How insurers usually look at it
Property insurance generally pays for sudden, accidental physical damage from a covered cause. A home where someone was injured, or where a death occurred and was not discovered for a while, has building materials that are physically contaminated and must be removed and replaced. Many adjusters treat that as covered property damage. Other situations, such as gradual contamination from long-term neglect or hoarding, may fall under exclusions for wear, maintenance or deterioration.
Policies differ widely, and nothing here predicts what yours will do. The practical step is to read the declarations page and the sections on covered causes, exclusions and additional coverages, then call the agent or insurer and describe the situation in plain terms. You do not need to share more detail than is required, and you can ask that sensitive information be handled carefully.
Whose policy covers what
In a rental, two or more policies may be involved. This split is common but not universal.
| Owner or landlord policy | Renter or condo owner policy |
|---|---|
| The building: flooring, subfloor, drywall, fixtures and built-in cabinets | Personal belongings: furniture, mattresses, clothing, electronics |
| Common areas such as hallways and stairwells in a building the owner insures | Sometimes additional living expenses while the home cannot be used |
| Sometimes lost rent while the unit cannot be occupied, if the policy includes it | For condo owners, interior finishes not covered by the HOA master policy |
| For condos, the HOA master policy may cover parts of the structure | Liability questions, which are separate from cleanup |
Starting a claim without making it harder
- Report promptly.Most policies require prompt notice. Call or file online once the scene is released, even if you have not chosen a provider yet.
- Ask the adjuster about approval.Ask whether the insurer wants to see a written scope before work begins or will approve emergency steps right away.
- Keep records from the start.Write down claim numbers, names and dates of every conversation. Save the police or investigator contact if one was given.
- Do not throw things away early.Ask the adjuster whether contaminated items must be photographed or kept until inspected. A provider can usually photograph items before disposal.
- Read the provider's paperwork.If you sign a direct-pay or assignment form, understand what you are agreeing to and what you will owe if the insurer pays less.
Common questions
- Does a deductible apply to biohazard cleanup?
- Usually the normal property deductible applies to a property claim. Ask the insurer how it applies to your situation.
- What if the insurer denies the claim?
- Ask for the denial in writing with the specific policy language. You can ask questions of the Colorado Division of Insurance if you believe a claim was handled improperly.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.