Disaster Strikes. Should You Call Your Insurance or Restoration Company First?

When disaster strikes, it’s easy for panic to set in. You’re going to have lots of questions. Who do I call? What do I do? And, who do I call first: my insurance company or a restoration professional? Let us help walk you through this tumultuous time.

Note: If you are in need of a restoration company near Loveland, CO ASAP due to fire, water, or mold damage, give 970 Services a call at (970) 888-0970!

Step One: Put Safety First

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure everyone in your household is safe and sound. Before you call anyone, respond to any emergency situations—especially during a home fire or flood. If the home isn’t safe—such as in case of a fire—get your family to a safe location before making any calls.

Step Two: Breathe

Breathe. Panic is common in disaster situations, but remind yourself that everything is going to be just fine. You have home insurance for a reason—and when you choose the right restoration company in Northern Colorado, you know your home is going to be in good hands.

Step Three: Assess the Damage

Once the disaster has ceased (i.e. the fire department has put out the fire or you’ve shut off your main water valve), it’s time to assess the damage. During this process, don’t touch anything or clean up the scene. You may feel inclined to pick up belongings and go, but leave them be. Disturbing the scene can lead to problems with an insurer—and sometimes it can lead to a claim being denied!

During the assessment stage, you’ll also want to document everything for insurance purposes. Insurance companies and restoration professionals will document and photograph the scene when they arrive too, but it’s never a bad idea to have your own documentation.

Step Four: Contact a Restoration Company

Many homeowners will call their insurance companies ASAP. We’d recommend waiting and calling a restoration company first. Why? Because you’ll have the chance to seek out a restoration company on your own terms and get both sides before choosing what to do next. Here are a few reasons we’re a little biased:

• Insurance can be too expensive. Check your policy. Some insurance policies have high deductibles—you may find it cheaper to avoid a claim and pay out-of-pocket.
• Insurers often push ‘prefered vendors’. By law, it’s a your right to choose whatever home restoration company you want. Insurance companies, however, have a list of ‘preferred vendors’ and will push these on you before you have time to consider. These ‘preferred vendors’ primarily work for the insurance company and don’t always have your best interest at heart.
• Restoration companies can help reduce stress. Choosing the right restoration company should reduce the anxiety you’re feeling, not increase it. Good restoration companies work with homeowners to document the disaster and negotiate with insurance companies. They’re on your side.

Step Five: Report to Your Insurer

Finally, you will want to report your disaster to your insurance company. And, you shouldn’t wait too long. Typically, insurance companies will want to assess any damage ASAP. However, the claims process can take weeks to complete.

Choosing a trusted, local home restoration company in Northern Colorado can help you with the claims process—especially if they’re willing to go the distance for you and your home.

970 Services: Northern Colorado’s #1 Trusted Restoration Company

At 970 Services, we understand disaster. Our team is always professional, attentive, and willing to go the distance for any and all of our clients in Northern Colorado.

If you are ever faced with a disaster, like a fire or flood, remember to call a local, trusted home restoration company (like us!) first. Need assistance ASAP? Give us a call now at (970) 888-0970 or contact us online for a free estimate.

Located in Loveland, CO, we also offer home restoration service in the following areas: Fort Collins, Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, Longmont, and throughout Northern Colorado.