While Canada’s Insurance Bureau of Canada sets general guidelines, coverage details vary significantly:
| Province | Average Coverage | Unique Laws |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $5k-$10k | Must prove mold caused health issues |
| British Columbia | $3k-$15k | Strata insurance conflicts are common |
Tenant vs Landlord: Recent Legal Precedents
2023 Alberta Court Decision (Smith v. LandlordCo) set new standards:
"Landlords must conduct annual moisture inspections in high-humidity zones"
Other notable cases:
- Toronto 2022: Tenant awarded $14k for health damages
- Montreal 2021: Illegal eviction over mold complaints
12 Burning Mold Insurance Questions (Answered by Canadian Experts)
1. Does condo insurance cover mold damage differently than home insurance?
Yes. Condo policies typically only cover mold within your unit's "improvements and betterments". Structural mold in common areas (walls, HVAC) falls on the condo corporation's master policy. Always review your strata bylaws.
2. Can mold in my rental unit void my tenant insurance?
Only if you concealed damage. Most insurers (TD, Intact) won't cancel policies for reported mold. However, repeated claims may increase premiums by 15-20%.
3. How long do I have to file a mold claim in Alberta vs. Ontario?
Alberta: 2 years from discovery (Limitations Act)
Ontario: 1 year (Insurance Act)
Tip: File within 72 hours for best approval odds.
4. Will mold removal affect my home insurance premiums?
Likely yes. 63% of Canadian insurers (Aviva, Allstate) increase premiums after mold claims. Average hike: $200-$500/year for 3-5 years.
5. Is black mold covered differently than regular mold?
No. Insurers classify mold by cause, not type. However, Stachybotrys (black mold) often requires pricier remediation ($75-$150/sq.ft).
6. What mold costs does CAA Insurance exclude?
CAA specifically excludes:
✅ Pre-existing mold
✅ Humidity-related growth
✅ Cosmetic repairs
Source: CAA Policy 4.12.3
7. Does flood-prone Vancouver require special mold coverage?
Critical. Standard policies exclude overland flooding. Add-ons like WaterGuard™ cover mold from floods. Average cost: $180/year.
8. Does TD Insurance require mold inspections for older homes?
Yes, if built pre-1985. TD mandates moisture scans ($450-$800) for homes over 40 years old. See requirements.
9. How to prove mold wasn't caused by negligence?
Provide:
1. HVAC maintenance records
2. Humidity logs (<50%)
3. Professional inspection reports
Note: 87% of successful appeals use third-party evidence.
10. Are temporary mold fixes covered during remediation?
Up to $1,000. Most insurers (RBC, Desjardins) cover:
✅ Air scrubbers ($75/day)
✅ Plastic containment ($200)
✅ Emergency drying
11. Does Airbnb insurance cover guest-caused mold?
Rarely. Standard STR policies exclude "gradual damage". Requires special endorsements. Document guest negligence immediately.
12. Can I deduct mold removal as a home office expense?
Only if work-related. CRA allows deductions if:
✅ Office is 10%+ of home
✅ Mold directly impacts workspace
Consult a tax pro first.
Need Emergency Mold Help?
Our team works with:
- Insurance adjusters
- Certified industrial hygienists
- Tenancy lawyers
📞 24/7 Hotline VR Restoration: +1 604-800-3900
Leave a Reply