Introduction
When disaster strikes, most homeowners aren’t just facing water, fire, or mold damage — they’re also facing the confusing world of insurance claims.
Understanding your homeowners insurance policy before and after a loss can make the difference between a smooth recovery and an overwhelming financial burden, that’s why we created this Homeowners Insurance FAQs Chicago.
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we help Chicago homeowners every day by not only restoring properties, but also helping navigate the insurance process.
This guide answers the most common insurance questions we hear after disasters strike, so you can be better prepared and better protected.
Top 10 Homeowners Insurance FAQs
1. Does homeowners’ insurance cover water damage?
It depends. Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, like a burst pipe or appliance failure.
However, gradual leaks, flooding (outside rising water), and sewer backups often require separate endorsements or flood insurance.
2. Does insurance cover mold remediation?
Only sometimes. If mold results from a covered event like a sudden pipe burst, it may be covered.
If mold stems from neglect, poor maintenance, or long-term moisture buildup, coverage is typically excluded.
To read more about Mold and how it can affect your home, check out our Mold Remediation Guide for Homeowners.
3. Is fire damage fully covered?
Typically, yes. Fire, smoke, and soot damage are usually covered under standard homeowners insurance policies — including the costs to clean, restore, and replace contents.
4. What about smoke damage without a fire?
Yes, smoke damage without open flames (such as from a nearby building fire) can also be covered under most policies.
5. Will insurance pay for my hotel if my home is unlivable?
Yes — “Loss of Use” or “Additional Living Expenses” (ALE) coverage often pays for hotels, meals, and temporary living costs during repairs.
6. What should I do immediately after discovering damage?
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Document everything with photos and videos
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Prevent further damage (if safe to do so)
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Call your insurance company
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Call a licensed restoration company like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
7. How long do I have to file a claim?
Most policies require you to report damage as soon as possible — sometimes within 24–72 hours.
Delaying can jeopardize your claim.
8. How are insurance payouts calculated?
Insurers typically calculate payments based on:
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Actual Cash Value (ACV) — depreciated value
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Replacement Cost Value (RCV) — cost to repair/replace at today’s prices. Check your policy to see which method applies.
9. What if my claim is denied or underpaid?
You have rights. You can appeal, provide additional documentation, or hire a public adjuster or attorney to negotiate.
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons can assist by providing detailed documentation of the damage.
10. Can ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons help with the claims process?
Yes. We work directly with your insurance adjuster to:
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Document damages
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Justify repair scopes
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Provide detailed estimates
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Speed up approvals
We aim to make the process as stress-free as possible. We created this guide: Homeowners Insurance FAQs Chicago for your information.
How Homeowners Insurance Works After Disaster Damage
When disaster strikes, insurance companies evaluate:
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What caused the damage
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When the damage occurred
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Whether you took reasonable steps to prevent further harm
Coverage typically depends on cause, timing, and policy exclusions.
Having professionals like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons document your damage can greatly strengthen your claim.
Common Homeowner Claim Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls after disaster damage:
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Waiting too long to file
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Cleaning up before documenting damages
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Accepting a lowball settlement
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Hiring unlicensed or uninsured contractors
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Not understanding your full policy rights
Check out our Guide To Filing an Insurance Claim.
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons: Preferred Provider for Insurance Claims
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we are proud to be a preferred restoration service provider for insurance companies throughout Chicago and the North Shore.
We work with all insurance companies to help homeowners navigate the claims process efficiently after water, fire, or mold disasters.
Some of the insurers we frequently coordinate with include:
| State Farm | Travelers |
| Allstate | American Family Insurance |
| Farmers Insurance | Nationwide |
| Liberty Mutual | Chubb |
| The Hartford | USAA |
No matter who your insurance carrier is, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is ready to assist with your claim from start to finish.
Learn More About Protecting Your Home
For deeper insights into disaster preparedness and recovery,
check out RESTORE: A Complete Guide To Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, co-authored by Sam Simon of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.
🛒 Available now on Amazon.
Related Resources
Want to be even more prepared for life’s unexpected disasters?
Visit our Home Restoration Resource Hub for expert guides on water damage, fire recovery, mold remediation, and more.