Standing in a flooded basement or watching a stain spread across the ceiling, most homeowners have the same two phone calls in mind: the insurance company and a restoration company. If you’re wondering who to call for water damage first, here’s the short answer: call a restoration company first, then your insurance.
That order surprises a lot of Cleveland homeowners. But getting it right can protect your home, your family’s health, and even your insurance claim. Here’s why.
What Happens When You Call Your Insurance Company First
When you call your insurance company about water damage, you’ll normally be directed to a 1-800 number to open a claim. From there, an adjuster gets assigned to your file, and it usually takes a couple of days before they get back to you.
Here’s the important part: the claims department can tell you whether your damage will be covered or not covered. What they can’t do is stop the water from spreading through your home while you wait.
And when you’re dealing with water or sewage, waiting is the most expensive thing you can do.
Water Damage Doesn’t Wait for an Adjuster
Time is of the essence with any water or sewage loss, for three big reasons:
Mold moves fast. When indoor humidity climbs above 65%, mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours. That’s often less time than it takes for an adjuster to return your first call.
Water keeps traveling. Moisture wicks up drywall, slips under flooring, and migrates into rooms the original leak never touched. Letting things dry on their own just gives that secondary damage more time to spread into unaffected areas of your house.
Insurance may read delay as negligence. Most policies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. If cleanup doesn’t start promptly and mold develops, your insurance company may interpret the delay as negligence, which can complicate what your policy covers for water damage.
Will Calling a Restoration Company First Hurt My Insurance Claim?
No. In most cases, it does the opposite.
Starting mitigation right away keeps the loss smaller, and a smaller, well-documented loss makes for a smoother claim. When our team arrives, we document everything: photos, moisture readings, and a detailed scope of the damage. That’s exactly the paperwork your adjuster needs.
One more thing many homeowners don’t realize: you have the right to choose your own restoration contractor. Your insurance company can suggest names, but they can’t require you to use a specific company. We work directly with all the major insurance companies, and because we’re independent, we work for you, not the insurer.
Honestly, Sometimes Filing a Claim Isn’t Your Best Move
This is where getting a professional out first really pays off. Some water losses turn out smaller than they look, and if the cost of the cleanup lands close to your deductible, filing a claim may not be in your best interest.
When we come out, you get a free inspection and a detailed scope before anyone touches your policy. If filing makes sense, great. If it doesn’t, you just avoided an unnecessary claim on your record. Either way, you know exactly what you’re dealing with before you decide.
Who to Call for Water Damage in Cleveland
Cleveland Water and Fire Restoration answers the phone 24/7, 365 days a year, and we typically arrive within one hour anywhere in the Greater Cleveland area. When we arrive, you can expect:
- A free inspection and moisture assessment
- A detailed scope of the damage
- Immediate mitigation to stop the spread
- Help navigating your insurance claim, if filing is in your best interest
Think of us as river guides for the claims process. We’ve helped homeowners all over Northeast Ohio navigate it, and we’ll walk you through your options at every step.
Dealing with water damage right now? Call us or contact us online. The sooner cleanup starts, the less it costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call my insurance company or a restoration company first for water damage?
Call a restoration company first so mitigation can start immediately, then notify your insurance company. Adjusters often take a couple of days to respond, and mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours.
Will starting cleanup before the adjuster arrives hurt my claim?
No, it usually helps. Policies generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and a professional restoration company documents the loss with photos, moisture readings, and a detailed scope your adjuster can use.
How fast does mold grow after water damage?
When humidity stays above 65%, mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of a water event. That’s why immediate cleanup matters so much.
Do I have to use the restoration company my insurance recommends?
No. You always have the right to choose your own restoration contractor. Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific company.