Insurance claims assistance

How a claim generally works

After a loss, you report it to your insurance company. They open a claim and typically send an adjuster, who reviews the damage and the cause and decides what the policy covers. Restoration work, estimates and documentation feed into that review.

Every policy and claim is different, and your insurer makes the coverage decisions. Our job is to make sure the damage is well documented and the work is clearly described.

What Bales does

• Documents the damage with photos and moisture readings.
• Provides a detailed estimate and scope of work for the adjuster to review.
• Bills your insurance company directly, where the claim allows.
• Coordinates with your adjuster, so you are not the go-between on every question.
• Keeps records of what was done and when, as outlined on our process page.

What you should do

• Call your insurance company to report the loss, and note your claim number.
• Take photos and video of the damage before cleanup begins.
• Keep receipts for emergency expenses such as temporary lodging, supplies or board-up.
• Do not throw away damaged items until they have been documented.
• Read your policy or ask your agent what your coverage includes.

If damage is happening now, our emergency help page lists safety steps for each situation.

Honest notes

• Coverage depends on your policy and your insurer's decision. Bales cannot guarantee that a claim will be covered.
• Your deductible is between you and your insurance company.
• Some causes, such as sewer backup or flooding from outside, may require specific coverage on your policy.
• If your insurer covers only part of the work, we will talk with you about it before moving ahead.

Browse the services we offer to see how documentation fits each type of loss.