Quick Answer: Crime scene and biohazard cleanup typically costs between $1,500 and $25,000 depending on the type of incident, size of the affected area, and how quickly the scene was discovered. Most homeowners insurance policies cover this — filing a claim should be your first call. This guide breaks down real costs by scenario so you know what’s fair.
The question nobody wants to have to ask. But it’s the right question to ask early — before shock leads to a decision that costs you tens of thousands of dollars unnecessarily.
Here’s what I’ve seen companies charge, what’s actually fair, and what your insurance should cover.
Cost by Scenario
Unattended Death — Discovered Within 24-48 Hours
Typical range: $1,500 – $4,000
When a death is discovered quickly, biological contamination is limited. The work involves surface decontamination, proper disposal of affected materials, and odor treatment. This is on the lower end of biohazard work.
Unattended Death — Extended Discovery (Days to Weeks)
Typical range: $4,000 – $20,000+
The longer the time before discovery, the greater the biological spread. Decomposition can penetrate flooring, subflooring, drywall, and structural materials. In severe cases, flooring must be removed and replaced, drywall stripped, and structural decontamination performed. These jobs are complex and the cost reflects that.
Crime Scene / Homicide
Typical range: $2,000 – $10,000
Depends significantly on the nature of the incident. Small-scale scenes with limited splatter are on the lower end. Large-scale or high-velocity scenes involving multiple areas require significantly more work.
Suicide Scene
Typical range: $1,500 – $8,000
Similar factors to crime scene — scope of biological contamination drives cost. Method significantly affects range.
Hoarding Cleanup (with biohazard elements)
Typical range: $2,000 – $30,000+
Hoarding situations with animal remains, human waste, mold, or decomposition can become extremely complex. The sheer volume of material plus biohazard elements make these among the most labor-intensive jobs in the industry.
Methamphetamine Lab Decontamination
Typical range: $5,000 – $30,000+
Meth contamination is chemical, not biological, and requires different protocols. Testing before and after decontamination is typically required, and some states have specific certification requirements for this work.
Drug Overdose Scene
Typical range: $1,000 – $4,000
Typically limited in scope unless discovery was delayed.
Fentanyl Contamination
Typical range: $5,000 – $50,000+
Fentanyl is extraordinarily potent and requires specialized protocols. Even microscopic residue is dangerous. Testing is essential. This is one of the highest-cost scenarios in the industry.
What Drives Cost Up (or Down)
Factors that increase cost:
- Time elapsed before discovery (biological spread increases dramatically)
- Size of the affected area
- Porous materials (carpet, unsealed concrete, drywall, wood subfloor absorb biological material)
- Multiple levels or rooms affected
- HVAC contamination (requires separate duct cleaning)
- Personal protective equipment requirements for specific hazards
- Disposal and hauling fees for contaminated materials
Factors that keep cost down:
- Quick discovery and response
- Hard surface floors (tile, sealed concrete)
- Small, contained area
- Standard biological contamination (no chemical or drug-related elements)
How Legitimate Companies Price the Work
A reputable company will:
- Do a free on-site assessment before quoting
- Provide a written, itemized estimate showing each service and its cost
- Explain what’s included — labor, materials, disposal fees, any post-remediation testing
- Walk you through the insurance process and work directly with your carrier if approved
Line items to expect on a legitimate estimate:
- Labor (hours — rate, or per-area pricing)
- PPE and materials
- Bio-waste disposal and hauling (regulated, has real costs)
- Antimicrobial treatment
- Odor remediation (ozone treatment, hydroxyl treatment, or thermal fogging)
- Any structural removal (flooring, drywall) if needed
- Post-remediation verification testing (clearance testing confirming work meets safety standards)
If an estimate just says “Crime Scene Cleanup: $12,000” with no breakdown — push back. You’re entitled to know what you’re paying for.
Pricing Tactics to Watch For
The low-ball opener: Company quotes low to win the job, then escalates charges mid-project claiming “we found additional damage.” Always get a written scope of work that defines what happens if additional affected areas are discovered.
The urgency upcharge: “If we start today it’s $X, but if you wait we have to charge more.” Some urgency is real — biological material does spread. But it’s also used as pressure. Get the estimate in writing and give yourself time to verify credentials.
The unlicensed lowball: Companies operating without proper licensing sometimes quote significantly below market to compete. They may do incomplete work that leaves hazards behind, or they may escalate charges once work begins and you have no alternative. License verification is worth the five minutes.
The restoration upsell: After biohazard cleanup, the space may need cosmetic restoration (painting, flooring replacement). This is a separate service from remediation. Some companies bundle it in at inflated rates. It’s fine to use the same company for restoration — just make sure you understand what’s remediation and what’s cosmetic repair, and that both are itemized separately.
Insurance: The Conversation You Need to Have
Most homeowners insurance covers biohazard cleanup. Before you pay anything out of pocket:
Call your insurance company. Tell them you’re filing a claim for biohazard remediation following [describe the incident]. Ask for a claim number. Ask what documentation they need and whether you can use your own contractor.
In most cases, you’ll pay your deductible (typically $500-$2,500) and insurance covers the rest. On a $10,000 cleanup job, that’s the difference between $500 out of pocket and $10,000.
See our complete guide: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Crime Scene Cleanup?
Getting the Work Done Right at a Fair Price
Use these steps:
- Call your insurance company before hiring anyone
- Get written estimates from 2-3 companies (verify credentials first)
- Confirm insurance authorization before work begins
- Get a written scope of work that defines additional damage protocols
- Request post-remediation clearance testing in writing
Get connected with vetted cleanup companies in your area for free estimates →
Pricing data based on industry survey data and direct experience. Costs vary significantly by region, scope, and market conditions. All figures are estimates.