Rising insurance premiums and deductibles are changing how homeowners respond to water damage events, with many delaying or forgoing professional remediation — a trend that restoration professionals warn is creating hidden mold and structural risks.
A 2025 J.D. Power study found that 47% of Americans experienced an insurance premium increase, leading to tighter household budgets and greater hesitation about filing claims for water damage events that fall below or near the deductible threshold.
Restoration professionals report that they are increasingly encountering homeowners who have delayed calling for professional help following water damage events, often discovering that what could have been a straightforward drying project has become a complex mold remediation job.
The trend toward higher deductibles is particularly pronounced for water damage coverage, as carriers have responded to increasing claims frequency by raising deductibles and tightening coverage terms.
Industry organizations are responding by developing consumer education programs that explain the long-term risks of delayed water damage remediation, including the potential for mold growth, structural deterioration, and reduced property values.
