Guide
Who pays for biohazard cleanup in Tennessee?
The bill usually lands in one of four places: an insurance policy, Tennessee's crime victim program, a landlord, or the estate of the person who died. Often it is a mix.
1
Homeowner or renter insurance
Many home policies are built around sudden, accidental damage, and some insurers treat biohazard cleanup that way. Others exclude or limit it. Policies differ too much for anyone but your insurer to say.
Call the insurer or your agent before work starts. Give the facts plainly and ask:
- Is this kind of cleanup covered, and is there a limit?
- Is removing and replacing flooring or drywall covered?
- Do you need photos or an inspection before work begins?
- Will you pay the company directly, or reimburse me?
Write down the claim number and the adjuster's name. This site and the call line do not file or handle insurance claims.
2
Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation
If the cleanup follows a violent crime, the Tennessee Department of Treasury's Criminal Injuries Compensation program may help. Its list of covered expenses includes crime scene clean up: when the crime happened in the victim's home or an eligible relative's home, it may consider costs for cleaning and removing materials. Repairs and replacement are not included.
The Treasury lists these conditions:
- the crime happened in Tennessee
- it was reported to authorities within 15 days, unless the victim is a minor or there is good cause
- the victim's own actions did not contribute to the crime
- the victim or claimant cooperates fully with police and the prosecution
- the claim is filed within two years of the crime, unless there is good cause
- there is an eligible expense that no other source covers
The program is a fund of last resort. Expenses paid by homeowner's insurance, auto insurance and other sources are not eligible, so ask your insurer first and keep the decision letter. Those who may apply include the victim, a dependent of a deceased victim and the administrator of the victim's estate. Claims are filed online and must be completed in one sitting, so have the police report and invoices ready.
Source: Tennessee Department of Treasury, Criminal Injuries Compensation
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Landlords and estates
In a rental
Who pays for cleanup in a rental depends on the lease and on what happened. Talk to the landlord or manager early, before anyone books work. The landlord guide covers their side.
When the owner has died
If the person who died owned the home, the bill is usually settled along with the rest of their affairs. Ask the executor or an attorney before signing for work as an individual.
Cost
What drives the price
This site does not quote prices. A company will look at:
- how large the affected area is and how many rooms it reaches
- what the fluid soaked into: carpet, pad, subfloor, drywall or furniture often has to be cut out
- how much time passed before anyone found it
- how many belongings have to be discarded
- how the waste must be packed and hauled
- access: stairs, crawl spaces, a tight room or a vehicle
Ask for a written scope and price before work starts.
Questions
Short answers
Will my insurance cover it?
Possibly. Only your insurer can say. Call before work starts and ask the questions above.
Can the victim program pay after a suicide?
The program is for victims of violent crime, so it usually does not apply. Insurance sometimes does.
Do I need a police report for the victim program?
Yes, or another official document showing the crime was reported, according to the Treasury's FAQ.
Whenever you are ready
There is no wrong time to call
Some families call the same evening. Others wait until after the service. Until then, close the door to the room and leave the cleaning to people with the right protection.
Speak with a cleanup company
The call is put through to an independent company that works in your ZIP code. Ask what the job involves, how they price it and when they could begin. Nothing is agreed until you say so.
Call (615) 916-5290Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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