Q: Should I hire DL Restcon to start emergency services or wait to hear back from my insurance claims office?
A: Homeowners policies generally expect you to take necessary steps to immediately mitigate water damage and preclude secondary damage eg mold growth, etc. Waiting could jeopardize coverage of your claim.
Q: Can I hire a water damage restoration contractor of my choice or do I have to use the insurance company’s vendor?
A: Consumers may use whomever they want but it is highly recommended that an independent, certified, licensed, and bonded restorer be retained. This way you, the insured, receives payment and can inspect work before settlement.
Q: What will DL Restcon do to dry my structure and/or contents?
A: Necessary procedures according to industry standard call for prompt removal and drying of wet building materials and contents, including but not limited to, flooring, baseboard/trim, insulation, drywall, cabinetry, furniture, clothing, etc.
Q: Do I have to provide a deposit, down payment, or wait for insurance monies to retain DL Restcon’s services on my insurance property damage claim?
A: No. While DL Restcon maintains the legal right to do so, in an effort to expedite the claims process and protect property, DL Restcon will contract, start, and negotiate an agreed scope of work and settlement with your insurer. When they pay you, you pay us.
Q: How do I know if my homeowners or association claim is covered, what if it’s not?
A: Please refer to your insurance policy, CC&R’s, agent, and/or adjuster for coverage, limits, exclusions, and deductible amounts. If your claim or any part thereof is not covered, you are responsible for work performed.
Q: Will my home or business be restored exactly the way it was? And can I use specific tradespersons to perform any of the work?
A: Your home or business will be restored to as near pre-loss condition as possible with like kind and quality materials for a reasonable uniform appearance. If you want to use specific tradesmen, they would be hired and work as a DL Restcon subcontractor.
Q: Can I have DL Restcon perform emergency services, negotiate a settlement with my insurer, and act as general contractor to complete the work myself?
A: No, signing DL Restcon’s emergency services contract authorizes complete restoration to property and contents. Performing any of the home improvement repairs yourself is a breach of contract. You cannot profit from an insurance claim and must pay DL Restcon the amount your insurer pays you, plus applicable deductible, when work is completed. Keeping any of the negotiated and approved insurance proceeds may be insurance fraud.
Q: What if DL Restcon’s charges exceed insurance company disbursements?
A: If insurance adjuster has accurately measured and included all covered items in an Xactimate estimate with updated pricing, differences should be negligible. In this case, DL Restcon will agree to complete restoration work for insurance company approved totals. As a pricing guideline, Xactimate occasionally will not reflect true labor and material costs, in this case, subcontractor bids and/or receipts may need to be furnished to adjuster for approval.
Q: Is it safe to leave drying equipment (air movers, dehumidifiers, air scrubbers) running and unsupervised?
A: Yes, however, please contact DL Restcon immediately if there is a power interruption or safety concern, and as always, keep children and pets away from equipment. Drying will take longer if equipment is intermittently turned off.
Q: Will my insurance company reimburse for hotel, meal, and energy costs if I need to leave my home or office, and if bills are higher?
A: Check with your adjuster, but generally yes.
