Does a Home Warranty Cover Mold in 2026?

Home warranties don't typically cover mold, but they do cover the cost to repair many common causes of mold.

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Updated Sep 12, 2025 · 2 min read

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Home warranties don’t typically cover mold remediation, but they may cover many causes of mold formation, like leaking pipes or roofs, broken appliances or poor ventilation. Maintaining these systems and appliances can help prevent mold from becoming a problem.

Homeowners insurance may cover mold removal caused by sudden, covered events, such as a burst pipe, but it won’t cover the cost to replace the appliance or component.

» MORE: How home warranties work

What a home warranty covers

Home warranties are designed to cover a home’s systems and appliances, as opposed to homeowner’s insurance, which covers the home’s structures and the homeowner’s liability. A home warranty will typically cover:

HVAC, including heating systems, air conditioners, ductwork and exhaust fans.
Electrical components such as breaker box and panel, wiring and lines, as well as doorbells, outlets and light switches.
Garage door openers.
Ceiling fans.
Plumbing components, including gas lines, water lines and drain lines.
Plumbing stoppages.
Toilet components and parts.
Appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens, conventional ovens, ranges and cooktops, water dispensers, washing machines, dryers and garbage disposals.

Additionally, you may be able to purchase add-on coverage for roof leaks, electronics, pools and spas and more.

» MORE: How to know if it's worth getting a home warranty

Best for inclusive coverage		Best for sprinkler systems
(877) 354-1408 Call American Home Shield	(833) 746-8170 Call Select Home Warranty	(800) 918-5133 Call Choice Home Warranty
Limited-Time Deal: 50% off select plans For a limited time GET STARTED on American Home Shield's website	Limited-Time Deal: $150 off any plan For a limited time GET STARTED on Select Home Warranty's website	Limited-Time Deal: $50 off and 1st month of membership for free when the payment is annual GET STARTED on Choice Home Warranty's website
Monthly fees $20 and up Based on quotes collected in August 2025.	Monthly fees $60 and up Based on quotes collected in June 2025.	Monthly fees About $49 and up Based on quotes collected in September 2025.
Service fees $100 or $125 per claim	Service fees $75-$100 per claim	Service fees $100 per claim
Plan types Systems-only and comprehensive	Plan types Appliance-only, systems-only and comprehensive	Plan types Comprehensive

When does a home warranty cover mold?

Home warranties don’t generally cover mold remediation. Mold is a hazardous substance that’s typically caused by an external maintenance, workmanship or construction issue, rather than “normal wear and tear” of your home’s specific covered systems or appliances.

Since mold issues are viewed as largely preventable through proper home maintenance, mold removal is typically considered the homeowner’s responsibility rather than something a warranty covers.

However, a home warranty can help prevent mold from growing in your home in the first place, with coverage for many causes of mold, including:

Faulty hoses or seals on washing machines.
Plumbing problems behind walls, under sinks or in crawl spaces.
Leaking refrigerators, dishwashers and air conditioners.
Leaking water heaters.
HVAC problems with humidity control or air circulation.
Broken or clogged sump pumps.
Roof leaks (if your plan includes roof leak coverage).

Mold coverage with homeowners insurance

In most cases, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover mold remediation either, though there are a few exceptions. Typically, if mold occurred because of neglected home maintenance, such as poor ventilation, clogged or broken roof gutters, backed up drains or sewers or improper bathroom sealing, basic homeowners insurance will not cover removal or repair.

Covered perils

Covered events typically include sudden (rather than ongoing) situations, including:

A burst or frozen pipe.
A broken water heater.
Water entering your home suddenly due to damage from a windstorm, hail or a fallen tree.
An appliance that malfunctions and leaks, such as a dishwasher or washing machine.
Water damage caused by putting out a home fire.

While your homeowners insurance might cover the cost of removing mold that grew as a result of an appliance malfunction, it will not cover the cost to replace that appliance. Also, be aware that any mold coverage included in your homeowners policy may have a cap, meaning it may not cover the full cost of mold remediation.

Mold endorsement

Some insurance companies offer an optional add-on called a mold endorsement. This type of rider provides expanded coverage for mold and fungus cleanup not caused by covered perils and events, such as slow, ongoing leaks and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is home warranty coverage the same as homeowners insurance?

Home warranties and home insurance are different types of coverage that can work together to provide broad home coverage. A home warranty provides protection for your home’s systems and appliances, while homeowners insurance is true insurance that covers your home’s structures and your personal liability.

Another important difference between these two types of coverage is that while homeowners insurance is generally required if you finance your home, whether to buy a home warranty plan is always a personal choice.

» MORE: Home warranty vs. home insurance: What's the difference?

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