Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I start an insurance claim?

Contact your insurance carrier, commonly by calling the central claims phone number. Then call your insurance agent, and ask them follow up for you with the i nsurance company.

Most insurance policies require that you take all reasonable steps to prevent further loss. Your agent will be able to help you through the process and explain what you need to do to meet that requirement, as well as answer any questions you may have along the way.

What does my insurance cover?

If you have adequate coverage, your insurance should cover the costs of restoring your property to pre-loss condition. If you have a deductible, your insurance will cover the full amount, less your deductible.

Insurance doesn't cover unrelated damage or deterioration the property may have sustained prior to the insured loss.

Must I hire the restoration company my insurance company recommends?

No. You make the final decision on which company to hire for your job, your insurance company may only make suggestions of companies they have worked with in the past.

Regardless of which company you select be sure they are reputable, fully licensed and insured. If they are not, you could be liable for injuries, or damage resulting from the actions of the contractor.

What should my contract include?

It should include a detailed listing of the repairs to be made, plus a list of all the materials and quantitiesto be used on your job. It also should include an estimate of the time and labor costs to complete the repairs. The contract also should specify what is to be done if hidden damage is discovered.

How do I evaluate a restoration contractor?

Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any outstanding complaints against the firm. You also may want to check with your state's licensing bureau to see if there are any outstanding issues or complaints against the firm.

Then, ask the contractor for at least three references to jobs currently being worked on and/or recently completed. Be sure to get both, as this will give you an idea not only of how it is to work with the contractor, but how the property owner feels about the completed job after some time has passed and they have had an opportunity to "live with it."

Finally, see if the contractor has any association memberships, technical certifications or other credentials that would support claims of professionalism and expertise.

When can I expect payment from my insurance company?

The time by which your insurance company must provide payment is specified by your individual policy as well as by state insurance regulations. Generally, this is 30 to 60 days after you have submitted proof of loss per the requirements stated in the policy. Be aware that the policy also may place time limits on how quickly you must make the initial claim and provide other information which may be required or your claim may be denied. Make sure you understand what you responsibilities are, or you may find you have lost some or all of your benefit.

Should I be concerned about mold in my home or office?

Molds are a naturally occurring part of a healthy ecology. It is common to find mold spores in the air both outside and inside your office or home. In fact, most of the mold that you find indoors comes from outside. The spores are carried in by the air currents and some are deposited in the interior of the building, while the bulk of the spores are carried out of the building by the same air currents. Generally, as long as the indoor mold spore levels are no higher than outdoor levels there are few adverse reactions to the mold. However, according to the California Department of Health Services, as the amount of mold becomes more extensive or mold spore levels become elevated, it can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems. Mold can also cause structural damage to homes.

How can I tell if I have elevated mold spores in my home or office?

First of all, if you see mold growth you should look for the water or moisture source and try to stop or prevent it. By preventing an accumulation of moisture or water, you prevent mold growth. Where there is minimal or no visible mold growth, but there is a musty or moldy odor, the investigation of where it's coming from becomes a little more difficult. Again look for any indication of moisture.

Does it matter what kind of mold is found in my home?

The reaction to the amount and types of molds in a home will vary from person to person. Some molds will produce mycotoxins, or toxins produced by molds. Simply spraying a mildewcide or fungicide on mold will not remove or inactivate the mycotoxins that have already been produced. An adverse reaction from dead mold or mold spores can still happen. Not all molds produce mycotoxins all the time. And it may take a lot of mold to produce enough of a dose of mycotoxin to produce a toxic reaction. The amount of mycotoxin required to create a reaction has not clearly been established. Tolerance to these mycotoxins again varies from person to person.