Should I file a homeowners insurance claim or wait for contractor warranty?
Hey all, looking for advice before I do something I might regret with insurance (USAA).
In 2024, I had a mold remediation company do work in my attic. As part of that, they cut into the roof/attic to install a solar-powered attic fan.
Now in 2026, I’m seeing a leak. It looks like water is wicking up under/around the fan and dripping onto the insulation, and it’s starting to damage the drywall ceiling in my bedroom.
The company says their work is under warranty and they’re coming out tomorrow to inspect it.
I’ve taken a look myself, and honestly if the leak gets fixed, the damage seems fairly minor:
- Some drywall damage (probably patch/paint level)
- Possibly wet blown-in insulation (not sure if it needs replacement)
- Unsure if there’s any mold yet
I’m in western washington area, so obviously moisture is a constant concern here.
My main question:
Should I contact homeowners insurance now and start a claim, or wait to see what the company does under their warranty?
Concerns:
- Filing a claim and increasing premiums for what might be a relatively small repair
- Insurance denying coverage if I wait too long
- Contractor trying to downplay it vs insurance covering a more thorough fix (especially insulation/mold concerns)
What would you do in this situation?