Insurance Tips for Water, Fire, and Mold Damage Claims

When disaster strikes — whether it’s a burst pipe, an electrical fire, or hidden mold — your first thought is likely, “Will my insurance cover this?” The good news is, homeowners insurance often covers restoration work… but only if you follow the right steps.

At Faulkner Restoration North West, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across Hammond, Gary, South Bend, Lafayette, and the rest of Northwest Indiana to restore their homes

and navigate the insurance claim process smoothly.

Here’s what you need to know when it comes to insurance and restoration work.

1. Act Fast – Insurance Companies Want Prompt Action

Time is critical after damage occurs. Insurance policies typically require that you take “reasonable steps” to prevent further damage.

If you wait too long, the insurance company may deny your claim due to:

- Negligence

- Delayed reporting

- Additional damage from lack of action

Tip:

Contact both your insurance company and Faulkner Restoration North West as soon as you notice water, fire, or mold damage. We offer 24/7 emergency response and document everything for your claim.

2. Take Photos and Videos Immediately

Before you clean up or remove anything, document the damage. Insurance companies will want:

- Photos of water pooling, fire damage, mold growth, etc.

- Video walkthroughs of affected areas

- Images of damaged belongings

Also keep records of:

- When the incident happened

- Any receipts for emergency expenses

- Communication with your insurance company

When Faulkner Restoration North West is on-site, we can help document damage in a way insurers recognize.

3. Don’t Start Major Repairs Without Approval

You can (and should) stop the damage from spreading — for example, turning off water, covering a roof hole, or drying out a soaked room. But don’t

begin full repairs or demolition

until the insurance adjuster assesses the situation.

Why? Starting too early might:

- Jeopardize your coverage

- Make it harder to prove the original extent of the damage

- Lead to denied claims

Let Faulkner Restoration North West help with emergency mitigation first, then we’ll work with your adjuster on repair estimates.

4. Know What’s Covered (and What’s Not)

Most homeowners policies cover:

- Sudden water damage (burst pipes, appliance failure)Fire and smoke damage

- Mold caused by a covered event

They typically don’t cover:

- Gradual damage over time

- Poor maintenance (like a leaking roof that’s been ignored)

- Flooding (you need separate flood insurance for that)

Not sure where your case falls? That’s where our restoration and insurance experience at Faulkner Restoration North West comes in — we can help interpret your coverage and work directly with your adjuster.

5. Ask for a Restoration Company That Works With Insurance

Not every contractor is comfortable handling insurance paperwork or adjuster meetings. When you hire Faulkner Restoration North West, you’re getting a team that:

- Speaks directly with insurance adjusters

- Provides detailed, itemized estimates using the same software many insurers use

- Knows how to justify necessary repairs

This takes stress off your shoulders and can speed up the process significantly.

6. Don’t Let the Insurance Company Choose for You

Your insurer might suggest a “preferred contractor,” but you have the legal right to choose your own restoration company.

Sometimes, those “preferred” vendors work for volume, not quality. Instead, choose a trusted local company like Faulkner Restoration North West that puts your home and your needs first.

We serve all of Northwest Indiana — including Hammond, Gary, South Bend, Lafayette, and surrounding towns — and we work for you, not the insurer.

7. Save Every Receipt and Track All Communication

Whether it’s for a hotel stay during repairs, new flooring, or dehumidifier rental, keep every receipt and email. These may be eligible for reimbursement under your policy.

Use a simple notebook or phone app to log:

- Date and time of calls

- Who you spoke with

- What was discussed

This documentation can protect you in case of disputes.

8. Be Prepared to Appeal a Denial

If your claim gets denied, don’t panic. It happens more often than it should — especially with mold-related damage.

Here’s what you can do:

- Request the denial in writing

- Ask for a second adjuster’s opinion

- Contact a public adjuster if needed

- Let Faulkner Restoration North West help you provide additional documentation or clarification

We’ve seen denials get reversed when the right evidence and language are presented.

Peace of Mind Starts with Preparation

The moments after home damage are stressful enough. Worrying about insurance shouldn’t be part of the burden.

Let Faulkner Restoration North West handle the restoration — and help you navigate your insurance claim from start to finish. We work hard to make the process easy, transparent, and successful for you and your family.

If you’ve experienced water, fire, or mold damage in Hammond, Gary, South Bend, Lafayette, or anywhere in Northwest Indiana, we’re here 24/7 to help.

Call (219) 200-0341 now to speak with our restoration insurance experts or schedule your free damage inspection today.