Pricing is set by the independent provider you speak with. Ask for a written scope of work before signing anything. This guide is general information, not insurance advice.
What affects the cost
- How much got wet, and whether water reached a finished basement.
- Water category. Clean water from a supply line is simpler to handle than gray water or contaminated water like sewage and outside flooding.
- Time. The longer water sits, the more material has to come out instead of being dried, and the higher the mold risk.
- Materials. Hardwood, tile over concrete and plaster walls in older homes take longer to dry than carpet and drywall.
- Rebuild. Mitigation (removal and drying) and reconstruction (drywall, paint, flooring) are often priced separately.
How homeowners policies usually treat each loss
- Sudden and accidental water (burst pipe, failed supply line, water heater): often covered for the resulting damage. The broken part itself often isn't.
- Frozen pipes: often covered, but many policies expect the home to have been heated or the water shut off and drained.
- Slow or long-term leaks: often excluded as maintenance issues.
- Outside flooding and runoff: usually excluded without separate flood insurance, which generally has a 30-day waiting period.
- Sewer or drain backup: usually needs a specific water backup endorsement.
- Mold: often covered only when it results from a covered loss, and frequently capped.
- Earthquake: standard homeowners policies generally exclude earthquake damage, and earthquake coverage is sold separately. Ask your agent how your policy treats water damage from pipes broken by shaking. The March 2020 Magna earthquake was a reminder that the Wasatch Front is earthquake country.
Protecting your claim
- Stop the water and take photos and video before cleanup.
- Notify your insurer promptly and write down the claim number and adjuster's name.
- Keep damaged materials, or photograph them with a tape measure for scale, until the adjuster says they can go.
- Ask the provider for moisture readings, drying logs and photos.
- Get a written scope and pricing before signing a work authorization, and read it, including any assignment of benefits.
- Keep receipts for hotel stays and meals if the home isn't livable.
Check licenses
Verify a Utah contractor's license with the Division of Professional Licensing lookup. Utah has no mold-specific license, so for mold work ask about industry certification and insurance.
Questions
Should I call my insurer or a restoration provider first?
You can do both at the same time. Policies generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, so starting water removal promptly is usually expected. Notify your insurer as soon as you can.
Do I have to use the company my insurer suggests?
Generally you can choose your own provider, but check your policy and talk with your adjuster before signing anything.
Will one claim raise my premium?
It can. Some homeowners pay small losses themselves. Ask your agent how a claim may affect your policy before deciding.
Sources are linked in the text. This guide is general information, not engineering, insurance or legal advice. Last reviewed November 11, 2026.
