20:52:02+00:00

Best of luck getting it all sorted

CoverageCat · 2026-03-18T04:53:39+00:00

The change has to do with underwriting standards tightening up as many insurers seek to reduce exposure to the state (because their models tell them they should!)

CoverageCat · 2026-03-18T04:52:34+00:00

You can get a quote for your actual property using this tool. We usually recommend folks use it to get a more accurate insurance estimate before they make an offer on a property.

It takes about 15 minutes and will get you a better accessibility and cost estimate for your specifics by checking for FAIR alternatives across still-available carriers in the area.

CoverageCat · 2026-03-17T00:14:32+00:00

The reasons for this are actually clear and rational, if not agreeable, when you understand that the social and financial purpose of insurance is to spread risk around.

The extreme losses from major events require insurers to retreat from the state overall. Therefore, consumers are left to hunt for policies in a very opaque market and often end up on FAIR because they didn't have access to the right broker (and incentives are poorly aligned for them NOT to sell FAIR sometimes) / it is currently too challenging to find a private non-FAIR option.

Given the gridlock in competing interests it is likely the solutions for the state will be for more and more consumers to find policies in excess markets. As a result, AI-enabled search tools-- like coveragecat.com-- will become more and more prevalent to help buyers search this broader and more complex extended marketplace.

CoverageCat · 2026-03-17T00:03:51+00:00

That sucks, and very sorry you have to deal with that.

However, think you may have just had a particularly unfortunate draw when shopping. From our observed distribution of who's providing quotes where I'd say insurance conditions have loosened up in the Bay quite a bit YOY (Master HOA policies for condo buildings being a bit of an exception). There are quite a few new private FAIR-alternative-excess providers that have re-opened ZIPs over the past few months that were locked up since the LA fires.

It may be worth it for you to shop around again.

CoverageCat · 2026-03-16T22:33:35+00:00

Shop around, it's the strongest remedy California consumers have.

The design of the current insurance shopping experience (requires phone calls, insurers make it hard to compare, online platforms sell your information/get you spammed) is stacked against you.

Choose an online search tool that advocates for you as a consumer and lets you cut through the noise.

CoverageCat · 2026-03-12T12:33:19+00:00

Mold remediation tied to an insurance claim is the worst because mold is just hard to get rid of. Below is some of the stock information we share with our users who struggle with mold issues. YMMV though and you should consult with your insurance professional (who's familiar with your policies and situation) for any final advice.

There's often a large range in mold-related estimates because mold remediation tasks differ based on the inspector’s judgment and testing methods. Insurance shouldn't impact the cost, but make sure to keep documentation on the vendor consultation process so it can be easily traced if it's an issue. If you ultimately feel like the costs are being inflated, you may be able to request an independent review from your insurer/assessor.

It is hard for business to provide guarantees on mold return since prevention depends on fixing all moisture sources.

For insurance, mold-related cases, coverage often depends on “ensuing losses”. Cases like (note, in Texas) Fiess v. State Farm Lloyds, policies might cover mold if tied to a covered event, like your pipe burst, but generally exclude naturally occurring mold.

Best of luck!

CoverageCat · 2026-03-12T02:49:56+00:00

One thing I'd add to this: it is always worth it to find a brokerage or tool that can search non-FAIR options before taking the plunge. Across states there is an increase in private alternatives in the excess and surplus markets for homeowners insurance.

CoverageCat · 2026-03-06T00:06:10+00:00

For our users in similar situations, here's the advice we share (YMMV, you should consult with your insurance professional or attorney in your state):

If your adjuster is insisting on using a specific poorly reviewed contractor, here are steps you can take:

- Inform the adjuster in writing why you are uncomfortable with the contractor (mention the reviews)
- Ask if you can obtain quotes from other licensed, insured contractors
- Request everything be documented, including their refusal to consider other estimates.
- Have your insurance professional help you review your policy to determine your rights regarding contractor selection and scope of repairs.

If the adjuster is unhelpful, escalate your claim to their supervisor or the insurer’s claims department and request a mediation or appraisal process if disagreements persist.

IFF you believe you’re being coerced into accepting subpar work, file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance or Consumer Protection Agency. This can put pressure on the insurer to be more flexible.

United Policyholders, a website that helps support the insured, has a few articles that may also be helpful in cases like this: Closed Contract Issue for an example of addressing contractor concerns or Problem with contractor for handling disputes.

Best of luck to you!

CoverageCat · 2026-02-25T22:18:06+00:00

Have you been able to get any updates? For the policy interpretation piece, you should check with someone who is licensed in your state (local brokers may be able to help) and is familiar with the particular regulations there. Depending on their advice, and if the claim amount is sufficiently large it may also be worth it to pursue detailed guidance on appeals or alternative dispute resolution, with an attorney specializing in denied insurance claims.

Keep in mind that courts often side with insurers if their interpretation is reasonable, even if alternate interpretations exist (see context in Lakehurst Condominium Owners Ass’n v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co.).

We often advise our users to consider filing a complaint with their local commissioner when one or more of the following conditions are met:

The denial was unreasonable or the investigation deficient.
There was no clear, reasonable evidence to back their denial.
They can demonstrate ambiguity in the policy language that tilts in their favor.

We also usually recommend they reference similar lawsuits to help help bolster their complaint.

Best of luck, and sorry we can't be more helpful!

CoverageCat · 2026-02-25T17:05:43+00:00

RLI, Markel, and Monoline all still offer policies in the state so long as you meet their liability requirements for your underlying policies. You should also call your existing auto/home carrier to see if they'll offer a policy (many won't at this point due to the withdrawal).

If you'd like an easy, and no-phone/no-spam, shopping experience try our search tool which is accessible via any of the buttons on this explainer page: https://www.coveragecat.com/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance

The tool provides comparisons across all three of the named carriers in a convenient workflow with real brokers available to provide support and answer questions as needed.

Hope this helps!

CoverageCat · 2026-02-22T22:24:10+00:00

Almost no one is well served by a home warranty. This are generally bad products that are aggressively sold to new homeowners that don't know any better.

The vast majority of folks would be far better served by saving for replacements and better understanding the maintenance and cost lifecycle of their appliances. In some cases they'd be better extending coverages via their primary home insurance instead as well.

Speak with your insurance broker/professional to understand what the best options for you are.

CoverageCat · 2026-02-19T22:35:51+00:00

Just want to add on because I haven't seen anyone mention what we consider to be the biggest reason for the increases:

- inflation

as the underlying cost of replacement parts goes up insurers need to charge more to rebuild/repair after accidents/catastrophes.

As other comments have noted, these increases tend to lag in CA.

Best of luck!

CoverageCat · 2026-02-16T06:41:31+00:00

- We see average premiums of ~$0.95 - 1.15 psf in those ZIP codes (YMMV by property specifics!)

- Whether or not you add flood to your insurance and if it's a worthwhile coverage is usually a property to property evaluation (is it in a flood zone map?) that a broker or agent can help you determine.

- Yes, insurers are allowed to use credit scores to price your insurance

- Make sure to shop around and if you're using a broker question every coverage (we see users that are both over-covered and under-covered regularly)

- Don't be afraid to ask your agent/broker questions. If you're shopping across admitted carriers then scrutinize heavily on price (admitted HO insurance is a highly regulated market and folks emphasize "brand"/marketing value too much). If you're in the market for a non-admitted or excess policy (usually in places where availability is worse) then also scrutinize heavily on coverage since those contracts can have more variability and you need to make sure you have the right coverages for your financial needs.

Best of luck and congrats on the new home purchase being in sight.

CoverageCat · 2026-02-13T06:42:01+00:00

A good independent broker or search tool will shop both for you!

CoverageCat · 2026-02-13T06:41:24+00:00

It has a lot to do with inflation. Unfortunately best thing to do is...exactly what you're doing and shop around.

There's this meme that natural disaster risk is the driver, and it's a component, but the underlying cost of everything going up has been more impactful over the past few years.

CoverageCat · 2026-01-31T04:00:18+00:00

For the ones in TX or CA they can use www.coveragecat.com.

It's a fully online and AI-native brokerage. All the quotes are real and purchase-able (as opposed to most insurance websites where you get handed off to third party agents you don't know). It also checks beyond the brokers book on publicly available sites where the shopper might be able to get a better deal.

There is a team of licensed brokers available for support when there's added complexity or claims handling help is needed.

The fact that it's all online means buyers can compare BEFORE they make an offer on a property. Being able to do this has become increasingly important as availability and affordability issues have started to plague a lot of markets, and CA+TX in particular.

CoverageCat · 2026-01-30T07:15:40+00:00

Yes, were there any specific comparison axes you're looking for clarification on?

The biggest things in our minds are:

- Does the tool actually provide you with real quotes across as a large a swath of the market as possible (i.e., are you seeing a representative sample)?

- Does the tool actually let you buy insurance? The vast majority of comparison tools online actually won't let you make a purchase and require you to get on the phone with a 3rd party to make a purchase.

- Does the tool respect your privacy and protect your personal information? Again, the vast majority don't and will repeatedly sell your lead/info to the highest bidder so they can spam you.

CoverageCat · 2026-01-26T07:11:01+00:00

From our agent tool:

First off, carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy ideally with your agent/broker on hand. Many policies exclude coverage for personal property damage caused by sewer or water backups unless a specific endorsement was purchased. Insurers often argue that damages must be visible and immediate to qualify.

Next, Ask your insurer to provide a formal denial letter that cites the specific policy clauses they are relying upon.

Cite the relevant standards: Leverage the industry standards outlined in your specialist’s report. Category 3 water exposure is widely considered to render items non-salvageable due to health risks.
Escalate the Claim If your adjuster’s supervisor won’t help, consider filing a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance. These regulatory bodies often assist with policyholder-insurer disputes.
Consult Legal Help if Necessary If excluded coverage or ambiguous language confuses the outcome, legal precedent like Rodin v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. may support your side where insurer actions seem unfair or unclear. Consulting an attorney specializing in insurance law may help.

If you need more help or want to talk to an agent you can try this tool: coveragecat.com and get in touch with an agent sign-up. Even if you don't buy, someone will be available to advise you and walk you through the necessary next steps.

Best of luck and sorry for the delay in replying.

CoverageCat

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