Biohazard cleanup is needed when blood, bodily fluids, sewage, or Other Potentially Infectious Material (OPIM) is present after a trauma, unattended death, accident, or serious incident.
Insurance may cover losses related to a biohazard incident, but each type of insurance covers different parts of the loss. Insurance coverage depends on the type of policy and terms of the policy, and should be discussed with your licensed insurance agent or the insurance company issuing the policy.
In most cases:
- Homeowner’s insurance helps pay for cleanup and repairs to the home after a covered event
- Renters insurance may cover the personal belongings of the tenant, and temporary housing if it is necessary for them to vacate
- Medical insurance covers medical treatment for people
Homeowner’s Insurance: What It Does and Doesn’t Cover
If you own a home where a death, accident, or crime has occurred, homeowner’s insurance is often the first policy to review.
There are several things to consider when discussing your coverage with a licensed professional, including:
- Date of loss
- Cause of loss
- What was damaged (e.g. structural vs contents)
- What homeowners’ insurance normally covers
Homeowners insurance may help cover:
- Biohazard remediation tied to a covered event
- Cleaning and/or removal of contaminated structural materials (e.g. flooring, subfloor, drywall, framing, cabinetry)
- Repair and/or replacement of contaminated structural materials (if flooring requires removal, insurance may cover the replacement of the flooring)
- Damage to personal property if coverage of the contents is included in the policy
- Temporary housing in some situations
Homeowners insurance usually will not cover damage caused by:
- Long-term neglect
- Wear and tear
- Excluded causes of loss
- Sewer backup without added coverage
Renters Insurance Covers Property of Tenants
Renters insurance generally protects the tenant’s belongings, not the building itself. If contaminated items include clothing, furniture, or electronics, renters’ insurance may assist in replacing those items. It may also help with hotel or temporary living costs after a covered loss.
Renters insurance policies may cover:
- Personal property damaged by a covered event
- Temporary housing or loss-of-use costs
- Liability in certain situations
Renters insurance usually does not cover:
- Structural damage, for example; drywall, flooring, subfloor, cabinetry
- Repairs to the apartment or rental home itself
In those cases, we suggest contacting the landlord or the property manager to discuss options. We can assist with discussing the damage to the property, and what requires biohazard remediation.
Medical Insurance Applies to Affected People
Medical insurance covers healthcare costs for people, not scene cleanup. If someone needs emergency care, lab testing, treatment, medication, or counseling after a biohazard exposure, health insurance is the coverage that usually applies.
Medical insurance typically covers:
- ER visits
- Hospital care
- Lab work and testing
- Prescriptions
- Follow-up care and counseling
Know The Difference Between Insurance Policies
The clearest way to understand biohazard insurance coverage is this:
- Homeowner’s insurance: the structure and the owner’s personal property
- Renters insurance: the tenant’s belongings and temporary living expenses
- Medical insurance: treatment for people
The insurance industry is always evolving. The insurance information provided is for the purpose of guidance and information only – please contact the insurance agent on the policy to discuss insurance coverage as it relates to any possible loss.
It is important to note that all biohazard remediation jobs, not just ones involving an insurance claim, require thorough documentation. BioteamAZ’s project administration includes compliance with government regulations including the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, maintaining a written exposure control plan, and thorough documentation and recordkeeping.
Our documentation and detailed reports assist the insurance adjusters to make the claims process as seamless as possible.
Need immediate biohazard cleanup? We can help. Call us at 602-770-4972 or fill out a web request here.
