Who pays for biohazard cleanup?
Several people or programs may pay part of the cost. Check each one before work starts, and keep every paper.
Where payment can come from
Homeowner insurance
Many policies cover some biohazard cleanup and the repairs that follow, and some do not. Call your agent, describe what happened, and ask what is covered, what they need from you, and whether they want to see the damage first.
Renter insurance
A renter’s policy may cover your belongings. The building itself is usually the landlord’s responsibility.
Victim reparations
Nebraska’s Crime Victim’s Reparations program lists residential crime scene clean-up as eligible. The crime must be reported within three days, and claims are due within two years. See the Nebraska Crime Commission’s victim reparations page.
Landlord or property manager
If the home is rented, the owner often arranges and pays for cleanup of the building, then deals with their own insurer.
The estate
After a death, the person’s estate may pay for cleanup of a home they owned. Talk to whoever is handling the estate.
Auto insurance
For a vehicle, comprehensive coverage may apply. Ask your insurer.
Keep these
- The police or sheriff's report number.
- The cleanup company's written price, signed work order and final invoice.
- Photos, if you were able to take any before work started.
- Any letters from your insurer, landlord or the program.
What a referral can and cannot do
The cleanup company you speak with sets its own price and terms. It may tell you how it usually works with insurers, but only your insurer can say what your policy covers.
When you are ready, make one call
Say what happened, where, and whether the police or the coroner's office are still involved. The company will ask a few questions and explain what it would do. You decide whether to go ahead.
Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
You will speak with an independent cleanup company. See the referral disclosure.