Attempting to handle a crime scene cleanup without professional help is incredibly risky. Employees are not trained to manage the psychological trauma or the physical dangers associated with biohazards, and doing so could open your business to legal liability. Additionally, standard cleaning supplies are ineffective against bloodborne pathogens and can spread contaminants.

Crime scene cleanup is a detailed and specialized service. Given the complexity and cost involved, it’s crucial to determine whether your insurance will pay for crime scene cleanup in your business. Contacting your insurance provider to clarify coverage details can help you understand what to expect financially.

Understanding Your Commercial Insurance Policy

Most business owners assume their standard commercial property insurance covers any and all damages, but this is not always the case. Review your specific policy documents to understand the scope of your coverage. Different policies offer varying levels of protection, and what is covered under one plan may be excluded under another.

To find the relevant information, look for sections detailing property damage, special perils, or specific endorsements. The language can be complex, so don’t hesitate to contact your insurance agent directly for clarification on what your policy includes.

Here are some essential questions to ask your adjuster:

• Does my policy include coverage for biohazard remediation, such as crime scene or accidental death cleanup?
• Are there specific limits, restrictions, or exclusions associated with this type of coverage?
• Am I allowed to select a cleanup company of my choice, or must I use one approved by the insurer?

Crime Scene Cleanup Coverage Types

Coverage for crime scene cleanup may fall under specific provisions within a broader commercial policy. For instance, a comprehensive general liability policy might cover third-party claims, but property damage from a crime might require a different type of protection.

Some insurers offer special endorsements or riders that can be added to a standard policy to cover events like crime scene cleanup. These add-ons provide explicit protection for the costs associated with biohazard removal and decontamination services. If your business is in a high-risk area, adding such an endorsement might be a wise investment.

What Does “Biohazard” Mean?

The term “biohazard” refers to biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. At a crime scene, biohazards can include blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. Attempting to clean a biohazardous scene without proper training and personal protective equipment (PPE) exposes you and your employees to serious health risks. Additionally, cleaners must follow regulations regarding handling and disposing of biohazardous waste.

Property Insurance and Crime Scenes

Your commercial property insurance is the first place to look for potential coverage for cleanup costs. This type of insurance protects your business’s physical assets, including the building and its contents. A crime can cause direct physical damage that requires professional restoration services.

However, a standard policy may have limitations or exclusions regarding criminal acts or their resulting contamination. For example, some policies might cover the repair of a broken window but not the biohazard cleaning needed inside. Carefully reviewing the “covered perils” section of your policy will reveal whether events such as vandalism, theft, or violent crime are covered.

Liability Insurance’s Role in Cleanup

Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance typically covers bodily injury or property damage to third parties, not your own business property. If a customer, vendor, or another third party is injured during a crime on your premises, your CGL policy would likely respond to their claims.

While CGL insurance does not usually cover the cleanup of your own property, it plays a vital supporting role. It manages the legal and financial fallout from third-party injuries, allowing you to focus on restoring your business operations.

What Cleanup Costs Are Covered?

If your policy does cover crime scene cleanup, it’s important to know which specific costs are included. Insurance should ideally cover the full scope of the remediation process, from start to finish. The goal is to restore your property to its pre-incident condition safely and effectively.

Your policy may cover a range of necessary services. Here is a list of typical costs associated with professional biohazard remediation:

• The initial assessment and evaluation of the contaminated area.
• Labor costs for the certified technicians performing the cleanup.
• Specialized equipment and cleaning agents required for decontamination.
• Proper disposal of all biohazardous materials according to regulations.

Filing Your Insurance Claim Correctly

Filing a claim for crime scene cleanup requires careful documentation and prompt action. The first step is to notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the police have released the scene. You will need to provide comprehensive documentation to support your claim.

Here are the essential items your insurer will likely require:

• A copy of the official police report documenting the crime.
• Photographs and videos of the scene before cleanup begins.
• A detailed, itemized estimate from a reputable biohazard cleanup company.
• Records of any property that was damaged or must be replaced.
• Contact information for all parties involved, including the police department.

When Insurance Will Not Pay

Unfortunately, there are situations where an insurance claim for crime scene cleanup may be denied. One of the most common reasons for denial is a specific exclusion in the policy for criminal acts or biohazard contamination. If your policy language explicitly states it does not cover these events, you will likely have to pay for the cleanup out of pocket.

Another reason for denial is if the policyholder failed to meet their obligations, such as not paying premiums or failing to report the incident in a timely manner. Additionally, if the damage is found to be the result of the business owner’s negligence, the claim could be rejected.

Steps After a Crime Incident

Once law enforcement has finished their work and approved the cleanup, you can proceed. First, secure the area and restrict access to avoid further contamination and to protect individuals from potential biohazards. Next, contact your insurance provider to report the incident and confirm whether insurance will pay for your business’s crime scene cleanup.

Once the insurance claim process is initiated, hire an experienced biohazard cleanup company to handle the remediation professionally. These experts are trained to safely remove biohazardous materials, disinfect the area, and restore it to a safe condition. Attempting to clean the scene yourself is not only dangerous but could also lead to violations of health and safety regulations.

Crime scene cleanup is a complex process that requires professional expertise. Knowing what your coverage includes and acting promptly can save you time, money, and stress. Don’t risk your safety or compliance by attempting to clean up biohazards on your own. Contact Bio Recovery today for reliable, compassionate, and thorough cleanup services.