Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Biohazard Remediation and Trauma Scene Cleanup Services?

Crime and trauma scene cleanup can be very expensive due to the intricate nature of the service. Homeowners are typically aware that their insurance covers fire and water damage, but they do not realize that coverage is usually available for crime scene and trauma cleanup as well. This leads to people attempting to perform the cleanup themselves to save money, which can be extremely dangerous and difficult mentally after a traumatic event.

Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Biohazard Remediation and Trauma Scene Cleanup Services?

To verify your coverage, contact your insurance adjuster – not your agent. Adjusters have more knowledge on policy details and can determine whether crime scene cleanup services are included.

Please note that your insurance provider may provide you with a list of preferred biohazard remediation companies, but they are not legally allowed to force you to go with one of them. You have the right to choose whichever provider you feel will be the best for you and your family. Huuso Bio is a reputable provider with Client Advocates who specialize in working with insurance companies on these types of claims.

What do you do if your insurance policy does not cover our services?

Some policies do not cover biohazard remediation services. In that case, you still have options. There are Victim Compensation Programs in most states that can help through the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards. You can find information for your state on their website at https://nacvcb.org/. Huuso Bio offers a variety of financing plans from short-term 0% interest loans to extended-term loans. We will work with you to find the right plan. You also have the option for self-pay if the above options do not work out for you.

What makes crime scene cleanup so costly?

Biohazard cleanup may seem like a straightforward service, but there is much more to it than people realize. Many factors go into determining the cost of each unique situation.

Cleaning up after these types of situations involves dealing with potentially infectious materials that can pose a lot of serious health risks. Crime and Trauma Scene Cleanup Technicians must be specially trained and certified on specific processes, procedures, and specialized equipment to ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
There are many requirements for a biohazard remediation company that are not inexpensive. The minimum requirements include verified training, a state business license, proper insurance, pollution & works compensation, and a contract with a medical waste disposal company with cradle to grave documentation.
All biohazardous materials must be disposed of properly in accordance with local and state regulations. Everything must be contained and transported accurately, which incurs additional costs. The medical waste disposal expense can vary based on the number of affected areas, and contaminated items and structural materials that need to be removed and disposed of. Huuso Bio will document all affected personal property and structural issues for insurance, as your policy will usually cover these items as well.
Trauma scene cleanup requires specialized equipment and cleaning agents that are much more costly than your typical household cleaning products. Huuso Bio uses industrial-strength disinfectants to ensure the area is safe for anyone who enters the premises.
The length of time the scene is left untreated can also affect the cost of the cleanup. The longer it sits, the harder it is for technicians to remove all remnants. This will increase the amount of time spent on the job.

Why shouldn’t you do it yourself if your insurance doesn’t cover the cleanup?

Some people consider cleaning up blood and bodily fluids themselves if insurance will not cover the service. As mentioned before, cleaning up after a traumatic situation may seem straightforward, but when the cleanup is not handled properly, it can pose serious health risks to those cleaning up and to anyone who enters the property in the future. Here are just a few of the associated risks of performing the cleanup yourself:

Bloodborne pathogen exposure: Many dangerous infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, are easily transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Without the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you are at risk of contracting these diseases.
No training or resources: Crime scene cleanup companies are required to have specific training and must have specialized equipment and industry-strength cleaning agents to properly clean the area. Huuso Bio’s technicians go through rigorous compliance training including Bloodborne Pathogen, Personal Protective Equipment, Respiratory Protection, Hazardous Communication, Medical Waste Handling/Storage/Transporting, and Exposure Control, just to name a few.
Psychological Impact: Dealing with a traumatic event takes a huge emotional toll on you and your family. The last thing you need is to add to your trauma by cleaning up after something terrible has happened to your friend or family member. Our technicians are trained to handle these situations with compassion and sensitivity.
Non-compliance with state and local regulations: Hazardous materials must be disposed of in accordance with specific guidelines and regulations put forth by local, state and federal authorities. Not following these regulations can result in serious legal consequences and put people in your community at risk.

In conclusion, if you or someone you know need biohazard cleaning services, please keep in mind that homeowner’s insurance usually covers these services. If your insurance does not have this coverage, you have options. Don’t put yourself and others at risk by attempting to clean up yourself to save money. If you have any questions, please contact Huuso Bio and speak to one of our Client Advocates 24/7/365 for more information at (630) 200-1436.