FAQs
How to Handle a Fire Claim
Contact your insurance agent or insurance emergency line.
Notify them of a pending claim. It may take up to 48 hours for an adjuster to be assigned and inspect your property.
In winter months, it will be necessary to winterize your home if the heating system is damaged.
If you have no electric, your gas furnace will not be working.
Contact an emergency board up company.
Board up and secure your property for you and your insurance, such as Emergency Disaster Recovery.
Take steps to limit additional damage to the property or your contents.
Move items out of standing water, remove soot from faucets and countertops, and open windows to help vent the home. Do not try to clean any walls, flooring or contents on your own as more damage can be caused if this is not done correctly. Be sure not to discard anything until it has been photographed and documented.
If your property is safe to enter, remove any valuables such as jewelry or cash.
Bag this separately to be cleaned later and to avoid odor contamination. Take care in moving about your damaged property. Do not touch anything linked to the cause of the fire as your insurance will want to inspect this.
By this time you should hire a professional restoration contractor.
They will work with you and your insurance to repair your home or business.
How To Handle a Water Damage Claim
Stop the source of the water intrusion.
If the water is sewer back up, do not touch anything and leave it 100% to a professional. Sewer back up is grossly unsanitary and can be very dangerous when handled improperly
If it is safe to enter the water damaged area, remove any items in the water.
Remove as much standing water as you can using a wet-vac or towels. Once the restoration company comes, they can take over.
Contact your insurance agent or insurance emergency line.
Notify them of a pending claim. It may take up to 48 hours for an adjuster to be assigned and inspect your property.
Contact an IICRC Certified restoration contractor to come out and start proper drying.
The scope of a job can change greatly in a short amount of time. It is recommended to hire a restoration company as soon as possible, even if you have not heard back from your insurance company.
Helpful Hints
Be Cautious
Contractors that offer to waive your deductible or credit you money for it are breaking the law in Wisconsin, according to Wisconsin Act 24.
Do not be concerned with getting multiple bids.
The repair needs to happen either way and the insurance company will work with any contractor to reach an agreed upon price while the repairs are happening. The most important thing is hiring a contractor that is trustworthy and provides the quality you deserve.
It is suggested to work with a qualified restoration contractor and your insurance adjuster at the same time.
This will ensure that everyone is on the same page for the repairs that need to happen.
You do not have to use the contractor your insurance recommends.
You can use whoever you feel comfortable with. Do not let your insurance company or contractor push you around. It is your home, your choice.
Inspect your insurance policy annually to make sure you have proper coverage.
Sump pump and sewer backups, jewelry and artwork typically need a special rider policy. Contact your insurance agency regarding these items, if necessary.
Common Coverage Misconceptions
“My trampoline is covered.”
Many insurance companies may not even insure your property if you have one.
“My pool is covered, even though I do not have a fence around it.”
No, you will not have coverage for this. In many states it is against the law to have an open pool.
“The diving board on my pool is covered.”
There is typically no liability coverage for this.
“My cash is covered.”
Most insurance policies have a limit on how much they will cover for loose cash. This is typically a very low amount.
“Water leaks are covered.”
Some are some are not, If the water comes from a sewer drain, or out of your sump pump, you will typically need a rider policy. Slow leaks such as water in the basement are typically not covered and considered a maintenance issue.
“Work was done improperly in my home years ago, it now failed, I will file a claim.”
Most insurance policies do not cover faulty, inadequate or defective workmanship, materials or maintenance.
“Jewelry, fine art and collectibles are covered.”
These items over a certain value will typically need to have a rider policy.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How much do your services cost?
If you are covered by insurance, the only thing that you will owe is your insurance deductible. All of our pricing is insurance based pricing and we will come to an agreed upon price with your insurance.
I have heard that contractors will waive my insurance deductible; can you do this for me?
Any contractor that offers to "waive" or "cover" your deductible is probably not a quality contractor. Your insurance company will frown upon a contractor that offers to waive a deductible.
I do not have insurance coverage, will you provide a quote?
Although each job is different, we will do our best to give you an accurate estimate on the cost to repair your property. The cost will mainly depend of the materials needed, and the time required to complete the work.
My basement, carpet, and drywall got wet. I have been told by friends and contractors that it will need to be cut out and removed. Is this true?
If the problem is caught quickly we will usually not have to do any extra demolition. If you call us within 24 hours we typically have the ability to dry all affected materials. No carpet removal, no drywall removal, no hassle!
My basement carpet is wet. Who should I call first?
The most important thing is to get a restoration company out to start the drying process as soon as possible. We follow insurance pricing so we can start the work and worry about the pricing later once you contacted your insurance.
Do I need to get multiple quotes?
No. A common misconception among homeowners and businesses is that multiple bids are required. We follow insurance pricing and agree with your insurance adjuster’s pricing so there is no need for multiple bids. Just call us and we will start working!
My basement has water damage and I want a quote to dry it. Can you provide this?
We can provide a quote for any job, but a quote is not necessary. If you have insurance we will be paid by the insurance company.
My insurance has a recommended contractor, can I still use your company?
Yes. It is ultimately your choice as to which company does the work on your home.
My insurance already came out and gave me a check, can you do the work for that amount?
When there is no contractor involved, the homeowner will most likely receive a depreciated amount. Once we take over the project, we will supplement the insurance for anything that is not covered by that payout and they will pay us directly.
Can I just call a carpet cleaning company?
This is a common mistake made by many homeowners and businesses. Normally, when your carpet is wet, the structure of your home is also affected. Most carpet cleaning companies do not have the training or the testing equipment to determine this, let alone dry it.