Originally published: Insurance Business Magazine, 15 October 2026
Nearly half of Australians dealt with mould at home in the past year, yet only 37% recognised that insurance may respond in certain circumstances, according to new research that gives brokers a timely prompt to revisit policy wording with clients as the humid season approaches.
The survey, commissioned by iSelect and run by Pureprofile in July 2026 among 1,020 respondents, found 45% had experienced mould in the past 12 months. Among those affected, 25% managed the problem themselves, 7% paid professional cleaners or removal specialists and 8% reported it to their landlord. Another 5% noticed mould but took no action.
On coverage, 9% believed mould damage is always covered, 22% thought it never is and 32% were unsure. The remaining 37% identified that cover may apply in certain circumstances, such as when mould follows storm damage or a burst pipe, subject to policy terms.
