Should I call insurance or a restoration company first?
Short answer: If water is active or materials are wet, call a restoration company first to stop the spread and begin extraction, then report the claim the same day. Most policies require you to prevent further damage, so mitigating is not a risk to coverage; delaying is. If the damage is minor and clearly below your deductible, call your agent first to decide whether to file at all.
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Call Now for Emergency Help(720) 319-807324/7 Emergency Call HandlingKey Takeaways
- Mitigation is time-sensitive; claim reporting is not time-sensitive to the same degree.
- Most policies obligate you to prevent further damage after a loss.
- You do not need adjuster approval to begin emergency mitigation.
- Report the same day regardless, and get a claim number.
- For minor damage near your deductible, talk to your agent before filing.
Decision Guide
- Active water, spreading, or contaminated: restoration crew first, claim within hours.
- Stopped source but wet drywall, flooring, or insulation: restoration first, claim same day.
- Small contained spill, surface only: handle it, then decide whether a claim is warranted.
- Damage clearly below deductible: call your agent to discuss before filing.
What To Say on Each Call
- To the restoration company: source, duration, rooms affected, hazards, access.
- To the insurer: date and time of discovery, cause, rooms affected, that mitigation has begun, and who is performing it.
- Ask the insurer: claim number, adjuster contact, coverage for emergency services, and any documentation deadlines.
Common Misconception
Homeowners often believe starting work before the adjuster arrives jeopardizes coverage. The opposite is usually true: policies contain duties after loss that include protecting the property from further damage. Document thoroughly, then mitigate.
Exceptions and Important Considerations
- Some policies cap emergency mitigation spending without prior approval; ask about that threshold when you report.
- For fire and sewage losses, confirm safety and authority clearance before anyone enters.
- If liability is shared, such as a neighboring unit causing the loss, notify both carriers.
Related Questions
Reasonable emergency mitigation is generally expected. Keep documentation showing necessity and scope.
In Colorado you generally choose your own contractor. Preferred vendor programs are optional.
Mitigate anyway. An unmitigated loss gets worse and more expensive whether or not you file.
Same day. Prompt notice is a policy condition in most contracts.
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