How Hoarding Affects Your Homeowners Insurance

If you struggle with hoarding, you could put your health at risk due to the dangerous and unsanitary conditions created by clutter. What’s worse, hoarding can also make your homeowners insurance claims denied. That’s because most hazards that arise due to hoarding occur because of negligence and poor home maintenance.

Yet, you can probably obtain homeowners insurance without difficulty. To approve or deny your request, the insurance representative conducts a “drive-by” inspection of your home. And, unless you have piles of belongings in the yard, you will be granted the policy.

However, you may be left without coverage when you want to renew your policy or if an homeowners insurance agent performs a home inspection for any reason.

How Hoarding Affects Homeowners Insurance Claim

If your home is in poor condition, the adjuster may recommend not renewing your policy. But you may receive a warning from your insurance company – to fix the safety hazards and maintenance concerns in a limited time frame – or risk losing coverage.

The common hazards associated with hoarding include:

• Fire – Too much clutter (i.e, paper, plastic, and flammable materials) could start a fire, especially when it accumulates around heating vents, stoves or power outlets. In the kitchen, the buildup of grease, food items, and trash increases fire risk.
• Water Damage – Because of the clutter, hoarders conduct limited roof and plumbing maintenance, which can lead to severe water damage. Also, if water damage occurs, the excessive contents around leaks can worsen the damage. And, even if a water loss is found, it’s difficult to distinguish between pre-existing and new damage.
• Mold – Water leaks and excessive trash can cause mold and other bacteria to flourish in the home. Most insurance companies don’t cover mold damage as it’s considered a home maintenance problem. Stop water leaks and declutter your home to prevent mold.
• Pests – As insects and rodents are attracted to unchecked, cluttered trash, they can damage the walls, wiring, and even foundation, leading to dangerous living conditions.
• Trip Hazards – Excessive amounts of contents in the home creates a trip hazard for the insured and their guests.
• Blocked Exits – Belongings that obstruct or block exits make it more difficult to escape during an emergency. It can also prevent firefighters from getting into the home if a fire starts.

Also, if the time comes to file an insurance claim but your loss was caused by one of the above issues, your claim might be denied. The insurance adjuster may state that the damage wasn’t accidental. The loss could have been prevented ahead of time, but became inevitable due to massive clutter accumulation. Another reason your claim might be denied is that walking between rooms is a challenge, making finding the damaged area difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can hoarding affect my homeowners insurance coverage?

Yes, hoarding can absolutely affect your insurance coverage. Insurance companies expect you to maintain your property in a safe, livable condition. If your home becomes excessively cluttered or unsanitary, your insurer may view it as increased risk for fire, water damage, mold, or pest infestation — all of which could result in coverage limitations or policy cancellation.

2. Will my homeowners insurance cover fire damage caused by hoarding?

It depends on the situation. If hoarding directly contributes to a fire (for example, flammable materials piled near heat sources), your insurance may deny the claim due to negligence. However, if the fire was unrelated to the hoarding, coverage may still apply.

3. Can my insurer cancel or refuse to renew my homeowners insurance because of hoarding?

Yes. If your insurance company learns that your property has become hazardous due to hoarding, they may choose not to renew your insurance policy or could cancel it after inspection.

4. Will homeowners insurance pay for cleanup or remediation after hoarding?

No, homeowners insurance typically does not cover hoarding cleanup or biohazard remediation unless it’s necessary due to a covered peril, such as a fire or burst pipe. Cleanup and organization costs related to hoarding are considered maintenance issues — which are the homeowner’s responsibility.

5. If I have a water or mold problem caused by hoarding, will insurance cover it?

Usually not. Mold or water damage resulting from neglect, blocked ventilation, or clutter is typically excluded from homeowners insurance coverage. Insurers expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent damage.

6. Can I get homeowners insurance if I’m a known hoarder?

Getting homeowners insurance as a hoarder is possible, but it may be difficult. Standard insurers might decline coverage if they determine your property poses a high risk. You might need to seek coverage from specialty insurers who handle higher-risk properties.

7. What should I do if my insurance company finds out about my hoarding?

If your homeowners insurance company discovers hoarding conditions, it’s best to address the issue proactively. Contact professional organizers or hoarding cleanup experts to help restore safety and order.

8. Can hoarding affect my homeowners insurance claim process?

Yes, hoarding can delay or complicate the homeowners insurance claim process. Adjusters may need more time to inspect the property, and your claim may be denied if the insurer determines hoarding made the damage worse.

9. How can I protect my homeowners insurance if I struggle with hoarding?

To maintain your homeowners insurance coverage, take steps to reduce risk. Declutter regularly, ensure exits and vents are clear, and check electrical systems for overload.

10. Does homeowners insurance cover liability if guests are injured in a hoarded home?

Probably not. If someone is injured due to unsafe conditions caused by hoarding — such as tripping over clutter or being exposed to hazards — your homeowners insurance may deny liability coverage, citing negligence.

Get Professional Hoarding Cleanup Services in Coral Gables

Instead of waiting for your insurance company to assess your home or for a loss to occur, start dealing with the problem immediately. With professional hoarding cleanup services, you can declutter your home and eliminate dangerous living conditions. This is where we come in. Our certified technicians can sanitize and deodorize your home to bring it to a safe and insurable condition. Contact us on +1 305 894 4343 for more information.