Insurance, landlords, estates and the state

Who pays for biohazard cleanup?

There is no single answer. It depends on where it happened, who owns the place and what policies are in force. Here is where to start asking.

The usual places to look

Homeowner insurance

Many policies respond to sudden damage inside the home. Some exclude certain causes. Call your insurer, describe what happened and ask what it needs before work starts.

Renter insurance

A renter policy may cover your belongings. The building itself is usually the landlord's responsibility.

The landlord

Washington landlords must keep a rental fit to live in (RCW 59.18.060). See the landlords page.

The estate

When the person who died owned the home, cleanup is often paid from the estate. The personal representative decides.

Auto insurance

For a vehicle, comprehensive coverage sometimes applies. Ask the insurer.

A business policy

If it happened at work, the business's property insurer is the first call.

Washington's victim compensation program

The Crime Victims Compensation Program, run by the Department of Labor & Industries, lists crime scene cleanup under the costs it does not pay. It may pay for funeral expenses, grief counseling, mental health treatment, medical bills and part of lost wages for eligible victims of a gross misdemeanor or felony.

The crime has to be reported to law enforcement within one year, and the application made within three years of that report. The program can be reached at 1-800-762-3716.

Questions about your policy

Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner runs a consumer advocacy line, 800-562-6900, on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It can help you understand your rights under a policy.

A cleanup company can give you photos and a written description of the work. It cannot tell you what your policy covers, and you should not assume coverage until the insurer confirms it.

Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Pasco

One call, then the decision is yours

You can call now to ask questions, even if the home has not been released yet. An independent company will tell you what happens next.

When you are ready to talk

Say what happened, where, and whether police or the coroner are still involved. The company explains what it would do and how it prices the work. Nothing is agreed until you say yes.

Call (509) 555-0109

Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Calls may be recorded. Read the referral disclosure and the privacy policy.