Dealing with the aftermath of a crime is incredibly difficult. It can be one of the hardest things humans go through, and there’s a lot to process. Victims of crime will need time to recover mentally and may also be dealing with physical injuries. This is why practicalities such as cleaning the crime scene might not even be on their mind at the time. That’s why many people choose to hire specialists to clean up a crime scene at their home or business, as it’s one less thing to worry about when they’re going through a difficult time. But you may be wondering, who pays for a crime scene cleanup? And how does the process work when you need to hire a specialist cleaner after a crime?
The Cost of Crime Scene Cleanups
The cost of a crime scene cleanup will vary depending on many different factors. From the number of rooms involved, the complexity of the cleaning, and whether there is structural damage. If the scene has been unattended for a while, this can also make cleaning more difficult.
Crime scene cleanup isn’t as simple as cleaning a house, as it may involve a wide variety of tasks, such as:
- Cleaning or removing flooring and sub-flooring that has been damaged
- Removing or cleaning drywall
- Odor removal
- Painting
- Using specialist disinfectants and equipment
Also, removing waste from a crime scene is not as simple as throwing it in the trash. Biohazardous waste often needs to be removed from crime scenes and needs to be disposed of according to local laws. Professional crime scene cleaners such as Aftercare take care of the entire process, from cleaning the crime scene to disposal of all waste. They can give you a quote based on your specific needs and offer a quick response when you need them most.
Does Home Insurance Cover Crime Scene Cleanups?
If you have homeowner insurance, it is likely to cover some or all of the cost of a crime scene cleanup. You should check your policy paperwork or contact your insurance adjuster to find out the specifics of what your insurance covers. Many policies include biohazard coverage, which would include cleanup after a crime, suicide, or an event such as an unattended death.
Many specialist cleaning companies will have worked with major insurers before, so will be able to talk you through the process of making a claim. You should be able to choose your own cleanup company if they are licensed and specialize in biohazard cleanup.
Some policies can have coverage limits or may require the homeowner to pay a deductible. This is why it’s important to check your policy and know what’s covered before you proceed.
Rental Property Cleanups
Since it’s usually the property owner who is liable to pay for crime scene cleaning, if the crime occurs in a rented home, the landlord will be responsible for the cost whether they were involved in the crime or not. Some, or all of the cost will usually be covered by landlord insurance, so if you own rental properties, it’s worth checking what kind of coverage you have.
The death of a tenant can be complex, as you’ll need to grant access to the family to allow them to collect the deceased’s belongings. This is usually done once the cleanup is completed.
Crime Scene Cleanups at Commercial Properties
As with homeowners’ insurance, many business insurance policies will include coverage for crime scene cleanups. If a crime has been committed on commercial property that you own, your first step should be to contact your insurance company to find out whether you’re covered and any details, such as coverage limits.
Because of the potential health dangers, commercial properties must be thoroughly cleaned by specialist cleaners before being reopened to the public if a crime has occurred. OSHA has strict guidelines about limiting exposure to blood and blood-borne pathogens, and any cleanup has to be handled carefully to keep employees safe and avoid further contamination.
Many business owners also want to get the cleanup done as quickly as possible, as damage from a crime scene can mean lost productivity or even needing to shut down completely. That’s why it’s worth getting professionals who can help minimize the amount of time the business needs to be closed.
Do the Police Cleanup Crime Scenes?
No. Police, EMTs, and other emergency workers don’t clean up in the aftermath of a crime scene. Crime scene cleanup is complex and involves careful cleaning, disinfection, and disposal of biohazards, which means it is best left to the professionals. Once the police have carried out their investigations at the crime scene, the scene is ‘released’, which means it can be re-entered, and this is when crime scene cleaners will be able to do their work.
Compensation to Cover Crime Scene Cleanup Costs
Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to claim expenses through the Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) Program. This program is for victims of violent crime and their immediate families and can cover expenses such as lost wages, medical costs, or even the cost of the victim’s funeral. In some states, you can claim for additional costs such as crime scene cleanup. However, you’ll need to pay for the cleanup out of pocket and then claim the money back if approved, and the process can take some time to sort out.
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a crime, the last thing you want is to have to deal with the physical reminders of the trauma that happened on your property. That’s why it’s important to call in experts in crime scene cleaning who can provide a fast, efficient service and ensure your property is left safe for its inhabitants. Aftercare has over 22 years of experience providing emergency cleaning services across Virginia and North Carolina. Our services are available 24/7, and we aim to get to the property within one to two hours so the cleanup can begin promptly. When you need our services, just pick up the phone and call 757-535-4367 for a quick and professional response.