Insurance FAQs

insurance faqs

Insurance claims often raise questions about coverage, repairs, contractors, supplements, and the restoration process. This resource answers common questions homeowners have when navigating property damage insurance claims and rebuilding after a covered loss.

General Insurance Claims

Can I choose my own contractor? Yes. In most cases, homeowners have the right to choose the contractor they want to perform the repairs. While your insurance company may recommend preferred vendors, you are generally not required to use them. Will my insurance company tell me which contractor to use? Your insurance company may recommend contractors, but the decision is typically yours. Choosing a contractor experienced with insurance claims can help simplify the repair process. What if the insurance estimate is too low? Insurance estimates are based on the information available during the initial inspection. If additional covered damage or omitted repairs are identified, additional documentation may be submitted for the insurance company to review.

Water Damage

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage? Coverage depends on the cause of the loss and your policy. Sudden and accidental water damage is often covered, while long-term leaks or maintenance issues may not be. What if hidden water damage is discovered? Hidden damage is common after water losses. When additional damage is found, it can be documented and submitted to the insurance company for review.

Fire Damage

Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage? Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for fire damage, subject to the terms, conditions, deductibles, and exclusions of the policy. Will smoke damage require repairs even if the fire was small? Yes. Smoke, soot, and odor can affect areas beyond the visible fire damage and often require cleaning or replacement of affected materials.

Storm Damage

Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage? Many policies provide coverage for damage caused by covered weather events such as wind or hail. Coverage depends on your specific policy. Should I make temporary repairs before the adjuster arrives? If temporary measures are needed to prevent additional damage, they should be completed as soon as it is safe to do so. Photograph the damage beforehand whenever possible.

Repairs & Construction

Can I upgrade my home during insurance repairs? Yes. Many homeowners choose to complete remodeling projects while insurance repairs are underway. Covered repairs and homeowner-requested upgrades should be documented separately. How long do insurance repairs usually take? Every project is different. The timeline depends on the extent of the damage, insurance approvals, material availability, and the scope of repairs. What if code upgrades are required? Some repairs must meet current building codes. Whether those additional costs are covered depends on your insurance policy and any applicable Ordinance or Law Coverage.

Claim Supplements

What is a claim supplement? A supplement is documentation requesting payment for additional covered repairs that were not included in the original estimate because they were not visible during the initial inspection. Does requesting a supplement mean something was done wrong? No. Hidden damage is common and often cannot be identified until demolition begins.

Choosing a Contractor

Should I hire a mitigation company or a reconstruction contractor? Mitigation companies focus on emergency drying, stabilization, and mold remediation. Reconstruction contractors restore the home after mitigation is complete. Some projects require both. Riverbend's owner is certified in water damage restoration and mold remediation, helping coordinate both phases of the project. Why should I hire a contractor experienced with insurance claims? A contractor familiar with insurance claims understands documentation, hidden damage, supplements, code requirements, and how to separate covered repairs from homeowner-requested upgrades.

Looking for additional guidance? Visit our Insurance Claim Resources page to explore all of our insurance claim guides.