I went on vacation for two weeks in August. My AC compressor died. My apartment hit 90 degrees and 90% humidity. I came home to find my Jordan 5 “Raging Bulls” (all suede) covered in a fine layer of green fuzz. My insurer cited the “Neglect” and “Mold” exclusions, leaving me with a hazmat cleanup bill and ruined kicks.
Key Takeaways
- The “Mold Cap”: Most policies cap mold damage at $5,000 or $10,000 total. This includes cleaning your walls AND replacing your stuff.
- Sudden vs. Gradual: If the AC broke suddenly (a distinct event), you have a claim. If you just didn’t run the AC and humidity built up over months, that is “Neglect” (Denied).
- Suede is Doomed: You cannot clean mold out of suede effectively. It is a total loss. You must fight for “Replacement Value,” not cleaning costs.
- Prevention is the Only Insurance: Dehumidifiers with pump drainage are mandatory for collections over $20k.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Fungi/Bacteria Exclusion
Almost every policy has a “Fungi, Wet or Dry Rot, or Bacteria” exclusion.
However, there is usually an exception if the mold is the result of a “Covered Peril” (like a burst pipe or a lightning strike killing the AC).
The Trap: If you can’t prove what broke the AC, they assume it was just old and broke (wear and tear). If the breakdown isn’t covered, the resulting mold isn’t covered.
The Investigation (I Called Them)
I asked about coverage for environmental failure.
1. State Farm
- Policy: Often includes a “Fungi” endorsement option.
- Limit: usually $10,000.
- Constraint: Must be a “specified peril.” Just “it got humid” isn’t enough.
2. Wax Insurance
- Policy: They understand archives.
- Constraint: They require climate control records. If you can prove the temp spiked suddenly, they are more likely to cover it as an “occurrence.”
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Standard Policy | Collector Policy |
| AC Dies (Sudden) | Maybe (Subject to Mold Cap) | Likely (If proven) |
| Just Humid Basement | Denied (Neglect) | Denied (Improper Storage) |
| Pipe Burst -> Mold | Covered | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
You see green fuzz.
- Stop: Do not wipe it off yet.
- Document the Cause: Call an HVAC tech immediately. You need a report stating: “Compressor failed due to power surge/lightning.” You need an accidental cause. If the report says “Old age,” you are denied.
- Photograph the Spores: Macro shots of the mold on the shoes.
- Isolate: Seal the moldy shoes in plastic bags to stop it spreading to the rest of the collection.
- File for “Total Loss”: Do not accept cleaning fees for suede/nubuck. Submit expert articles stating that mold spores cannot be fully removed from porous leather.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ozone to kill the mold?
A: Yes, but… Ozone kills the mold but doesn’t remove the visual stain. It also dries out the rubber. It mitigates the health risk but ruins the shoe’s value.
Q: Does silica gel fix this?
A: No. Silica gel prevents moisture, it doesn’t remove established mold.
[IMAGE: Macro photo of green mold spores on red suede, labeled “Total Loss – Biohazard.”]