Guide
Who pays for biohazard cleanup
There is no single answer. Depending on what happened and where, insurance, victim compensation, a landlord or an estate may share the cost. Here is how each usually works.
Homeowner and renter insurance
Many homeowner and renter policies cover sudden, accidental damage inside the home, and some insurers treat biohazard cleanup after a death or a crime that way. Others exclude it, and gradual problems are often excluded.
Before work starts, call the insurer. Ask whether biohazard or trauma cleanup is covered, whether an adjuster needs to see the room first, and whether they want photos. Write down who you spoke with.
This line does not handle claims. The cleanup company you speak with can tell you what paperwork it usually gives insurers.
Colorado
The four victim compensation programs around Aurora
The state's Division of Criminal Justice lists one program per district. Apply where the crime took place.
18th District, Arapahoe
18th Judicial District (Arapahoe County), 720-874-8787. Its page says other sources such as private insurance must be used first.
17th District, Adams
17th Judicial District (Adams and Broomfield counties), 303-835-5690. Losses named include medical, counseling, funeral costs, lost wages and loss of support.
23rd District, Douglas
23rd Judicial District (Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties), 720-733-4580. Lists crime scene cleaning among what its board may assist with.
2nd District, Denver
2nd Judicial District (Denver), 720-913-9253. Lists residential locks, doors and exterior windows; health and homeowner's insurance first.
Before you apply
- The crime must be reported to police or the sheriff, or a forensic exam done (state guidance).
- The victim or family must reasonably cooperate with police and prosecutors.
- An arrest or conviction is not required.
- Keep every invoice and receipt, and the police report number.
- Colorado's law on compensable losses is C.R.S. 24-4.1-109. Each board sets its own policy limits.
Landlords, estates and businesses
In a rental, the landlord often arranges cleanup and then looks to insurance or the estate. See the guide for landlords and property managers.
When the person who died owned the home, the cost often becomes an expense of the estate. Ask the estate's attorney or personal representative.
Businesses can ask their commercial insurer the same questions a homeowner would.
Whenever you are ready
You can call now, or after the hardest days are behind you
There is no deadline on a phone call. Until then, keep the door to the affected room shut, keep children and pets out, and leave the cleaning to people with protective gear.
Speak with a cleanup company
The call reaches an independent company that works in your ZIP code. Describe the room, ask how they would handle it and how they set the price. Nothing is decided until you agree to it.
Call (720) 712-9117Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded by the call-routing service. See the referral disclosure and privacy policy.