How Hoarding Can Endanger Homeowners Insurance Claims: 6 Common Hazards

Clutter caused by hoarding can represent important health risks due to the dangerous and unsanitary conditions it creates. However, it may also result in homeowners insurance claims being denied because of hazards arising from negligence and poor home maintenance.

If you or someone you know struggles with hoarding, we at PuroClean of Ft. Lauderdale South can help. We provide biohazard cleanup and mold removal services in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and neighboring areas. You can contact us 24/7 at (754) 732-8383.

How Hoarding Can Affect Insurance Claims

While it depends on the location and provider, it is generally not too difficult to obtain homeowners insurance. The insurance representative usually conducts a “drive-by” inspection of the home to determine whether to approve or deny the request. As such, unless there are piles of belongings in the yard, the chances of the policy being approved are high.

But if the home is in poor condition, the adjuster may recommend not renewing the policy. The insured may also receive a warning from the insurance company requesting they fix the safety hazards and maintenance concerns in a limited time frame. Otherwise, they may 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. The buildup of grease, food items, and trash in the kitchen increases fire risk.

Water Damage

Hoarders conduct limited roof and plumbing maintenance due to the clutter, which can lead to severe water damage. If water damage occurs, the excessive contents around leaks can worsen the damage. And, even if a water loss is found, it is difficult to distinguish between pre-existing and new damage.

Mold

Water leaks and excessive trash in the home can cause mold to flourish, restricting airflow and concealing the early signs of mold growth and proliferation. Most insurance companies don’t cover mold damage since they consider it a home maintenance problem. Stop water leaks and declutter your home to prevent mold.

Pests

Insects and rodents are attracted to unchecked, cluttered trash. Aside from the health hazards these pests cause, they can also damage the walls, wiring, and even the foundation, which leads to dangerous living conditions.

Trip Hazards

An accumulation of objects in walking areas can create trip hazards for the insured and their guests, which can make navigating the home difficult.

Blocked Exits

While clutter buildup can significantly impair daily living, it is particularly dangerous in emergencies such as fires. For example, extensive cluttering may impede firefighters from accessing a residence to rescue its occupants.

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

Hoarding may result in various physical dangers and limitations that put the health and safety of home inhabitants at risk.

Get Professional Hoarding Cleanup Services

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. Our technicians at PuroClean of Ft. Lauderdale South can sanitize and deodorize your home to make it safe and more insurable. We always strive to provide our services with respect and compassion, personalizing the process according to your needs. Contact us at (754) 732-8383 to request our services.

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