Insurance Claim Tips for Homeowners After Water, Fire, or Mold Damage
Know your rights. Protect your home. Navigate the claims process with confidence.
When disaster strikes, always get to safety first—then make 24-7 Restoration your first call. Before you reach out to insurance or anyone else, let us step in. Acting fast can prevent further damage, and we can contact your insurance company with you—or on your behalf. We’re experts in both restoration and insurance coordination, so you can focus on getting life back to normal while we handle the hard stuff.
Below are essential tips every homeowner should understand when filing a property insurance claim.
1. What should I do first after a disaster?
Once you and your family are safe, call 24-7 Restoration first—before calling anyone else. Most insurance policies require you to take steps to prevent further damage, and we’ll help you do that while protecting your claim.
2. Do I have to use the restoration company my insurance recommends?
No. You’re not obligated to use your insurance provider’s preferred contractor. You have the legal right to choose a licensed, insured, and trusted restoration contractor who works in your best interest.
3. Can my insurance company hire a contractor for me?
Only the homeowner can authorize repairs. Your insurer may suggest vendors, but ultimately, you decide who restores your property.
4. Am I required to accept the lowest estimate?
No. Insurance companies must cover the reasonable cost of restoring your property to pre-loss condition. You’re not required to accept the cheapest bid — especially if it compromises quality or completeness.
5. What should be in my restoration contract?
A solid contract includes a detailed scope of work, material specifications, pricing structure, and how change orders will be handled. Avoid vague terms like “repair as needed.”
6. What type of repairs am I entitled to under my homeowners insurance?
Unless you have an “actual cash value” policy, most homeowners are entitled to repairs that restore the home to like kind and quality — meaning similar materials and workmanship as before the damage.
7. Does my contractor need special licenses or certifications?
Yes. Choose a contractor with proper licensing, insurance, and certifications like IICRC or RIA. These credentials matter — especially when dealing with water, mold, or fire damage repairs covered by insurance.
8. Do I need to disclose past damage when selling my home?
In many states, yes. That’s why documenting your repairs with photos, invoices, and proof of completion is essential. It protects your home’s value and resale process.
9. What if I disagree with the insurance adjuster’s estimate?
You have the right to request an insurance appraisal, a formal process built into many policies to resolve disagreements without going to court.
10. How do I find a reliable restoration company near me?
Look for established local businesses with experience in insurance restoration. Ask for references, check certifications, and confirm they handle documentation required for insurance reimbursement.
Choose 24-7 Restoration for the Best Restoration Services in Colorado
At 24-7 Restoration, we know that property emergencies can happen at any time of day or night, and we are always available to help with a variety of situations. From handling immediate needs to prevent further damage to repairing and rebuilding your home or business, our wide range of services make us a top choice for customers throughout Longmont, Boulder, and surrounding cities.
Our Restoration Process Is Quick and Convenient
We know that acting quickly is the most important step we can take to help our clients preserve as much of their homes and businesses as possible following any type of emergency. That's why we're committed to having a crew of our skilled team members at your residence or business within an hour of speaking to you on the phone at any time of day or night. We won't make you wait to hear back from your insurance company before handling immediate needs to prevent further damage. If your building experiences water, sewer, or fire damage or you find mold or asbestos, we are always here to help.
Restoration Services We Offer
Our team members are trained to handle a wide variety of types of property damage. Each category of restoration services begins by assessing the level of damage your home or business has experienced to determine the most appropriate next steps to take. No matter what type of emergency you experience, our restoration process involves dealing with the immediate threat and cleaning up your building, and making repairs as needed.
11. What will my insurance cover after a disaster?
You’re generally entitled to full restoration of your home to its pre-loss condition, minus your deductible. Policies vary, so review your coverage limits closely.
12. When should I expect payment from my insurance company?
Most states require insurers to issue payment within 15–30 days after the claim is settled. Stay on top of deadlines and follow up if delays occur.
Need help with a home insurance claim?
We’re here to help — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether it’s emergency mitigation or full-service reconstruction, 24-7 Restoration is your trusted partner in disaster recovery.
📞 Call us at 303-485-1730
🌐 Request Help Now
📍 Serving Boulder, Longmont, Lyons, Erie & surrounding Colorado communities
Insurance Claims Checklist
What to do after water, fire, or mold damage.
This step-by-step checklist helps you navigate a property insurance claim with confidence. Print it. Save it. Share it.
Before You Start
☐ Ensure everyone is safe and out of harm’s way
☐ Stop further damage if safe to do so (e.g., shut off water, secure property)
☐ Call 24-7 Restoration at 303-485-1730 for emergency response
1. Contact 24-7 First, Then Notify Your Insurance
☐ Speak with a 24-7 Restoration expert before calling your insurer—we’ll help you take the right steps and limit further damage
☐ Then notify your insurance company—we can help you communicate with them from the very first call
☐ Write down your claim number and the adjuster’s contact info
☐ Request a copy of your full policy and coverage details
2. Document Everything
☐ Take clear photos/videos of all damage before cleanup begins
☐ Note the date/time of the incident and your first contact with insurance
☐ Keep receipts for any temporary repairs or emergency services
3: Understand Your Rights
☐ You can choose your own licensed restoration contractor
☐ You are NOT required to accept the lowest bid
☐ Ask for proof of licensing, insurance, and IICRC/RIA certifications
4: Review the Contractor Agreement
☐ Ensure scope of work, materials, and pricing are clearly detailed
☐ Avoid vague language like “repair as needed”
☐ Confirm how change orders will be handled
5: Track Communications
☐ Keep emails, voicemails, and notes from your adjuster
☐ Log key dates like inspections, approvals, and payments
☐ Back up all documentation in one secure place
6: Payments & Policy Limits
☐ Understand your deductible and coverage limits
☐ If needed, request an appraisal to challenge an insurer’s estimate
☐ Payment is typically due within 15–30 days of claim approval
7: Final Repairs & Records
☐ Make sure all work is completed per your contract
☐ Take “after” photos of the restored space
☐ Save all invoices, proof of payment, and warranties
Selling Your Home Later?
☐ Keep a full paper trail of the loss and repairs
☐ These documents may be required during real estate disclosure
Need help with any part of the process?
We’re available 24/7 to walk you through it.
