Key Takeaways
- Duty to Mitigate is Mandatory: Insurance policies require you to stop further damage immediately after a loss. Failure to do so can result in claim denials.
- Documentation Wins Claims: Professional mitigation provides the invoices and proof of protection adjusters need to process claims faster.
- Wraps > Tarps: High-grade shrink wrap is a more effective “reasonable repair” than standard tarps, preventing secondary water intrusion for up to a year.
- Reimbursable Cost: Most policies cover the cost of professional emergency mitigation under “Reasonable Repairs” coverage.
Insurance claim mitigation requirements refer to the contractual obligation placed on a policyholder to take immediate, reasonable steps to prevent further damage to their property after a covered loss. If a homeowner fails to mitigate—for example, by not covering a hole in the roof—the insurer may deny coverage for any subsequent damage (like mold or rot) that occurs because the property was left exposed.
Understanding Your Policy’s “Duty to Mitigate”
When disaster strikes—whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, or severe hail storm—your first instinct is likely to check for safety. Your second instinct should be to check your insurance policy. Buried in the “Conditions” section of almost every homeowners and commercial property policy is a clause known as the Duty to Mitigate.
This clause essentially says that you, the policyholder, are partners with the insurance company in protecting the asset. Once the initial damage occurs, the clock starts ticking. You are required to act effectively to stop the bleeding. According to the Insurance Information Institute, taking these steps is critical to ensuring your final settlement covers all your damages.
What Counts as “Reasonable Repairs”?
Insurance adjusters look for “reasonable repairs.” These are temporary measures taken solely to protect the property from further harm. Common examples include:
- Shutting off the main water valve after a pipe burst.
- Boarding up broken windows.
- Installing emergency roof coverings to stop leaks.
If you fail to take these steps, and a rainstorm two days later soaks your insulation and causes mold, the insurance company is well within its rights to deny the claim for the mold remediation, arguing that it was your failure to mitigate that caused the secondary loss.
Professional Wrapping vs. DIY Tarps: Meeting the Standard
For decades, the “blue tarp” was the standard for emergency roof mitigation. However, as storms intensify and claim cycles stretch into months (or even years for complex commercial claims), the definition of what constitutes a “reasonable” protective measure has evolved.
Professional shrink wrapping is increasingly viewed as the gold standard for mitigation. Unlike a tarp, which is held down by sandbags or nails and often blows away in the next gust, shrink wrap is heat-sealed to the contours of the building, creating a drum-tight, waterproof barrier.
Below is a comparison of how different mitigation methods satisfy insurance requirements:
| Feature | DIY Blue Tarp | Professional Shrink Wrap | Insurance Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Low (Weeks/Months). Prone to tearing and blow-offs. | High (Up to 12 months). Heat-sealed 10-12 mil plastic. | Shrink Wrap: Prevents secondary claims from future storms while waiting for repairs. |
| Waterproofing | Partial. Water often blows underneath. | Complete encapsulation. Seamless barrier. | Shrink Wrap: definitive proof you stopped the leak, satisfying the Duty to Mitigate. |
| Documentation | Receipt for a tarp from a hardware store. | Professional invoice, install photos, warranty. | Shrink Wrap: Provides clear, professional evidence for your claim file. |
| Structural Integrity | Requires nailing through shingles/decking (causing more damage). | Non-invasive or minimally invasive attachment methods. | Shrink Wrap: Avoids “failure to mitigate” disputes by not causing additional damage during install. |
| Reimbursable? | Yes (Low cost). | Yes (Reasonable repair coverage). | Both are generally covered, but Wrap protects the asset better. |
For a deeper dive into why traditional methods often fall short, read our analysis on Why Blue Tarps Fail When You Need Them Most.
How Professional Documentation Protects Your Wallet
Mitigation is not just about the physical act; it is about the proof. When you hire a professional service like StormWrappers, you are purchasing a paper trail that defends your claim.
When an adjuster asks, “What did you do to prevent that water damage in the living room?”, a homeowner who DIY-tarped the roof might struggle to prove the tarp was installed correctly or on time. Conversely, a homeowner who utilized Emergency Full Service mitigation can present:
- Time-stamped photos of the damage immediately post-storm.
- Time-stamped photos of the professional installation.
- A detailed invoice outlining the scope of work.
This documentation makes it incredibly difficult for an insurer to argue negligence on your part. It shifts the conversation from “Did you do enough?” to “Here is the bill for the expert service that saved the home.”
The “Reasonable Cost” Factor
Policyholders often worry that professional shrink wrapping is too expensive and that the insurance won’t pay for it. However, insurance claims are simplified when the math makes sense. An insurance company would rather pay a few thousand dollars for a high-quality wrap that guarantees a dry building for 12 months than pay tens of thousands of dollars for interior renovations caused by a failing blue tarp.
Proving Compliance to Adjusters
To ensure your mitigation efforts are recognized and reimbursed:
- Act Fast: Contact professional mitigation services within 24-48 hours of the damage.
- Keep Receipts: Even if you buy temporary supplies before the pros arrive, keep every receipt.
- Do Not wait for the Adjuster: A common myth is that you must wait for an adjuster to see the damage before covering it. This is false and dangerous. Take photos of the damage, then cover it immediately. Waiting can be construed as failure to mitigate.
For more on what adjusters specifically look for in these scenarios, check our guide on Insurance-Approved Roof Wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover the cost of shrink wrapping a roof?
Yes, generally. Most property insurance policies have a provision for “Reasonable Repairs” (sometimes called “Temporary Repairs”) designed to cover costs incurred to protect covered property from further damage. Because shrink wrapping is an effective method of preventing further water intrusion, it is typically an eligible expense.
Can my claim be denied if I don’t wrap my roof?
It is possible. If you leave a damaged roof exposed to the elements and rain causes additional interior damage (like ruined drywall or mold), the insurance company may deny the portion of the claim related to that secondary damage, citing your failure to mitigate.
How long does the “Duty to Mitigate” last?
The duty exists until the permanent repairs are completed. Since permanent repairs can take months due to contractor availability or material shortages, installing a long-term temporary solution like shrink wrap is often the most practical way to fulfill this ongoing duty.
Disclaimer: StormWrappers provides professional mitigation services but does not offer legal or insurance adjustment advice. Always consult your insurance policy and a licensed public adjuster or attorney regarding specific coverage questions.
