Homeowners & Renters

Nothing is more disturbing than severe property damage where you live.

No matter where you live or what type of structure, we all face the eventuality that water, fire or mold will present their challenges at some point, to some extent...maybe a large extent.

The common response from homeowners/renters insurance agents when damage is reported is to "call the 800 number." This is because most carriers have vendor programs in place, in which restoration companies are dispatched to service the loss. Where this may work out fine, it may not be the best fit for your mitigation.

In fact, it's common that homeowners do not know that they have a right to choose any mitigation/restoration company they want. Many believe that since their insurance company dispatched a certain restorer that they don't have any say in the matter. But it is the policyholder's right to select who handles your property damage recovery.

But just like so many other emergency services, people do not think about what they would do in a property damage situation until they are in one. So if you are hit with a loss at your home, before you sign a service agreement with any restoration company, do some due diligence.

- Ask your friends and family who may have experienced a loss in the past and hear what they have to say.

- Make sure the company is IICRC Certified and that staff assigned to your loss are individually certified as well.

- Never entertain door-to-door solicitation for restoration services after a widespread weather event.

All content is © 2016, ACR, Inc. and/or affiliated sources. ACR serves the greater Chicago and Milwaukee areas locally, and IL, WI, IN and IO regionally.