Duty to mitigate

What it means

Most property policies require you to limit the damage once a loss happens. The standard ISO homeowners form (HO 00 03) lists this among your “Duties After Loss”: protect the property from further damage, make reasonable and necessary repairs to protect it, and keep an accurate record of repair expenses.

The same form also helps pay for it. Its “Reasonable Repairs” coverage pays the reasonable cost of necessary measures taken solely to protect covered property from further damage. And it excludes loss from neglect, meaning failing to use all reasonable means to save and preserve property at and after the time of a loss.

Why it matters to your claim or your bill

Waiting can cost you coverage. If a small leak turns into mold because nothing was done, the insurer may point to the neglect exclusion or the mold exclusion. NFIP flood policies exclude mold from conditions within your control, including failure to inspect and maintain the property after a flood recedes. Act quickly, within reason. Stop the water, start drying, and photograph everything first. EPA says drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours usually prevents mold growth. Keep receipts for fans, tarps and emergency services. Our water damage emergency steps page shows what to do first.