Home Safety Hazards: Debris Removal

November 2005 Iowa Tornado Outbreak

Let’s face it. Life is complicated and unpredictable; especially if you’ve just suffered a significant property loss. Insurance can also seem complicated, but at least it helps us deal with the unpredictable aspect of life. The multitude of available insurances can be confusing due to their interconnectedness, leading important categories to be overlooked. One little-discussed coverage is debris removal. In the horrible aftermath of a loss, beginning to rebuild becomes a sort of victory. However, this positive step can only take place once the remains are removed and cleaned up.

The Importance of Debris Removal

Recently, the disposal of hazardous material has become extremely important. The impact of correctly disposing of hazardous material on the environment has become evident. With the wellbeing of future generations in mind, an entire industry has exploded which is centered on removing and destroying these dangerous wastes. This industry is highly important to maintaining the integrity of our soil, water, and other elements. Safely and thoroughly disposing of these materials is not only important, it can be costly. Accordingly the costs for removing debris have increased, making debris removal coverage more important than ever. While some cleanups might only require a backhoe to clean out some two-by-fours or other generic materials, there is a good possibility that hazardous materials need to be addressed.

Are you in Danger of Hazardous Materials?

Even if you live in a modern house you may find the toxic waste team needs to be called in to help with the cleaning. Unfortunately, there are several ways in which contamination can become a viable threat. A fire’s high temperatures could change the composition of a chemical or material to a dangerous level. Exposure to other types of harsh conditions, like a flood could also breakdown or alter some safe materials into a toxic element. In that case, the cost of removing hazard waste would compound the unforeseen cost of the loss.

How Much Will You Get For Debris Removal Coverage?

Debris removal will cover a portion of the damage, as long as the damage was sustained from an event which is covered, for instance a fire or flood. Usually debris removal insurance will cover a certain percentage of the property damage policy. Twenty-five percent is the standard number. Let’s say the flood damage was $20,000. Twenty-five percent of that is $5,000. If you have a $1,000 deductible, 25 percent of that would add an additional $250. So the maximum you would be paid for debris removal would be $5,250. Anything beyond that amount would be paid for by you.

An “other expenses” allowance may be available to help cover the left over costs of debris removal. There are of course limitations to what debris will be removed. A downed tree which does not garner a property loss claim will not be covered for removal.

Removing debris is the first step in the rebuilding process. Check out our website for more information about debris removal insurance. Or you can contact the experts at H&K Insurance in Watertown, MA to determine how your debris removal policy is set up.