FAQ in the Claim Process

What will it cost?

On a covered claim, your deductible is all you pay out of pocket — your insurance reviews our invoice and covers the rest. We'll give you an educated estimate up front, but restoration is a process of discovery: the full cost isn't clear until we remove the damaged materials and finish drying. Asking for a final number before then is like asking a mechanic to total up a repair before looking under the hood. We'd rather be upfront than quote you something we can't stand behind — you'll know where things stand at every step.

How long does this take?

The claim process varies depending on the damage.

Here are some averages:

Water Damage Drying- 3-5 days
Hazardous Removal- 1-3 days
Insurance Approvals - Average 2 weeks
Reconstruction- Average 2 weeks

Do I have to use the Restoration company recommended by my Insurance Company?

No — the choice is always yours. Your insurance company may share a list of contractors, and those can be a fine starting point, but you're never obligated to use them. It's worth knowing the difference: preferred vendors often work on high volume and tight turnaround agreements with the carrier, which can mean speed over craftsmanship. At Caliber, we work at the pace your home deserves — providing thorough documentation, clear communication with your carrier, and a properly detailed scope of your loss so nothing gets overlooked. You get a smooth claim and the peace of mind that the work was done right the first time.

What do I do first when I discover water damage?

Safety first — if there's active water, electrical risk, or structural concern, get everyone out of the affected area. Then stop the source if you safely can (shut off the water, for example), and call us. Quick action prevents secondary damage like mold, which typically starts within 24-48 hours. We'll walk you through documenting the damage for your claim and can often be on-site fast to begin mitigation.

Can I stay in my home while the work is being done?

Often, yes — but not always, and we'll be straight with you about it. For contained water damage in one area, most families stay put with no problem. But some situations genuinely aren't safe to live in: active mold growth, asbestos abatement, sewage contamination, or fire and smoke damage that's affected your air quality. If we recommend you relocate temporarily, it's never to make our job easier — it's because your health or safety calls for it. In those cases, your policy may include "loss of use" coverage that helps pay for temporary housing, and we'll point you to it so you don't leave money on the table.

Do I have to pay my deductible?

Yes — your deductible is your responsibility under your policy, and any contractor who offers to "waive" or "eat" it for you is doing something that's actually illegal in Arizona. We'll never put you in that position. We handle the billing directly with your carrier for the covered portion, so the only out-of-pocket cost you're responsible for is your deductible on your approved claim. And while the deductible does have to be paid, we understand it can come at a stressful time — so we offer flexible payment options to help make that cost more manageable.