Removing mold is a different job from finding it — and it carries different risks if done wrong, from cross-contamination during removal to a company that isn’t properly insured for the work. Here’s what to look for in a mold remediation company.
| What to check | What to ask | ABM Environmental |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Does the company carry pollution liability insurance for remediation? | Yes — general liability plus Environmental Pollution Liability Insurance, one of few in BC |
| Containment & safety | How is the work area isolated during removal? | Proper containment to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas |
| Report acceptance | Has it been accepted by banks, insurers, courts, tribunals? | CMHC, Genworth, banks, insurers, municipalities, BC Residential Tenancy Branch, BC Human Rights Tribunal, BC Provincial Court |
Insurance coverage
Mold remediation should be performed by a company carrying Environmental Pollution Liability Insurance specifically covering that work — separate from general liability insurance. This coverage is costly and difficult for a company to qualify for, and many remediation contractors in BC operate without it, leaving clients exposed if something goes wrong during the work. Because insurers only issue this coverage after their own qualification process, a company that carries it has effectively already been vetted as capable of doing the work safely. ABM Environmental is one of the few mold remediation companies in BC that holds this coverage. See our full breakdown of ABM Environmental’s insurance coverage.
Containment and safety during removal
Improperly contained remediation can spread mold spores to previously unaffected parts of a building rather than solving the problem. Ask how the company isolates the work area and protects the rest of the property during removal.
Whether the report will actually be accepted where it needs to go
If the report needs to satisfy a bank, insurer, tribunal, or court, ask whether the company’s reports have a track record of being accepted there. ABM Environmental’s reports have been accepted by CMHC, Genworth, banks, insurance companies, municipalities, the BC Residential Tenancy Branch, the BC Human Rights Tribunal, and BC Provincial Court.
Red flags to watch for
Two things are worth checking before you hire anyone, because they’re the easiest way to tell a properly qualified company apart from one that isn’t: insurance and specifics.
If a company’s website doesn’t mention insurance at all, that’s worth asking about directly — not every company is willing or able to carry pollution liability insurance for mold remediation work, and a company that qualifies for it usually says so, because it’s a real differentiator.
Be equally cautious of vague qualification language like “trained and certified technicians” with no further detail. That phrase says nothing about which certification, from which organization, or how much experience the specific person coming to your property actually has. Ask directly: what certification does this person hold, and how many years have they been doing this work? A company confident in its qualifications will give you a straight answer — name, credential, and years of experience — not a general reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance should a mold remediation company have?
General liability insurance at minimum, plus Environmental Pollution Liability Insurance specifically covering mold remediation work. This second coverage is costly and difficult to qualify for, and many remediation contractors operate without it.
How can I tell if a mold remediation company is properly qualified?
One reliable check is whether the company carries pollution liability insurance for mold remediation work. Insurers only issue this coverage after putting the company through their own qualification process, so a company that has obtained it has effectively already been vetted as qualified to do the work — and many companies that apply for this coverage are turned down.
Will a mold remediation report be accepted by banks, insurers, or tribunals?
ABM Environmental’s reports have been accepted by CMHC, Genworth, banks, insurance companies, municipalities, the BC Residential Tenancy Branch, the BC Human Rights Tribunal, and BC Provincial Court.
What should I be cautious of when choosing a mold remediation company?
Two things in particular: whether the company discloses its insurance coverage, and how specific it is about who’s actually doing the work. A company that doesn’t mention insurance on its website, or that only offers vague language like “trained and certified technicians” without naming the certification or the person’s experience, may not have much to say if you ask for specifics. ABM Environmental states its coverage and credentials plainly, and every remediation is performed by a named Senior Project Consultant with over 18 years of experience.
Call (604) 568-5177 for a free phone consultation, or fill out our online assessment form for a quote or to book.
Written by Brian Mackenzie, Senior Project Consultant at ABM Environmental, with over 18 years of experience in indoor environmental consulting.