How Is Insurance Involved in Your Emergency Clean Up?

When disaster strikes, there are so many questions and concerns that may be running through your mind. Between the damage to your home, calling an emergency clean up crew to take care of the scene, and the emotions of it all, you may be overwhelmed when you begin to think about how your insurance company may be involved in the situation. 

Our team at First Response Disaster Restoration Specialists has had plenty of experience working with insurance companies and families who have experienced disastrous events. We’d love to help ease your mind about your insurance obligations. Here are some frequently asked questions about insurance and guidance for how you might proceed. Feel free to call the team at First Response with any further questions. We’d be more than happy to help you out! 

Should you call your insurance company before or after you call emergency clean up specialists? 

Your emergency clean up team should be at your location fast. Therefore, it makes sense to call your disaster restoration team before calling your insurance company so they can provide their assistance as quickly as possible. Then, after you call the disaster restoration company, dial your insurance company’s number; give them as accurate of an account as possible of what happened. If you wait too long to call, your claim may be denied, so it’s better to do it sooner rather than later.

What happens if your home is no longer livable after a disaster?

The insurance may reimburse you if you are displaced from your home after a disaster; usually, this occurs when the property is deemed “unlivable.” This can occur if your bathroom is unusable or otherwise out of commission. If you aren’t able to use your kitchen, make sure to save any receipts from eating out. When they have provisions for your particular situation, you definitely want to know about them!  Ask about this during your initial phone call with the insurance company.

Are you covered for _______?

The first question most homeowners have for their insurance company is, “am I covered for this?” Unfortunately, it’s hard to say. Insurance policies vary widely, and many policies will cover water damage inside the home but not cover flooding, mold, or wear and tear. These distinctions will be outlined in your policy. It’s important to make sure you know what you are and aren’t covered for! If you have a good insurance agent, they should understand your policy well enough to tell you all about your coverage. 

After that, homeowners usually wonder how much of the disaster they’ve just experienced will be covered. This will be determined based on the specifics of your situation; estimates, adjustments, evidence, and many other factors go into this. In one respect, you could say that many insurance policies will cover all of the damage…but that’s not the same as being totally reimbursed.

For example, if your big screen TV were to burn down in a fire, the insurance company would cover it. However, they would negotiate a cost based on how much the TV has depreciated during the time you’ve had it. Essentially, you’ll be paid what the TV is deemed “worth” at the time of your emergency.

How long does it take to resolve your insurance claim?

Sadly, the insurance process can take a long while. Many claims do get resolved within two to six weeks, but unfortunately, it can sometimes take longer than that. This is one of many reasons why you want a good emergency clean up company like First Response working on your side!

The restoration professionals at First Response have been dealing with insurance companies every day for years upon years. We just so happen to know the claims and restoration processes pretty well! If you have any unanswered questions and would like to talk to one of our experts, feel free to reach out at any time.

When you’re in need of emergency clean up services, reach out to the incredible team at First Response Disaster Restoration Specialists. We proudly provide a wide range of restoration services to local, regional, and national clients in the continental United States. Our team strives to provide the highest quality of service to customers at the lowest cost possible. Give us a call!