How to File an Insurance Claim for Biohazard Cleanup Without Risking Your Policy

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event like a crime scene, unattended death, or hazardous contamination in your home, you might feel stuck between two bad options: pay thousands out-of-pocket for cleanup or try to do it yourself. Many homeowners assume that filing an insurance claim could result in their policy being canceled or premiums skyrocketing. But here’s the truth: when handled the right way, your policy can often cover professional biohazard cleanup—and you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Let’s walk through the insurance claim process step-by-step, dispel common myths, and help you avoid mistakes that could cost you emotionally and financially.

Does Insurance Cover Biohazard Cleanup?

Yes, in many cases. Most homeowners’ policies cover biohazard cleanup when the cause of the contamination is a covered event. This typically includes:

• Crime scenes

   

• Suicides or unattended deaths

   

• Accidental injuries or deaths

   

• Hoarding situations

   

• Hazardous materials like drug residue (meth labs, fentanyl, etc.)

   

Insurance companies don’t typically advertise this, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners think they’re on their own. But here’s the good news: most of our clients at Sterile Pros never pay out of pocket for our services. We work directly with insurance companies to make sure claims are submitted correctly and paid promptly.

Step-by-Step: Filing an Insurance Claim After a Traumatic Event

If you’re wondering how to file an insurance claim for a traumatic or hazardous event in your home, here’s what to do:

1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety

Before anything else, make sure the area is secured and safe to enter. If a crime or accident has occurred, local law enforcement and emergency responders should handle the scene first. Do not attempt to clean the area yourself—it can be both dangerous and emotionally overwhelming.

2. Call a Professional Biohazard Cleanup Company

Before you call your insurance company, reach out to a professional biohazard cleanup team like Sterile Pros. Why? Because we’ve seen how easily claims can get denied or mishandled when homeowners try to navigate the system on their own. We can:

• Assess the damage

   

• Document the scene

   

• Provide a detailed estimate

   

• Speak directly with your adjuster

   

• Handle all cleanup, disposal, and restoration

   

Pro tip: Insurance companies are more likely to approve claims when licensed professionals are involved from the beginning.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Once we’ve helped you document the scene and prepare an estimate, contact your insurance provider. Let them know what happened and that you’re working with a certified biohazard remediation company. Avoid phrases like “cleaning service”—use terms like biohazard remediation or trauma scene cleanup to avoid confusion.

Make sure to get the following:

• Claim number

   

• Adjuster’s name and contact info

   

• List of documentation they need

   

We’ll help you provide all the right documentation.

4. Allow the Adjuster to Inspect (If Required)

In some cases, your insurance adjuster may want to visit the site. We’re happy to coordinate directly with them, answer questions, and make sure they understand the scope of the damage and why professional services are essential. If they don’t visit in person, we’ll provide detailed photos and reports on your behalf.

5. Let the Cleanup Begin

Once your claim is approved (and often even before that), Sterile Pros gets to work. We follow OSHA, EPA, and state-specific safety protocols to fully remove contaminants, sanitize surfaces, and restore your space discreetly and respectfully.

6. No Upfront Payment—We Bill Insurance Directly

Most insurance companies allow us to bill them directly, so you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs. Even better? We stay in touch with the adjuster until the claim is finalized, so you don’t get caught in a paperwork nightmare weeks down the road.