Get your water or fire damage claim right
A water or fire damage claim usually goes like this: you report the damage to your insurer, we stop the damage from spreading and document it with photos and moisture readings, your adjuster reviews the claim and our estimate, and you pay your deductible. Your policy decides what is covered, so check it and talk with your agent.
Call now [TRACKING NUMBER]How does a restoration insurance claim work?
Report the damage
Contact your insurer or agent as soon as you can. Reporting right away can get your claim moving faster.
Stop the spread
We dry, clean and protect your home. Once damage is documented, temporary repairs are usually allowed if they are safe. Keep the receipts.
Document everything
We take photos, moisture readings and notes from the first visit to the last and write the estimate in the format insurers use.
Review and rebuild
Your adjuster reviews the claim. You pay your deductible, and we rebuild based on the approved scope.
What does homeowners insurance usually cover?
Coverage depends on what caused the damage and on your policy. A few things are worth knowing before you call your agent:
- Flood is usually separate. FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program says most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
- Sewer and drain backup is often an add-on. Water that backs up through sewers or drains is commonly excluded unless you added a water backup coverage endorsement.
- Your deductible comes first. It is the amount you pay before coverage starts, and it is on your declarations page.
This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Read your policy and talk with your agent or adjuster about your situation.
What should you document?
- Photos of every damaged room, wall, floor and item, including labels and model numbers on expensive things.
- Receipts for anything you spend to prevent more damage, like a hotel stay, a tarp or a plumber.
- Names, dates and notes from every call with your insurer and adjuster.
- Your policy number and declarations page, so you know your deductible and limits.
Questions about insurance claims
Should I call my insurance company or a restoration company first?
If water is still spreading or a fire just happened, call us so the damage stops getting worse, then report the claim to your insurer as soon as you can. Many insurers let you report online, through an app, through your agent or by phone.
Can I start cleanup before the adjuster visits?
Usually you can make temporary repairs once the damage is documented, if it is safe, and keep the receipts. We photograph everything and take moisture readings before and during drying so the record is there for your adjuster. Ask your insurer if they want anything held for inspection.
Does homeowners insurance cover a flooded basement?
It depends on where the water came from. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, which is covered by separate flood insurance, and water that backs up through a sewer or drain is often excluded unless you added a water backup endorsement. Check your policy and ask your agent.
What is a deductible?
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage starts. It is listed on your policy's declarations page.
What do you send to my insurance company?
We provide photos, moisture readings, a description of the work and an estimate written in the software insurance companies use, so your adjuster can review it line by line.
Can I choose which restoration company works on my home?
Ask your insurer how your policy handles contractor choice, and read our guide on choosing your own restoration company for what the rules say.
Read more: How the claim process works with a restoration company · Does homeowners insurance cover water damage in Illinois? · Can you choose your own restoration company?