Who Do You Call First After Major Property Damage – Insurance or a Restoration Company?

After major water damage or fire damage, homeowners often aren’t sure who to contact first. In most situations, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible while also taking prompt steps to protect your property from further damage. You don’t necessarily need to wait for an insurance adjuster before calling a professional restoration company – especially when standing water, smoke, or other hazards require immediate attention. Let’s take a closer look…

Your insurance company should generally be notified promptly after significant property damage.

Your insurer can explain your coverage, deductible, claim process, and any requirements that may apply to your situation. They may also arrange for an adjuster to inspect the property and document the loss.

However, reporting the claim doesn’t mean you should leave your home vulnerable to further damage while you wait for someone to arrive.

Call a restoration company as soon as possible when immediate action is needed to protect your property.

For example, standing water can continue soaking into flooring, drywall, insulation, and other materials. Following a fire, smoke, soot, and water from firefighting efforts can create additional problems.

A restoration professional can assess the property, remove standing water where appropriate, begin structural drying, address smoke and soot, and take other emergency measures to help prevent secondary damage.

You generally shouldn’t delay necessary emergency work simply because an adjuster hasn’t inspected your property.

Your priority should be to prevent further damage while preserving evidence of the original loss. Photograph or video the affected areas before cleanup if it’s safe to do so, and keep receipts and documentation for emergency services and temporary repairs.

Your insurance company can then assess the damage and determine what your policy covers.

The first priority is to stop the source of the water if you can do so safely.

After that, contact your insurance company and a professional restoration company. Depending on the situation, restoration professionals may need to extract standing water, dry affected materials, and monitor moisture levels to prevent additional damage.

Avoid entering areas with electrical hazards or contaminated water. If you’re unsure whether the property is safe, wait for professional guidance.

Safety comes first after a fire. Don’t re-enter the property unless authorities have determined that it’s safe.

Once you’re able to do so, notify your insurance company and contact a professional restoration company. Fire damage can extend well beyond areas touched directly by flames. Smoke and soot can affect surfaces and belongings throughout the property, while water used to extinguish the fire can cause additional damage.

A professional assessment can help determine what can be cleaned, restored, or salvaged.

Avoid extensive cleanup before the damage has been documented.

Take photographs and videos of affected areas and belongings whenever it’s safe. Your insurance company may need to inspect the property, and documentation can help establish the extent of the loss.

That doesn’t mean you should leave standing water or other immediate hazards untouched. Reasonable steps to prevent further damage may be necessary, particularly during an emergency.

In many cases, yes. Homeowners aren’t necessarily required to use a restoration company recommended by their insurance provider.

You should still make sure the company you choose is properly equipped and experienced to handle the type of damage your property has sustained.

Choosing a restoration company early can also help you begin mitigation while the insurance claim is being processed.

Don’t assume that every restoration expense will automatically be covered.

Coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. For example, some types of water damage may be covered while flood damage may require separate insurance. Fire coverage can also depend on the terms, limits, and exclusions of your policy.

Your insurer can explain what your policy covers, while a restoration professional can help you understand what work your property needs.

Insurance and restoration companies have different roles, and contacting both promptly can help keep the process moving.

Your insurer handles the claim and determines coverage. Your restoration company focuses on protecting the property, limiting further damage, and beginning the restoration process.

You don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. In many emergencies, calling your insurance company and a restoration professional promptly is the most practical approach.

Major property damage can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re trying to figure out what to do first. The important thing is not to delay necessary action while waiting for the claims process to begin.

Whether you’re dealing with water damage, fire damage, or both, X-Cel Restoration can assess your property, help stabilize the situation, and explain the restoration process. Our team can begin addressing urgent damage while you work through the insurance process.

If your Michigan home has experienced major property damage, contact us today for a professional assessment and prompt emergency restoration assistance.