After you have suffered a loss on your property, you may reach out to a mitigation contractor like Triad STOP Restoration before you speak with your insurance agent. In the event that it is a covered claim we do recommend giving your agency a heads up, so that they are aware that you are taking the necessary steps to try and mitigate the damages from your loss. We will be able to better advise you on how to proceed once our technicians have been onsite.
While we are speaking with you to gain more information regarding your particular loss there are a few key questions that we always ask in order to determine how the loss occurred, whether or not there will be coverage for the loss and if the loss is worth filing on your insurance. Although we can assist with losses that are not covered by insurance we always want to get as much information in the forefront as possible, this will ensure that we know who to communicate with regarding the next steps and our findings on the job. Here are some examples of the questions that we ask every client, to find out more about their specific type of loss and an explanation on how they help us navigate your potential claim.
Source of Loss? This is important for us to determine what equipment to bring. We also need to know if the source of the loss has been fixed. For example, if the water heater is currently leaking, we will need to know if a plumber has been out to fix or replace the unit, that is the first step. If you have not had someone out yet, we have trusted contractors that we can recommend. This is to ensure that we help you minimize damage to the structure.
Have you filed a claim? This is primarily to help us know if there will be an adjuster that we will need to meet onsite or follow up with regarding our findings. If you are not sure whether to file a claim, we can often advise you based on the extent of the damages and your deductible amount.
What is your deductible amount? That’s why we always ask your deductible amount, if the loss is going to be $600 to mitigate and your deductible is $500, then we would typically advise you to not file a claim. Whereas if the loss looks to be several thousand dollars and your deductible is $500 it makes more sense to file a claim.
Approximately what year was the house built? This is important for the health and safety of both the property owner(s) and our technicians. Typically, structures built before 1980 have a higher probability of containing lead based paint or asbestos containing materials. If either are present, our mitigation process may need to be modified.
What are your immediate needs? For example, after a fire, there is a potential for emergency board up services to keep out vagrants and critters. When a water line floods a finished basement, removing the standing water is usually the immediate need.
How many rooms are affected? This helps us know how much equipment to bring. We want to try to ensure that when we arrive onsite, we have the correct type and amount of tools necessary to effectively mitigate the issue.
What type of flooring was affected? Again, this helps us understand the type of equipment that is needed. Often there are 2-3 different types of flooring affected in one loss and they may require specialty drying equipment or a slightly different mitigation approach.
No matter your situation, our goal is to be a trusted resource within the Triad community. If you are in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, Thomasville or Lexington and you need mitigation services, give us a call. (336) 203-0739 STOP - We Can Take It From Here!
