Why Does Mitigation Matter

7/28/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage on Hard Wood Flooring

What is mitigation? Definition:  To stop damage or injury from progressing or getting worse. With property claims, it equates to early intervention to curb the spread of damage and to save as much of the affected property as possible. In the restoration industry, mitigation is the “clean up” side of restoration and rebuilding.

Why is mitigation important? It helps an insured get their life back to normal in the quickest time possible. It saves people’s most cherished possessions and hard to replace belongings. It reduces the cost of the claim to the insurer. It helps an agent maintain a profitable book of business

What should an insured beware of if they chose to handle the clean up or repair of property damage themselves? Make sure they really know the extent of the damage. . . . Much of it may be hidden damage. Make sure they possess the expertise and physical ability to do the job right. Make sure they understand their responsibilities as the policyholder to properly maintain the insured property. Make sure their choice does not come back to haunt them.

How should a person choose a professional mitigation/restoration service vendor versus a restoration contractor? Do NOT just open up the yellow pages and pick the company with the biggest advertisement. Understand the difference in perspective of a mitigation/restoration specialist compared to that of a restoration/construction contractor. Mitigation/restoration vendor is a “first responder” who focuses on rapid response and the preservation of real property and personal property.  (Expertise includes rapid and thorough dry-downs of water damage structures.) Restoration/construction contractor is generally a contractor with expertise in ripping out and replacing damaged areas of a structure.

Know you're Mitigation/Restoration Company and the reputation that precedes them. Not all companies are the same.

Utilizing a Seasoned and Reputable company such as SERVPRO of Henderson/Boulder City will ensure your loss is handled expertly from start to finish.