Guide
Who pays for biohazard cleanup in California
There is often more than one possible source of payment, and it depends on what happened. This page explains the usual options in general terms. Ask each one before work starts.
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If a crime happened
The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB)
Cleanup is an eligible expense
CalVCB lists crime scene clean-up among the expenses it can pay. Derivative victims, meaning people affected because a relative or loved one was a victim, can also be compensated for crime scene cleanup.
Source: CalVCB, What Is Covered
Residence or vehicle
CalVCB may reimburse cleanup when the crime happened in a residence or a vehicle. It may reimburse the person who pays, or who takes on the obligation to pay, for the cleanup.
A registered company only
CalVCB can only reimburse cleanup done by an individual or company registered with the California Department of Public Health as a trauma scene waste management practitioner. It pays for the biohazard cleanup, not for damaged property.
Source: CalVCB
Payor of last resort
CalVCB pays only what no other source covers. If you have insurance that pays part of the cost, that comes first.
Source: CalVCB
How to apply
You can apply online, on paper, or with the help of an advocate. The general deadline is within seven years of the crime, with later deadlines in some cases. CalVCB expects applicants to cooperate with police and court officials, with exceptions for some crimes.
Limits
CalVCB sets a limit on cleanup reimbursement. Check the current figure on CalVCB's page and ask the cleanup company for an itemized invoice.
Source: CalVCB
Insurance
Homeowner and renter insurance
Many homeowner policies cover sudden and accidental damage to the home, and some insurers treat biohazard cleanup after a death or crime as part of that. Others exclude it or limit it. Renter policies usually cover your belongings rather than the building. There is no single answer, so read your policy and call your agent or insurer before work starts.
Questions worth asking the insurer: Is biohazard or trauma scene cleanup covered under this policy? Is there a deductible? Do you need photos or an inspection before work starts? Will you pay the cleanup company directly or reimburse me?
This site does not handle insurance claims and cannot tell you what your policy covers. The California Department of Insurance has consumer guides on residential insurance and a consumer hotline at 1-800-927-4357 (insurance.ca.gov).
Other sources
Landlords, estates and businesses
Rental property. When a death or crime happens in a rental unit, the landlord's own property insurance may be involved, and the lease may say something about it. Families and landlords usually sort out who arranges the cleanup early, often on the first day.
The estate. After a death, cleanup costs are sometimes paid from the person's estate. Who can authorize that depends on the will and the probate process; an estate attorney can advise.
Businesses. A business's commercial policy may cover cleanup on its premises. Ask the broker.
Cost
What drives the price
This site does not quote prices. These are the things a cleanup company looks at when it prices a job.
How far it spread
Fluids soak into carpet pad, subfloor, drywall and mattresses. The more porous material affected, the more has to come out.
How long before it was found
Time changes the work, especially after an unattended death: odor and absorption go deeper the longer it is.
The surfaces involved
Tile and sealed counters clean up. Carpet, upholstery and unsealed wood usually have to be cut out and replaced.
Waste volume
Trauma scene waste is packed and sent to a permitted medical waste facility, and the amount affects the price.
Rebuild work
Some companies only clean; others also replace flooring or drywall. Ask what is included.
Questions
Paying for cleanup: questions
Do I have to pay before the work starts?
Practices differ. Some companies bill the insurer directly, some ask for a deposit, some invoice afterwards. Ask on the first call and get it in writing.
Can I apply to CalVCB after I have already paid?
CalVCB may reimburse the person who paid, within its rules and limits. Keep the itemized invoice and proof of payment.
Will the cleanup company help with my claim?
Many provide photos, an itemized invoice and a description of the work, which insurers and CalVCB often ask for. The claim itself is between you and the insurer or the board.
When you are ready
One call to a cleanup company that serves Stockton
Say what happened, where, and roughly when. The company will ask a few questions, explain what the work involves and arrange a visit if you want one.
Talk to a biohazard cleanup company
Your call is connected with an independent cleanup company that works in Stockton and San Joaquin County. You can ask questions first. There is no obligation to book.
Call (209) 555-0161Lines answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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