Insurance/Legal Matters in Restoration

Communicating With Customers During CAT Events: Do's and Don’ts for Restorers

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

During CAT events, homeowners often have urgent questions about their insurance and FEMA coverage. Restoration professionals must communicate clearly, explain their role, and avoid interpreting their customer’s policy.

How Restorers Become the Call that Homeowners Trust

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Holly Baldwin shares how restorers can become the “second call” by building carrier relationships, earning reviews, and strengthening community trust.

Why Travelers Fought a Fire Claim for Invisible Smoke Damage

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Did a Travelers builders’ risk policy cover damage from invisible combustion byproducts? Behind the costly, prolonged legal aftermath of an Alabama arson.

Xactimate First Pass Accuracy: Actionable Profile’s Live Guidance Reduces Rework

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s property claims environment rewards accuracy at first pass over speed. Based on 40,000+ Xactimate estimates across the restoration industry. This case study dives into four contractors of various sizes, the Actionable Profile’s Live Estimating Guidance reduced omissions, improved documentation and validation, cut corrections, and accelerated approvals.

RT Specialty Environmental & Construction Professional Practice Promotes Four Dedicated Professionals

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500

Mayuri Rastogi will serve as a senior account manager, Aaron Roland will assume the position of account executive, AJ Donaldson will step into the account manager role, and Daniel Wilhelm will advance to assistant vice president.

Documentation Training: The Difference Between Disaster Response and Defensible Recovery

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

During catastrophic events, the success of restoration isn’t measured by how fast your crews mobilize, but how well the work is documented and can be defended months or even years later.

How Restoration Contractors Can Overcome Cash Flow Challenges

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:15:00 -0500

Ilana Ben-Ezra of National Claims Funding shares her expert advice on managing cash flow, navigating insurance delays and leveraging industry resources to help your restoration business thrive.

RIA Advocacy Wins Deliver Real Impact for Restorers in 2025

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

From protecting emergency services to driving pricing transparency and contractor rights, the RIA’s 2025 advocacy delivered measurable wins that strengthened restoration businesses nationwide.

Estimate Like a Pro: Why Soft Costs Matter in Restoration Projects

sean@theredguidetorecovery.com (Sean M. Scott) — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Restoration estimates often overlook the soft costs like insurance, bonds, and management fees. Here’s why these factors matter and how you can include them in Xactimate.

Restoring Trust in the Insurance Process: How Communication and Documentation Can Bridge the Gap

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Todd Sangid of DocuSketch shares how better communication and documentation can restore trust in the insurance process and streamline restoration work.

Scaling Your Restoration Business and Empowering Veterans

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:45:00 -0400

ServiceMaster Restore’s John Tovar discusses scaling your restoration business and supporting veterans through career pathways.

Balancing the Scales: Water Damage Claims, AOB and Documentation Strategies

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:30:00 -0400

Josh Ehmke of One Claim Solution breaks down the legal trends in water damage claims and how contractors can protect their work and their rights.

Educating Consumers and Bridging Insurance Gaps

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Todd Sangid joins Ask The Expert to reveal surprising insurance survey results and the opportunity to educate our consumers.

Navigating the Rise of New Estimating Platforms in Program Work

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

As estimating platforms evolve, restoration contractors face new challenges and opportunities. Learn how Cotality is reshaping program workflows and what it means for your business.

How Xactimate Pricing Works and Why You Should Complete Your Estimates

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Xactimate is built on real-world data, but it’s not the final word, estimators can adjust pricing to reflect that actual job costs and complete the files to help influence future updates.

Overlooking the Basics: Why New Restoration Businesses Are Failing Prematurely

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This article explores why so many new restoration companies collapse early on and how mastering the basics can change the game.

Spring Showers Bring a Surge in Water Damage Claims

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Spring rain means more water damage claims. Learn how you can assess, mitigate and advocate.

Rebuilding the Restoration Triangle

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

When contractors, adjusters, and carriers align through clear communication and 360 documentation, restoration work becomes faster, more accurate and far less contentious.

Navigating Insurance Claims: Best Practices

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Disasters are on the rise and navigating insurance claims can be overwhelming. Learn about expert-backed strategies to help streamline the process, avoid common issues and ensure your customer’s property is protected.

Turning the Page: A New Era of Trust and Collaboration in Restoration

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The restoration and insurance industries have been intertwined for quite some time, but 2025 marks a pivotal shift toward transparency, trust and teamwork. Are you ready to be part of the change?

Streamline Your Claims: Stop Leaving Money on the Table

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Fri, 23 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Ask The Expert, Genesis Brown, Founder and CEO of Smart Claims Administration, breaks down the costly mistakes restoration contractors make when managing their claims. From documentation errors to carrier tactics, find out how you can streamline your process.

7 Questions Restoration Pros Should Ask When Considering an 831(b) Risk Management Strategy

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:00:15 -0400

Restoration professionals face unpredictable risks that traditional insurance may not cover. Find out how 831(b) plans can fill these gaps, offering structured risk management and financial stability. Check out these key questions you should ask potential administrators to ensure compliance and long-term success.

Redefining the Contractor-Insurer Relationship for Sustainable Success

Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The ongoing conflict between restoration contractors and insurance adjusters has reached a breaking point, jeopardizing business growth, professional reputations and industry standards. It’s time to reclaim control, redefine roles and focus on what truly matters, restoring properties and protecting our customers without compromising our integrity or profitability.

Estimate Accuracy: Turning Guesswork Into Profitability

Les@BusinessNetworks.com (Les Cunningham) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Estimating is more than just matching the final numbers, it's about understanding what went wrong and fixing it before it happens again. Discover how breaking down job costs line by line can improve accuracy, accountability and profitability.

Restoration Industry Trends and the Growing Need for Risk Planning

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Running a restoration business comes with its own set of risks, but these days, skyrocketing insurance costs, coverage exclusions and unpredictable disruptions are making it harder than ever to safeguard your company.

INTRConnect Recap with Garret Gray

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Join Garret Gray, President of Cotality’s Insurance Solutions, as he recaps the highlights of INTRConnect 2025, discusses innovative solutions in the property insurance industry and unveils details for INTRConnect 2026.

Homeowners’ Insurance Made Simple: How Carriers and Policyholders Can Advocate for the Right Policy

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Navigating the world of homeowners' insurance can be daunting, especially in high-risk areas. Discover how policyholders can take charge, carriers can offer critical clarity and how emerging tech bridges the gap to create tailored, comprehensive insurance solutions.

Evolving Risk Management Strategies for Restoration Professionals

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:30:00 -0500

Restoration professionals face a unique set of challenges, from natural disasters to supply chain disruptions and regulatory changes. This Q&A, Dustin Carlson, President of SRA 831(b) Admin, discusses how restoration businesses can effectively manage these evolving risks.

Overcoming Challenges With Higher Insurance Deductibles

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

As we welcome 2025, restoration companies are determined to overcome the hurdles of the past year. With soaring inflation, skyrocketing insurance premiums and higher deductibles, the industry faces unprecedented challenges. Homeowners are now opting for higher deductibles and are hesitant to file claims, resulting in a decline in sales and increased competition. To thrive in this new landscape, restoration companies must evolve by understanding their clients' needs, building confidence, offering flexible payment options and maintaining consistent follow-ups.

Navigating Business Interruption Insurance in the Restoration and Remediation Industry

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Understanding and securing the right insurance coverage can be the difference between a business that rebounds after a disaster and one that struggles. Discover how business interruption insurance can help restoration and remediation professionals navigate the challenges of natural disasters, fires, and other catastrophic events, ensuring continuity and resilience for both their businesses and clients.