Does homeowners insurance cover crime scene cleanup?

Yes — in most cases standard homeowners insurance (HO-3 and HO-5 policies) covers crime scene and biohazard cleanup as property damage. The critical step is calling your insurer before hiring any cleanup company. You'll pay your deductible (typically $500—$2,500) and insurance covers the rest.

Does insurance cover unattended death cleanup?

Yes. Biohazard remediation following an unattended death is typically covered under standard homeowners insurance as sudden and accidental property damage. File before hiring anyone, document the scene, and get a written estimate from the cleanup company to submit with your claim.

What if my insurance denies the biohazard cleanup claim?

First, understand the denial reason — coverage issue, documentation gap, or timing. Then file a written internal appeal with the insurer. If denied again, file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance. For large claims, an insurance bad-faith attorney may pursue legal action on contingency.

Can I choose my own crime scene cleanup company if insurance is paying?

Yes. You are not required to use your insurer's preferred vendors. You have the right to hire any licensed, IICRC-certified company. Insurers may suggest approved vendors, but these are companies that have negotiated lower rates — not necessarily the best service.

What does a public adjuster do for biohazard cleanup claims?

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who negotiates insurance claims on your behalf (not the insurer's). They typically charge 5–15% of the final settlement. On a $25,000 claim negotiated up from $8,000, their 10% fee costs $2,500 — netting you $14,500 more than you would have otherwise. Look for NAPIA members licensed in your state.

Does Insurance Cover Biohazard & Crime Scene Cleanup?

Quick Answer: Yes — in most cases, standard homeowners insurance covers biohazard and crime scene cleanup as part of "property damage" or a specific "contamination" rider. However, insurers won't volunteer this information. You have to know to ask, file correctly, and document everything. This guide shows you exactly how.

One of the most common things I hear from families after a traumatic event: "I had no idea insurance would cover this."

And one of the most common things I hear from families who found out too late: "I already paid out of pocket. Can I still file?"

(The answer to that second one is usually yes — but it's harder.)

Here's everything you need to know about getting your insurance to cover cleanup — before you sign anything or pay anyone.

What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers

Standard homeowners insurance (HO-3 and HO-5 policies, which cover the vast majority of homes) includes coverage for "sudden and accidental" property damage. Biohazard contamination from a death or violent event typically qualifies.

Covered under most standard policies:

Crime scene cleanup after a homicide, suicide, or accident in the home
Biohazard remediation after an unattended death
Decontamination after illegal drug activity (meth labs, fentanyl contamination)
Fire damage cleanup and restoration
Water/sewage damage (depending on cause)
Odor remediation resulting from covered events

What you're typically NOT covered for:

Flooding (this requires separate flood insurance)
Gradual damage (mold that built up over years)
Intentional acts by the policyholder
Damage from pests

The Critical Step Most Families Skip: Call Insurance FIRST

Before you call a cleanup company, call your insurance company.

Here's why this matters: If you hire a cleanup company first, pay out of pocket, and then try to get reimbursed, you're in a much weaker position. Insurers much prefer to be in the loop from the start.

When you call, say exactly this:

"I need to report a property damage claim. There has been [describe the event — unattended death, crime scene, etc.] at my property and I need to file for biohazard remediation coverage."

What happens next:

They assign you a claim number (write this down)
They may send an adjuster to assess the damage
They'll authorize cleanup with an approved vendor — or authorize you to find one yourself

Important: Ask specifically whether your policy includes "contamination coverage" or "biohazard remediation." Some policies have this as a separate line item with its own deductible. Know what you're working with.

What Insurance Companies Won't Tell You

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize payouts. That doesn't make them villains — it's just how the system works. Here's what they often don't volunteer:

1. You have the right to choose your own cleanup company. Many insurance companies will suggest "approved vendors" — these are often companies that have negotiated lower rates with the insurer in exchange for referrals. You are not obligated to use them. You can hire any licensed, certified company you choose.

2. The full scope of damage may not be visible immediately. Biohazard contamination can penetrate subflooring, drywall, and structural materials. An insurance adjuster looking at surface damage may significantly underestimate the scope of work needed. Get an independent assessment from your cleanup company before the adjuster closes the claim.

3. You can dispute a low settlement. If your insurer offers a settlement that doesn't cover the actual cost of remediation, you can dispute it. You can also hire a public adjuster (more on this below) to negotiate on your behalf.

4. Living expenses may be covered. If the contamination makes the property uninhabitable while cleanup occurs, your policy may include "loss of use" or "additional living expense" coverage — paying for a hotel or temporary rental while work is completed.

The Role of a Public Adjuster: When to Consider One

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who negotiates insurance claims on your behalf. They work for you — not the insurance company.

When a public adjuster makes sense:

The damage is significant (tens of thousands of dollars)
Your insurance company's initial estimate is much lower than cleanup costs
You're dealing with a complex claim (multiple damage types, disputed coverage)
You don't have the time or energy to fight the adjuster yourself

What they cost: Public adjusters typically charge 5-15% of the final claim settlement. If they negotiate your claim from $8,000 to $25,000, their 10% fee costs you $2,500 — and you net $14,500 more than you would have otherwise.

Finding a legitimate one: Look for members of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA). Licensed in your state. References available. Never pay upfront — legitimate public adjusters work on contingency.

Connect with a vetted public adjuster in your state →

How to File the Claim Correctly

Step 1: Document everything before cleanup begins. Take photos and video of the affected area from every angle. This documentation protects you if there's any dispute about the scope of damage. Your cleanup company will also document this — make sure you get copies.

Step 2: Get a written estimate from your cleanup company. Before any work starts, get a detailed written estimate that breaks down every service and cost. This is what you submit to insurance.

Step 3: Submit the claim with documentation. Your claim package should include:

Police report or incident report number (from law enforcement)
Written estimate from cleanup company
Photos/video documentation
Any relevant medical documentation if applicable

Step 4: Track everything. Keep a log of every phone call with your insurer: date, time, name of the person you spoke with, what was said. This protects you if there are disputes later.

Step 5: Get the authorization in writing. Before cleanup begins, get written confirmation from your insurer that the work is authorized under your policy. Verbal authorization is not enough.

What If Insurance Denies the Claim?

Denials happen. When they do, you have options.

First: Understand why. Read the denial letter carefully. Is it a coverage issue (they say your policy doesn't cover it)? A documentation issue (they need more information)? A timing issue (claim filed too late)?

Second: Request a formal review. Every insurer has an internal appeals process. Submit a written appeal with additional documentation. Many denials are overturned on appeal.

Third: File a complaint with your state insurance commissioner. If the denial seems unjustified, your state's Department of Insurance handles complaints. Insurers take these seriously — a pattern of unjustified denials invites regulatory scrutiny.

Fourth: Consult an insurance attorney. For large claims where the insurer is acting in bad faith (denying valid claims, delaying without justification, lowballing), an insurance bad faith attorney can pursue legal action. Many work on contingency.

Renters Insurance: What Tenants Should Know

If you're a renter, your landlord's insurance covers the building — not your belongings or your displacement.

Renters insurance typically covers:

Your personal belongings damaged or lost
Additional living expenses if the unit is uninhabitable
Some liability coverage

Your landlord is responsible for:

The structural cleanup of the unit
Biohazard remediation of the property itself
Making the unit habitable again before re-renting

If your landlord is slow to act, most states have laws requiring rental units to meet basic habitability standards. An attorney can help if the landlord is dragging their feet.

Quick Reference: Insurance Questions to Ask

When you call your insurer, ask these specifically:

"Does my policy cover biohazard remediation or crime scene cleanup?"
"Is there a contamination rider or sublimit I should know about?"
"What is the deductible for this type of claim?"
"Am I required to use an approved vendor, or can I choose my own?"
"Does my policy include loss of use or additional living expense coverage?"
"What documentation do you need from me to process this claim?"

Write down the answers, along with the name of the person you spoke with and the date.

Bottom Line

Insurance can cover the majority of cleanup costs in most situations — but only if you know to file, file correctly, and push back if needed. The families I've seen devastated financially were almost always those who didn't know to call insurance first, hired a company without authorization, and tried to navigate the claim process after the fact.

You deserve to know your rights. File the claim. Document everything. And if you need help — whether it's finding a cleanup company that will work directly with your insurer, or connecting with a public adjuster who can fight for your settlement — we've vetted the options.

Find a cleanup company that works directly with insurance carriers → Connect with a licensed public adjuster in your state →

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Policy coverage varies. Always read your specific policy and consult with a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Crime Scene & Biohazard Cleanup?