Homeowners Insurance Claims FAQ

Move quickly — most policies require prompt notification. Here's what to do:

1. Call Allied Restoration at (415) 529-5637 first — we'll begin emergency mitigation to stop further damage, which is typically required by your policy
2. Notify your insurance carrier — call and follow up in writing
3. Document everything — photograph all damage before any cleanup begins
4. Review your policy — understand your coverage limits, deductible, and any exclusions
5. Keep all receipts — temporary repairs, hotel stays, and emergency purchases may be reimbursable

Do not throw away any damaged items before your adjuster has inspected them.

Allied Restoration works directly with all major insurance carriers as a preferred vendor or independent restoration contractor. Our process:

• We document all damage using Xactimate — the industry-standard estimating platform all major carriers use
• We provide complete moisture logs, photo documentation, and drying reports
• Our project managers communicate directly with your adjuster throughout the project
• We identify and document supplemental scope items that may have been missed in the initial estimate
• We advocate on your behalf to ensure the claim covers the full scope of damage

You don't need to navigate the insurance process alone — call (415) 529-5637 and we'll guide you through it.

Yes — carriers can deny claims for several reasons. The most common in restoration work:

• Gradual damage or neglect — a slow leak that should have been discovered and addressed
• Lack of flood insurance — standard homeowner's policies don't cover flooding from outside sources
• Policy exclusions — mold, earth movement, and sewer backup often require separate riders
• Late notification — failing to report the damage promptly
• Failure to mitigate — not taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage

Allied Restoration helps prevent claim denials by ensuring documentation is complete and the mitigation process meets carrier requirements from day one.

Yes — California law requires insurance carriers to handle claims in good faith. Behaviors that may constitute insurance bad faith include:

• Unreasonable delays in responding to or investigating your claim
• Denying a claim without a reasonable basis
• Failing to conduct a thorough investigation
• Misrepresenting policy language
• Offering a settlement significantly lower than the documented damage

If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith, consult with a public adjuster or an attorney specializing in insurance claims. Allied Restoration can refer you to experienced public adjusters in the Bay Area who advocate exclusively for policyholders.

No — in California, you have the right to choose your own contractor. Insurance carriers often have preferred vendor programs, but using their preferred contractor is never mandatory.

Allied Restoration is an independent restoration company that works for you — not the insurance carrier. We advocate for complete documentation and full scope coverage. Some carrier-referred contractors may minimize scope to keep costs down for the insurer.

Regardless of which contractor you choose, your carrier must pay for documented, necessary, and reasonable restoration work.

ALE (Additional Living Expenses) coverage pays for temporary housing and increased living costs when your home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This typically includes:

• Hotel or rental housing costs above your normal housing expense
• Restaurant meals above your normal food costs (if you can't cook)
• Storage costs for salvaged contents
• Pet boarding if your temporary housing doesn't allow pets

ALE coverage applies when the damage is from a covered peril and your home is genuinely uninhabitable. Keep all receipts and document your normal living expenses as a baseline. Allied Restoration can help you document the uninhabitability of your property for the ALE claim.

Your claim settlement is determined by several factors:

• Scope of damage — documented in an Xactimate estimate by your adjuster and/or your contractor
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs Actual Cash Value (ACV) — RCV pays to rebuild/replace at current prices; ACV deducts depreciation
• Policy limits — maximum payout defined in your policy
• Deductible — your out-of-pocket portion before insurance pays
• Depreciation holdback — on RCV policies, a portion is held until repairs are complete

Allied Restoration's Xactimate estimates ensure every line item is documented to current market pricing, giving your claim the strongest possible foundation.

Strong documentation is the foundation of a successful claim. You should preserve:

• Photographs and video — document all damage before any cleanup begins
• Moisture readings — Allied Restoration provides calibrated meter readings throughout the drying process
• Receipts and invoices — for emergency repairs, hotel stays, and temporary purchases
• Inventory list — all damaged personal property with approximate values
• Policy documents — your full policy including declarations page and riders
• Communication records — all correspondence with your insurance carrier

In California, insurers cannot require receipts to prove ownership of personal property — photographic evidence is generally sufficient.

Debris removal is typically covered as part of your homeowner's insurance claim, but policy language varies. Key points:

• Most policies include debris removal as part of the covered loss
• Some policies have a separate sublimit for debris removal (commonly $10,000 or 5% of coverage)
• Removal of debris from inside your home is generally covered; removal from your property (yard) may be treated separately
• Hazardous materials (asbestos, lead) may require separate handling and be covered under a separate provision

Allied Restoration documents all debris removal and disposal as part of our Xactimate estimate, ensuring these costs are included in your claim.

Based on Allied Restoration's experience handling thousands of Bay Area claims, these are the most important questions to ask your insurance carrier:

1. What is my deductible for this type of loss?
2. Do I have Replacement Cost Value or Actual Cash Value coverage?
3. What is my coverage limit for this loss?
4. Do I have Additional Living Expenses coverage, and what's the limit?
5. Does my policy include sewer backup or mold coverage riders?
6. How long do I have to complete repairs to receive the full RCV payment?
7. Who will be assigned as my adjuster and when will they inspect?
8. Am I required to use a specific contractor? (You are not.)
9. What documentation do you need from me to process my claim?

Allied Restoration can walk through this process with you — call (415) 529-5637.