Frequently Asked Questions about Insurance Claims & Repairs

Navigating property damage and the resulting insurance claim process can be complex. At JLS Environmental Services, we act as your full-service partner, handling everything from the initial damage assessment and claim paperwork to full remediation and reconstruction. Below are the answers to the most common questions our clients ask.

1. What makes JLS different from other contractors when handling an insurance claim?

JLS Environmental Services is unique because we are a single-source contractor specializing in both insurance claim resolution and full-scope reconstruction. Many companies only handle the cleanup (remediation) or the final rebuild. We manage the entire lifecycle:

• Expert Estimating: Our experienced estimating team works directly with adjusters using industry-standard software (Xactimate).
• Mitigation & Repair: We execute the immediate mitigation work (like water or fire damage cleanup) and the final construction with our in-house team of skilled technicians.
• Streamlined Process: By keeping the entire project in-house, we eliminate the delays, finger-pointing, and communication breakdowns that often happen when multiple contractors are involved.

2. Do you work directly with my insurance company?

Yes, absolutely. We work as your advocate, communicating and negotiating directly with your insurance company and adjuster. Our team uses the same estimating and pricing software (Xactimate) used by most insurance carriers, which ensures our estimates are accurate, detailed, and understood by the adjuster.

Our goal is to ensure that the scope of work accurately reflects the necessary repairs and that your claim is estimated quickly, accurately, and efficiently to minimize your out-of-pocket costs and expedite the repair process.

3. What services are covered under your “insurance claims” process?

Our comprehensive service covers all phases of recovery following covered property damage, including:

• Water Damage: Emergency water extraction, structural drying, and mitigation.
• Fire & Smoke Damage: Cleanup, soot removal, and deodorization.
• Mold Remediation: Full containment and removal of mold growth resulting from covered water events.
• Construction Defects: Investigation and repair of complex issues (e.g., stucco, decking, flashing failures) often covered under homeowner or builder insurance.
• Reconstruction: Full rebuilding and restoration of the damaged areas back to their pre-loss condition, from framing to finished surfaces.

4. Can I hire JLS if my insurance company recommends a different contractor?

Yes. You have the right to choose your own contractor. While an insurance company may offer a list of preferred vendors (often called a Managed Repair Network), you are never required to use them.

Choosing JLS ensures you have a contractor whose primary loyalty is to you, the property owner, and not to the insurance company’s cost-saving agenda. We focus on quality, comprehensive repair, and ensuring the damaged property is truly restored.

5. What is Xactimate, and why is it important?

Xactimate is the industry-leading software used by insurance adjusters, claims departments, and many professional restoration contractors. It contains standardized pricing and cost data for materials and labor in your specific geographic region.

Our use of Xactimate is critical because:

1. It establishes a common language with your adjuster, speeding up the approval process.
2. It ensures the scope of work is detailed and includes all necessary line items, leaving no potential costs out of your claim.

6. How does the process start after I discover the damage?

The process is simple and immediate:

1. Call JLS First: Contact us for immediate dispatch of our 24/7 Emergency Services team.
2. Mitigation: We start mitigation (stopping the source of the damage, drying, cleaning) immediately to prevent secondary damage (like mold).
3. Claim Filing: You file a claim with your insurance carrier.
4. Assessment & Estimate: We perform a detailed assessment and use Xactimate to build the repair estimate.
5. Adjuster Meeting: We meet with the adjuster on-site to review the damage and agree on the scope.
6. Reconstruction: Once the claim is approved, we schedule and execute the full repair and reconstruction phase.

7. Do you handle all types of construction defect repairs?

Yes. We specialize in investigating, managing, and repairing complex construction defects, particularly those involving water intrusion and exterior envelope failures. This often includes:

• Stucco and Siding Replacement: Repairing damage caused by improper installation or water penetration.
• Deck and Balcony Waterproofing: Addressing leaks and structural issues in exterior elevated surfaces.
• Window and Door Flashing Repairs: Correcting defective installations that lead to chronic water intrusion.

8. What are the benefits of using an “in-house team” instead of subcontractors?

Using our dedicated, in-house team provides several key advantages:

• Quality Control: We maintain strict control over the quality of work for every trade.
• Speed & Efficiency: We can mobilize quickly and manage the project timeline without waiting on external subcontractor schedules.
• Consistent Communication: You communicate with one primary project manager who oversees the same crew from start to finish.

9. Will using JLS increase the cost of my repair?

Our focus is on ensuring the repair is comprehensive and done correctly, not inflating costs. Our experienced estimators work within the industry-standard rates defined by Xactimate. We aim to secure full coverage for all necessary repairs under your policy, ensuring you receive the maximum benefit from your insurance and that the work is performed to the highest standard.

10. How quickly can JLS respond to a plumbing or water emergency?

We operate a dedicated 24/7 emergency response service. We understand that for water or fire damage, time is critical to prevent mold and structural deterioration. Our in-house professionals are capable of same-day or next-day mobilization, ensuring we address your critical situation immediately.