A Guide to Navigating the Insurance Process

8/5/2024 (Permalink)

Experiencing property damage, whether due to water, fire, or storm, can be incredibly stressful. Navigating the insurance claims process can add another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. At SERVPRO®, we understand the intricacies of the insurance claims process and are here to help guide you every step of the way. This guide will educate you on the claims process, highlight common pitfalls, and offer tips on how to document damage effectively.

The Insurance Claims Process

The insurance claims process for property damage typically involves the following steps:

1. Immediate Action: As soon as you discover damage, take immediate action to prevent further harm. This may include turning off water sources, boarding up windows, or covering damaged roofs.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with details about the damage and inquire about the next steps in the claims process.
3. Document the Damage: Before making any repairs, thoroughly document the damage by taking photographs and videos. Keep a detailed inventory of damaged items, including their value and purchase date.
4. Temporary Repairs: Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as covering leaks or securing broken windows. Keep receipts for any materials or services you purchase, as these may be reimbursable.
5. Meet with the Adjuster: Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the payout amount. Be present during the inspection to ensure all damage is noted and addressed.
6. Submit Your Claim: Submit all necessary documentation, including photos, videos, receipts, and repair estimates, to your insurance company. Ensure all paperwork is complete and accurate to avoid delays.
7. Review the Settlement Offer: Once your claim is processed, the insurance company will provide a settlement offer. Review it carefully and negotiate if necessary to ensure it covers all repair and replacement costs.
8. Repair and Restoration: After settling the claim, proceed with the repair and restoration process. Choose a reputable restoration company, like SERVPRO, to ensure high-quality work.

Tips for Documenting Damage and Working with Adjusters

Proper documentation and effective communication with insurance adjusters can significantly impact the success of your claim:

• Photograph Everything: Take clear, detailed photos of all damaged areas and items from multiple angles. Capture the overall damage and close-up shots of specific issues.
• Create a Damage Inventory: List all damaged items, including their make, model, age, and estimated value. This inventory will be essential for your claim.
• Keep Records of Communication: Document all interactions with your insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and letters. Note dates, times, and key points discussed.
• Be Honest and Thorough: Provide accurate information about the damage and the events leading to it. Honesty and transparency will facilitate a smoother claims process.
• Accompany the Adjuster: Walk through your property with the adjuster to ensure all damage is noted. Point out hidden or less obvious issues that may require attention.

How SERVPRO Assists Clients with Insurance Claims

At SERVPRO, we understand that dealing with property damage is stressful enough without the added burden of navigating insurance claims. Our team is here to help you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful restoration experience.

Our Support Includes:

• Claims Assistance: We work closely with your insurance company, providing them with detailed reports and documentation to support your claim. Our goal is to streamline the process and secure a fair settlement.
• Expert Assessment: Our trained professionals conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage, ensuring no detail is overlooked. This thorough evaluation helps us develop an accurate repair plan and cost estimate.
• Efficient Restoration: Once your claim is approved, our experienced team gets to work quickly, restoring your property to its pre-damage condition. We use advanced equipment and proven techniques to deliver high-quality results.
• Customer Advocacy: We advocate for our clients throughout the claims process, ensuring their needs are met and their concerns are addressed. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance.

Understanding the insurance claims process for property damage is essential for a successful recovery. By documenting damage thoroughly, avoiding common pitfalls, and working with trusted partners like SERVPRO, you can navigate the process with confidence. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction means you can trust us to restore your home and peace of mind. If you’re facing property damage, contact SERVPRO today for expert assistance and support.

Why Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Our technician in PPE while sanitizing a commercial building.

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.

It is important at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus that our technicians are as safe as possible while working for our wonderful customers so we can get the job done right and efficiently.

Although it isn't the most fashionable outfit of the season, it is absolutely necessary in some situations!

Our SERVPRO Team protects ourselves so we can better serve you!

Your One Stop Shop!

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus offers a full line of reconstruction services!

SERVPRO is known as a leader in the Cleanup & Restoration industry, but did you know that SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus also offers a full line of reconstruction options?  As a licensed general contractor, our team can provide a wide array of building services, both commercial and residential, to help restore your property to its preloss condition.  Some of these services include:

• Electrical and Portable Power Needs
• Roof Tarping and Repair
• Tile, Hardwood, and Linoleum Flooring Repair
• Plumbing
• Drywall Removal or Installation
• Painting

By utilizing one company for both your damage mitigation and building reconstruction needs, you can save both time and money for your repairs.  Serving central Columbus and the surrounding areas, SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is Here to Help. For more information about our Reconstruction Division, give us a call at 614-261-6666.

Our SERVPRO Team Is Here To Help

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

We are dedicated to being "Faster to any size disaster".

Our SERVPRO Team Is Here To Help With Your Insurance Claim

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Our team of professionals take the worry away with your claim.

When you experience an unexpected disaster in your home, you may not know how to handle it. After the shock is over, your first thought is “How am I going to pay for this?”. This is a common question homeowners ask themselves given the high cost of repairing water, fire, mold or trauma damage. Good news for you, our team of professionals are here to help eliminate that concern.

Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus, we set ourselves apart from other restoration companies by how well we work with your insurance company. Our dedicated team of professionals understands the insurance industry. From knowing how the claims process works, to getting your claim submitted and your repairs covered. Many of our team members have a background in the insurance industry.

As one of the largest restoration and damage remediation companies in the country, we work with hundreds of insurance companies to help our customers get their claims processed quickly and fairly. Many insurance companies know that SERVPRO handles losses professionally and often recommend us to their policyholders.

Call our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team today!

Leave The Equipment On!

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

We understand that the drying equipment can be noisy and annoying, but please leave it on! We promise it helps!

When you call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus to help restore your property after suffering a water loss, our professional technicians will place the appropriate amount of equipment to dry out the area as quickly as possible. It is important to always follow our instructions and keep the equipment running at all times. We realize that the equipment is noisy and can become bothersome if you remain in your home during the restoration process, however, turning off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers can delay the drying time and can cause further damage to your property such as mold growth. It is also important to note that oftentimes your insurance coverage will only pay for the drying equipment for a specific length of time, depending on the category of damage. Your SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus project manager will monitor the moisture readings of the equipment daily to determine the appropriate time for removal. If you have any concerns or questions about the drying equipment, be sure to speak to any of our highly trained technicians!

Should I File A Claim?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus works with your insurance company!

As a homeowner, renter or business owner it is important to fully understand your insurance policy. Every policy is different, with exclusions and named perils. Being knowledgeable about your insurance as much as possible will help you in deciding if it is necessary for you to file a claim in the event your home or place of business suffers water damage. Here are some things to consider before filing an insurance claim:

If the total amount of repairs is less than your deductible, avoid filing, especially if other claims have been filled in the last ten years.

If it is an uncovered loss, you are responsible for the mitigation and repairs, be aware of what is covered under your insurance.

Claim frequency could affect you in the form of non-renewal for being a high-risk.

If damage occurs due to lack of maintenance that is your own responsibility, do not submit a claim. But remember, continuously maintaining your home or business can get you better premiums in the future.

Ultimately, being aware of all exclusions and coverage limits is important by knowing your options in which direction you need to go to mitigate and repair damage that occurs on your home or business.

IICRC Certified Firm

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team is IICRC Certified!

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) create the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Five Star Experience Every Time!

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Our goal is to go above and beyond for each and every one of our customers!

Guess who’s one of the most highly recommended restoration company in the Columbus area? That’s right, it’s us! We don’t need to toot our own horn, because we’ve got over 300 reviews between our two locations to do that for us. We are really proud of them, because we’ve worked really hard to make sure each and every one of those reviews is well earned. Our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus Team strives hard to make sure every one of our customers has a five-star experience, no matter the size or type of job. Whether it’s a fire or a water loss, whether it’s a home or a commercial building. We want you to have the same experience no matter what, and if you aren’t happy, we aren’t happy! We want to make it right every time and ensure that you receive the same care and compassion that everyone else has.

Give our SERVPRO Team a call today at 614-261-6666!

Why Choose A Team Who Is IICRC Certified?

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

With the proper training, our SERVPRO Team sets themselves apart to serve you!

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is proud to be an IICRC certified firm. IICRC, or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, is a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry. The goal of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration and installation industries. To accomplish this goal, the IICRC sets standards and certifications for inspection, cleaning, and restoration. The IICRC ensures that when consumers hire a certified firm or technician that they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry's "standard of care." The technicians of SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus sets themselves apart through training, experience, and comprehensive examination.

For more information about the IICRC, please visit https://www.IICRC.org/. 

Restore vs. Replace

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

These items were able to be restored after a fire at a residential home.

When your home has been damaged by fire or water damage, our goal at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is to make your property "Like it never even happened," quickly and at the lowest cost to you.

Part of restoring your home and belongings is determining what items and structures can be saved utilizing our state of the art restoration techniques and equipment and what will ultimately have to be replaced. Insurance and restoration industry studies have concluded that restoring property after fire and water damage is less expensive than replacing. Restoring is also less disruptive to our clients, often allowing them to remain in their homes during the process and resume life as normal quickly.

As a preferred mitigation and restoration vendor for most major insurance companies, our SERVPRO Team is highly trained to determine when restoring can be accomplished with the high quality results that our clients deserve. This "restore" versus "replace" mentality can save money while preserving family heirlooms, keepsakes, and other items that are impossible or cost-prohibitive to replace.

If your home or business have been impacted by water or fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus today at 614-261-6666.

Leave The Mold Cleanup To Us

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

These homeowners were unaware that mold was growing behind their baseboards.

If you see visible mold on your residential or commercial property, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home or business. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What To Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus for mold remediation services.

What Not To Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services:

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If you discover mold in your home or business, call our professionals at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus.

We Can Handle Your Hazardous Jobs

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus team is highly trained to handle all of your bio-hazard needs.

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus professionals are trained to safely and effectively removed bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, along with state and local health regulations. We are equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, our team can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes, and offices.  

Bloodbourne Pathogens

SERVPRO professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime, or death. Trained SERVPRO technicians thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize the structure.

Crime Scene Residues

From fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals to tear gas and pepper spray residues, SERVPRO professionals can clean and restore your property and contents.

Arson and Vandalism

SERVPRO professionals are recognized as leaders at helping property owners recover quickly from fire and water damage. SERVPRO also provides general cleaning and deodorization services for situations resulting from vandalism including graffiti, egg, spoiled foods, and human or animal waste.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backups and black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits- these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure. SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus professionals remove the sewage, contaminants and moisture, disinfecting as they clean. Our SERVPRO team help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

We are Your Local Cleaning Experts!

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team is here to help!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at 614-261-6666

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

What Our Customers Can Expect When They Call Our SERVPRO Team

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Our team can help with your water restoration needs!

You can never plan for a water loss to occur in your home or business but it’s a good idea to keep handy the name and number of a local cleanup and restoration company like SERVPRO. A disaster like this may seem like the end of the world but to our SERVPRO team it’s just an average day. This is our specialty. Our job is to provide state-of-the-art service to our customers that are in need of water damage restoration experts.

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. That is why it is imperative to call SERVPRO as soon as possible, so our team can start extracting the water.

Here is what you can expect when our highly trained technicians arrive at your home or business.

INSPECTION

Within two hours of receiving the loss notification, our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus restoration professionals will be on-site to help ensure your water damage is handled in accordance with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standards. Our team will inspect the affected areas to determine the extent of the water damage. We will review the inspection with you, answering any questions you may have before beginning the work.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Our SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus professionals take the necessary steps to help protect your home or business, as well as personal property and other contents from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing the affected area for drying. Once the area is prepared for drying, our technicians will then place our state-of-the-art drying equipment strategically in the area. Our team will explain the needed emergency services to you step-by-step and can assist you with filing an insurance claim, should you choose to file a claim. SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is a preferred service provider for most major insurance companies such as Nationwide Insurance, State Farm, Allstate Insurance, Farmers Insurance and Grange Insurance. We always keep a great working relationship with our local Insurance Adjusters and Claims Agents.

MONITOR

To help ensure the structure and contents of your home or business are dried to the appropriate IICRC Standards, a SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus professional will monitor and document the drying process. These updates will be consistently communicated with you and when applicable, to your Insurance Adjuster or Claims Agent. Continuous monitoring allows our trained technicians to better understand how the property is drying, and the equipment can then be adjusted to dry the area quickly and more cost effectively. The length of drying does depend on the severity of the loss.

RESTORATION SERVICES

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus will repair structural materials, reinstall carpers and cleaned affected areas of your property and contents. This is where our SERVPRO team lives up to our motto “Like it never even happened.” A final walk through of the property will be conducted with you to ensure your home or business was returned to its preloss condition.

When you contact SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus you can rest assured that you are in good hands and that we have you and your property’s best interest at heart.

No Job Is Too Big Or Too Small

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus if you experience a loss in your home or business.

No matter the size of your property's emergency disaster, SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist you. We treat all of our customers with respect and thoughtfulness, as we know that even though a job may seem "small" to us, it feels really big when it's happening to you! We treat even the smaller residential jobs with the same urgency that we do on a large commercial loss.

When it comes to larger property emergencies at a commercial building, our team is well equipped to get the job done! We have years of experience handling large floods that affect multiple floors of high rise buildings as well as large warehouses with hundreds of thousands of feet affected from a flood or infested with mold. 

Size doesn't matter to us! You can always trust in SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus.

Containment

11/7/2019 (Permalink)

Mold in a commercial building from previous water damage.

Containment set up is very important on projects requiring the removal of mold. Most times we don't see visible mold but that doesn't mean mold does not exist in the property. The best way to prevent cross-contamination is to set up the containment barrier to the unaffected area, so the mold spores or airbornes don't travel to any unaffected areas.

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is an all around the clock emergency response and restoration service providers. SERVPRO is educated in the insurance industry regarding the effect of prompt service. We have a nationwide commitment to “1-4-8” response times. Contact the customer within one hour of notification. Begin work within four hours. Provide a preliminary scope and update the insurance adjuster within eight business hours.

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at 614-261-6666.

Here To Help With Your Insurance Claim

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Our team of professionals take the worry away with your claim.

When you experience an unexpected disaster in your home, you may not know how to handle it. After the shock is over, your first thought is “How am I going to pay for this?”. This is a common question homeowners ask themselves given the high cost of repairing water, fire, mold or trauma damage. Good news for you, our team of professionals is here to help eliminate that concern.

Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus set ourselves apart from other restoration companies by how well we work with your insurance company. Our dedicated team of professionals understands the insurance industry. From knowing how the claims process works, to getting your claim submitted and your repairs covered. Many of our team members have a background in the insurance industry.

As one of the largest restoration and damage remediation companies in the country, we work with hundreds of insurance companies to help our customers get their claims processed quickly and fairly. Many insurance companies know that SERVPRO handles losses professionally and often recommend us to their policyholders.

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is here for you.

Exciting News

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Welcome our new franchise!

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus and SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus have very exciting news to share with our customers. We are thrilled to announce that we have added SERVPRO of South Columbus to our growing business. This area includes Bexley, Whitehall, Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, German Village, Canal Winchester, Groveport, Obetz and Lockbourne. We will be occupying a brand new building with an excellent group of dedicated staff.

Our customers will still be given the same great service. By adding this franchise to our already existing franchises across Columbus, we are better able to serve you. We are continuing to grow that team and are so excited for what the future holds. We have hired a dedicated Operations Manager, Ramy to lead the team to success.

We thank you for your continued support. We are here to help to better serve you!

Available For You 24/7

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus has a team on standby 24/7 to respond to water damage emergencies.

A disaster can happen to anyone at any given time. A flooded basement or a house fire can be very traumatic for a homeowner and their initial reaction may be to attempt to handle the situation on their own. Without the proper training or the right equipment this can be both dangerous and ineffective.

SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus has a highly trained team of technicians that are ready to quickly respond for an emergency water extraction or fire restoration. 

If you have an unexpected disaster in your home, SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus is here to help. Please call us at 614-261-6666, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for all of your restoration needs. We are always here to help.

SERVPRO Takes Pride In Customer Service

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

A toilet overflowed in this commercial office building causing a three floors to flood.

If you ever wonder what makes the difference between all of the contractors you can choose from, the answer is simple. It’s customer service! Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus we strive to make every job the quickest and best quality that it can be. This picture is just a quick before and after photo of the small carpet patch to a much larger job. This is an example of the careful and attention to details that our project managers pour into your projects. Next time if you ever ask the question: Why SERVPRO? It’s because we care about every little detail of our work and your property. We personally work with you through every step of the way during this stressful time. Our SERVPRO Corporate office has a 1-4-8 requirement for all SERVPRO jobs. Which means we must contact the customer within one hour, be on site within 4 hours and have the estimate to the adjuster in 8 business hours. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."