Arizona, Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, AZ
A few easy steps to consider:
1. After the damage has occured, place a call to your insurance agent or other representative.
2. The insurance company will typically provide you with information about restoration companies who can remove the water or other contamination and secure the property. Most insurance adjusters and claim representatives are familiar with the Restoration specialists available in your community that can begin the clean up quickly. Even if your insurance company jumps the gun and places the call to the Restoration Company… Alway REMEMBER the Restoration Company works for you!
3. Review your responsibilities under your insurance policy for cleaning up the home to prevent additional damage. Discuss any questions you have about clean up with your insurance representative or claim adjuster. Make sure you completely understand what their responsibility is and what your responsibility is. Leaving any grey area on the table is a recipe for more disaster.
4. When the Restoration Company arrives, conduct a thorough walk-through of your home with the Restoration Company Representative and discuss any and all areas that need to be cleaned and/or repaired. Your insurance company adjuster or claim representative may may offer input on what and how your home should be cleaned, but in the end it is your decision. Make sure to take detailed pictures of all property damage.5. After the Restoration Company evaluates the work and equipment needed to clean your home, they will provide you with an estimate or contract for their services. Read the contract to make sure all the services discussed are listed. You must sign this contract, before the Restoration Company will begin work on your home. Ask for documentation showing drying progress and completion timeline.
Once you sign this contract, YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE for paying the Restoration Company for the work described. Most insurance claim settlements will cover the cost of the cleanup done by the Restoration Company. If your insurance claim is denied, your contract with the Restoration Company requires you to pay for their services. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOUR RECOVERY PROJECT IS TO MAKE SURE THERE IS A TRUSTED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE CONTRACTOR YOU CHOOSE.
6. In the weeks following the water damage, frequently inspect the areas where the Restoration Company worked to make certain no moisture
or dampness remain in your home.
REMEMBER: You are not obligated to hire the Restoration Company called by your insurance Company. You have the right to select any Restoration Company you choose to do the clean up, but the work must be done quickly to prevent further damage to your home.
- If you experience a problem with the services of the Restoration Company, remember that you must work through the issues with them, NOT the insurance company.
- Not all Cleaning and Restoration Services that the Restoration Company provides are covered under your Insurance Policy. Again… make sure you do your homework before signing a contract with the first contractor that shows up on the scene.
- You have the right to inspect the work being done on your property at any time. You, are the customer, and you must be satisfied with the work!
THE BOTTOM LINE…
You have the right to choose which contractor you hire for you home recovery project. But… you MUST hire a contractor that your insurance company trusts and is willing to work with. Beware of any insurance agent or adjuster that tries to strong-arm you into using a "preferred contractor." This usually means there is some funny-business going on behind the scenes.
