Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup

Due to the potentially hazardous nature of biological materials like blood, tissue, and other body fluids that are left behind after a crime or trauma accident, it is recommended that you do not try to clean up the scene by yourself.

Instead, you should enlist a trained professional who can guarantee safe, complete removal of all dangerous material.

You should call a restoration company whenever you notice a problem. This may sound like common sense, but people often think they can do-it-yourself a minor damage issue and that usually results in a lot of trouble. Unless you are a licensed professional, do the safe thing and call your local certified restoration company.

Yes. No. Maybe. The single most confusing element related to water, fire, and mold damage is what is and is not covered. Find out what you have, or don't have, and learn what you need when it comes to water damage and your insurance.

Homeowners Policies

Water damage is probably the single most common reason that people make claims on their homeowner's policies. Unfortunately, it is only then that they actually discover what is and is not covered. Flooding is not usually covered under insurance, and if water damage can be in any way traced back to negligence on the part of the homeowner, it will not be covered. Sudden and unforeseen problems are usually covered.

You need to take the time and sit down with your insurance provider and determine the extent of your coverage. Making too many insurance claims for situations that are not covered can come back to haunt you when you try to shop for different insurance in the future.

Secure your property to prevent additional damage. Make any temporary repairs necessary, such as putting a tarp over your roof or boarding up your windows. Do not remove any evidence of damage and this may cause you to have your claim denied because you did not follow the correct policy procedures.

NorthStar Restoration Services provides these temporary services as well as full-service water, fire, mold and storm damage restoration. Call us today for help with tarping and board-up services.

Every situation is different. The amount of time it takes to clean fire, water, mold or storm damage depends on the extent of the damage, how many rooms were affected and other factors. NorthStar Restoration Services will clean as quickly and efficiently as possible to complete the job and get your home back to normal.

The cost of increased electrical usage is usually less than people think. It is often a cost that is paid for by your insurance provider if your policy allows for it. Usually, the cost is between $25-75.

Talk to your claims associate about what you should do and should not do before the clean-up team arrives.

Check your policies and speak to your insurance professional to learn exactly how your particular deductibles work.

Depreciation is the amount by which the value your home or personal property has decreased in since you bought it. Depreciation is caused by a combination of factors including:

• Age – how long ago something was purchased
• Condition – the amount of wear and taer or other damage
• Obsolescence – whether newer models have been released

Based on this, recoverable depreciation is the portion of the depreciated amount that you can get back or "recover" from your insurance company when you make a claim on a policy with replacement cost coverage.