Education-Only
Insurance Claim Guide
Step-by-step checklists, documentation tips, and conversation prompts to help you speak confidently with your carrier—whether it’s property damage or vehicle odors.
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Property Damage (Water • Fire/Smoke • Mold/IAQ)
What to document, who to call, and how to organize photos, lists, and timelines.
Automobile Odor (Smoke • Flood • Mystery Odors)
When and how to ask your carrier about odor removal, with prep and documentation tips.
10-Minute Checklist
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Evacuate the property if unsafe.
Avoid entering until cleared by authorities or professionals.
Shut off water if a water loss.
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Call Fire Department
Then contact Restore Me for emergency response and remediation services. (This includes Board Up to secure your property. )
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Report the loss immediately to your agent. They will be able to give you the Insurance Company’s claim # to call.
Before You Call the Carrier
Need additional help see our page - Property Damage Guide has photo prompts and sample wording.
What To Say On The First Call
(Sample Script)
“Hi, I’m calling to report a [water/fire/smoke/mold/odor] issue discovered on [date/time] at [address].
My policy # is _______. I have photos/video showing some of the damage for your initial assessment.
What information do you need from me today, and what are the next steps?
Thank you can I get a claim number and expected adjuster contact time frame. Is the adjuster someone from your company or they an independent adjuster?
Common Documents to Keep Handy
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Photos & video (dated)
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Contents Damage List - Restorable - Non-Restorable
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Documents - Emergency Cost, Hotel & Food Receipts
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Communication Log (dates of calls/emails, who you spoke with, summaries)
Common Insurance Claims Questions
Common Questions
What are the different Homeowner’s Policies?
Why do I have different deductibles I have to pay?
Types of Homeowners Polices
HO-3 - Special Form (Most Common Policy)
HO-4 (Renters Insurance)
HO-5 (Comprehensive Form) - upgraded version of the HO-3. Offers “all risk”.
HO-6 (Condo Insurance)
Deductible Types
All Perils Deductible: Applies to Fire, Water damage (not flood), theft, vandalism, or other covered perils. Deductible amount can vary depends on what you chose. They can be 1%, 2%, etc of your Coverage A Limit.
Wind/Hail Deductible: seperate deductible for wind and hail. Once again this can vary, It can be from 1-5% of your Coverage A Limit.
Named Storm or Hurricane Deductible (Coastal Areas). Along the Texas Gulf your policy may have a Named Storm or Hurricane Deductible. Usually between 2-10%.
Common Questions
What is Named Perils and Open Perils?
Named Perils
Covers only specific risk listed
Must prove damage was caused by a covered peril.
May require more specific endorsements to be added to your policy for coverage.
All Perils
Covers all risks except those specifically excluded.
Damages covered unless insurer can prove an exclusion applies
Fewer coverage gaps
Proof of Loss:
Named Peril Policy : The burden of proof is on the policyholder to prove the damage was caused by a listed event. ——>
Open Peril Policy: The insurer has the burden of proving that an exclusion applies. ——>
🏠 Property Coverages
Coverage A – Dwelling
Protects the main structure of your home — including walls, roof, and attached structures like a garage — against covered losses such as fire, wind, or vandalism.
Coverage B – Other Structures
Covers detached buildings or structures on your property, such as fences, sheds, and detached garages, that are not physically connected to the main house.
Coverage C – Personal Property
Protects personal belongings inside or outside your home — like furniture, clothing, and electronics — if they are damaged or stolen under a covered peril.
Coverage D – Loss of Use
Pays for additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This can include temporary housing, meals, or other necessary costs while repairs are made.
Common Named Perils
Fire or Lightning
Windstorm or Hail
Explosion
Riot or Civil Commotion
Aircraft
Vehicles
Smoke
Vandalism
Weight of Ice, Snow, or Sleet
Sudden and Accidental Tearing Apart, Crackiong, Burning, Or Bulging.
Freezing
Sudden and Accidental Damage from Artificially Generated Electrical Current
All Perils: Exclusions
Flood damage – Standard homeowners policies do not cover damage caused by rising water, overflow of rivers, or general flooding.
Earth movement / earthquakes / sinkholes – Damage from earth shifts, tremors or sinkholes is usually excluded.
Wear and tear / maintenance issues / neglect – Gradual deterioration, failure to maintain a property, slow leaks or mold from neglect are generally excluded.
Pest or vermin damage (insects, rodents, termites, etc.) – Damage caused by infestations is typically excluded.
Windstorm or hail damage (in certain zones) or separate deductible – Especially in Texas, wind or hail damage may have special conditions, higher deductible, or exclusions depending on location.
Mold, fungus or dry rot (unless caused by a covered peril) – Many policies exclude mold remediation unless it results directly from a covered event.
Business operations or commercial use of the home – Standard homeowners insurance usually excludes damage/losses related to business activities in the home unless specifically endorsed.
Ordinance or law upgrade costs – Costs to bring a damaged structure up to current building code or ordinance may not be covered unless you have specific endorsements.
Intentional damage, illegal acts or fraud – Losses caused intentionally by the insured or due to illegal activity are excluded.
Navigating an insurance claim can be stressful and confusing — especially when you’re already dealing with the aftermath of an incident. At Restore Me, we’re here to make that process simpler, smoother, and more transparent.
Our role begins where your policy comes into play. We work directly with homeowners and business owners to manage the recovery process, helping you understand and use the coverage you already have in place.
How RESTORE ME Fits
We educate and guide you on documentation and next steps. We provide service options (when you want professional help)
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Water Damage Restoration
Extraction, structural drying, moisture mapping, documentation.
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Odor Removal Services - BioSweep®
Deodorization Services for smoke, pet, cooking, marijuana, VOC, trauma scene, and much more!
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Mold Inspection & Environmental Testing
Our certified experts provide comprehensive mold and fire damage inspections to identify hidden issues and assess the full extent of damage. We deliver accurate, detailed reports and professional guidance to ensure safe, effective remediation and complete peace of mind.
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Fire & Smoke Remediation
Residue-specific cleaning, HVAC hygiene, and BioSweep® odor neutralization.
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Air Duct Cleaning & Decontamination
Our air duct cleaning & decontamination service, dramatically reduce airborne allergens such as dust, pollen and mold and restore a healthy indoor environment.
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Disinfectant Air & Surface Cleaning - Anti-Microbial Protection
We eliminate harmful contaminants and restore truly clean, breathable air throughout your home or business.
Houston & Austin Coverage
We serve Greater Houston and Greater Austin. Local pages:
Houston | Austin
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Ready to get organized?
About These Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
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I worked in the insurance industry for 15 years. I know the process and what documentation they need. (Does not guarantee coverage just guidance)
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We’re happy to share our findings and documentation if you hire us for services. We don’t provide legal advice or handle claims.
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Yes - We have mold consultant on staff that can inspect and test the area. As for fire, we can do testing to ensure the property has been cleaned properly.
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Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage if it’s caused by sudden events like a burst pipe. However, an insurance claim on water damage may not cover damage due to long-term maintenance issues or flooding.
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In order to record damage to be used in an insurance claim on water damage, it is necessary to take clear photos of all areas and items affected. Store receipts of repairs and other incidental expenses to prove your claim.
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A smoke damage insurance claim process covers damage to property caused by smoke, including stains on walls, ceilings, and furniture. It typically doesn’t cover the cost of cleaning personal items unless they are directly affected.
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The insurance claims process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of the damage and the insurance company’s requirements for documentation and approval.
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Mold damage is generally not covered under home insurance unless it’s caused by a covered event like water damage. Mold damage claims often require separate coverage or riders for mold-related issues.