Restoration Companion Blog
Property Damage & Insurance Resources
Practical guides to help homeowners, contractors, and adjusters navigate property damage claims with confidence.
How to File a Property Damage Insurance Claim (Step-by-Step Guide)
Filing a property damage claim can feel overwhelming. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything — from the moment disaster strikes to receiving your settlement check.
Read Article →
SafeAir Guide: Black Mold vs Regular Mold Unveiled
SafeAir’s new guide on black mold vs regular mold reveals that up to 30% of damp homes face serious health risks. Discover how to spot and prevent them before costly damage.
Read more →
South Hadley School’s $1.4M Mold Cleanup Highlights 2026 Costs
South Hadley High School’s $1.4 million mold cleanup last year shows how quickly remediation costs can skyrocket. Find out how to budget for a similar project in your home.
Read more →
Burst Pipe Damage Hits 22% of Claims as 17% Rate Hike Looms
State Farm’s 17% rate hike and 22% of claims from burst pipe damage underline the urgency of quick action.
Read more →
Fuel Surcharge Expected to Rise: Water Damage Costs Jump
Brent crude prices have surged past $114 a barrel, driving fuel surcharges up and pushing water damage restoration costs higher. Homeowners need to factor these spikes into insurance claim estimates.
Read more →
Water Damage Repairs Up 18% Q3 2025, Remodeling Cost Index Soars
Water damage repairs jumped 18% in Q3 2025, pushing the remodeling cost index higher than ever. Discover how these trends can impact your restoration budget and insurance claims.
Read more →
Urea Price Surge Boosts Lumber Costs, Raising Water‑Damage Repair Bills for Homeowners in 2026 After War‑Triggered Shipping Disruptions Now
When Urea prices spiked after war‑related shipping disruptions, lumber costs surged—pushing water‑damage repair bills higher than ever. Find out how this chain reaction could affect your home restoration budget.
Read more →
54% of Contractors Use Drones—Ex‑Military Career Boost
With 54% of restoration contractors adopting drones, ex‑military veterans can jump into a booming field—high demand, tech‑driven jobs, and a clear path to success.
Read more →
Jones Act Waiver May Delay Water Damage Repairs and Mold
With President Trump weighing a Jones Act waiver amid soaring gas prices, homeowners could face longer wait times for restoration equipment, potentially adding weeks to repair timelines.
Read more →
Draft talk amid Iran war drives 15% jump in water damage claims
In March 2026, draft talk amid the Iran war has driven a 15% rise in water damage claims, prompting homeowners to act fast and safeguard their properties.
Read more →
Stryker Cyberattack Delays Claims—What Homeowners Must Know
The March 2026 cyberattack on Stryker has stalled its global network, causing insurers to delay water‑damage claim approvals—homeowners need to act fast to secure coverage.
Read more →
Asphalt Shingles Oil Shortage: Roof Costs Rise 10%
A 6‑10% price hike in asphalt shingles, driven by an oil shortage, forces homeowners to repair before water damage and insurance claims spiral.
Read more →
Shell Declares Force Majeure on LNG Amid Qatar Halt
When Shell declared force majeure on LNG shipments following Qatar’s 77 mtpa halt, water‑damage contractors were left scrambling to understand new contractual obligations.
Read more →
Santa Ana Winds Hit 60 mph, Prompting High Wind Advisories
The National Weather Service issued a high wind advisory for Los Angeles as Santa Ana gusts reached 60 mph on March 7, a speed that can topple trees and cause roof leaks.
Read more →
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Hits Michiana: 30+ Storms in 24h
A severe thunderstorm warning just hit Michiana, bringing 30+ tornadoes and flash floods that have already damaged dozens of homes. Find out how to protect your property and recover quickly.
Read more →
Georgia Special Election: Greene Seat Runoff
The Georgia special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene has advanced to a runoff, with April 17 set for the final vote. Voter turnout is already the highest since 2018, underscoring the race’s national significance.
Read more →
Oil Spill Risk Rises After Strait of Hormuz Closes
After the U.S.-Israel offensive, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped 30%, raising the likelihood of spill incidents that could flood homes.
Read more →
New Orleans Water Main Breaks Prompt Homeowners to Stay Safe
New Orleans water main breaks have left dozens of homes flooded, raising urgent questions about whether it's safe to sleep in a house with water damage.
Read more →
Atlanta Water Damage Costs Rise: Study Shows Higher Bills
Atlanta homeowners are seeing a 20% hike in water damage restoration costs, according to a recent study released by HomeStar Group.
Read more →
AI Tools Demo Day Signals Shift in Water Damage Claims
On March 10, insurance MGAs showcased AI tools that could change how water damage claims are assessed—raising questions about whether homeowners’ policies actually cover such losses.
Read more →
7th Circuit Fire Ruling Shows Delays – Spot Water Damage
Following the 7th Circuit’s decision that an Indiana church cannot claim replacement‑cost payment for fire damage, the danger of delayed repairs—especially hidden water damage behind walls—has never been clearer.
Read more →Mold Remediation: What Homeowners Need to Know
Mold can develop within 24–72 hours of a water loss. Understanding the remediation process helps you make better decisions and protect your health and property.
Read more →
Roof Damage Insurance Claims: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Storm-damaged roofs are one of the most common homeowners insurance claims. This guide helps you understand the process and maximize your coverage.
Read more →
Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance Policy: Key Terms Explained
Insurance policies are full of jargon that can leave homeowners confused at exactly the wrong moment. Here are the key terms you need to know before you ever need to file a claim.
Read more →Water Damage Restoration: What to Expect and How Long It Takes
Water damage restoration involves multiple phases that can span days to weeks. Here is what the process actually looks like and what to expect from your restoration contractor.
Read more →