Is Crime Scene Cleanup Covered by Insurance in California? Understanding Your Rights
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event on your property, like a crime, suicide, or unattended death, you’re likely overwhelmed with questions. One of the first concerns many California homeowners have is: Is crime scene cleanup covered by insurance? The short answer is often yes. But it’s not always simple—and if you’re thinking about cleaning it up yourself, you could be stepping into dangerous legal and health territory.
Here’s what you need to know about insurance coverage, your responsibilities as a property owner, and why professional help isn’t just safer—it may be the only legal option.
Homeowners Insurance Often Covers Crime Scene Cleanup
In California, most standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for crime scene or biohazard cleanup under the “dwelling protection” or “other structures” portion of the policy. That coverage typically applies when the event involves:
- Homicide or violent crimes
- Suicides or unattended deaths
- Accidents involving blood and bodily fluids
- Drug-related incidents (like meth lab decontamination)
This means the cost of professional cleaning, waste disposal, deodorization, and even property repairs may be reimbursed.
To learn more about how to file a claim, visit our Crime Scene Cleaners page.
Don’t Risk Cleaning It Yourself—Here’s Why
If you’re thinking about saving money by handling the cleanup on your own, there are serious risks to consider—some of them legal.
Health Hazards
Crime scenes often involve blood and bodily fluids, which can carry pathogens like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Without proper training and personal protective equipment (PPE), you expose yourself and others to serious health risks.
Improper Waste Disposal Is Illegal
California has strict regulations on how biohazardous waste must be handled. If you attempt to dispose of contaminated materials in the trash or a standard landfill, you could face fines or criminal charges. Licensed trauma scene waste management practitioners are the only ones legally authorized to handle this type of waste disposal.
Insurance May Deny Your Claim
Attempting to clean the scene yourself could result in permanent damage or improper remediation. In many cases, this may give your insurer grounds to deny the claim entirely, leaving you stuck with the cost of cleanup and repairs.
What Insurance Will (and Won’t) Cover
While each policy is different, here’s what is typically covered in California:
✅ Professional crime scene cleanup services
✅ Decontamination and sanitization
✅ Odor removal
✅ Property restoration or repair
✅ Replacement of contaminated flooring or drywall
✅ Biohazard waste disposal
Not usually covered:
❌ Damage from illegal activity by the homeowner
❌ Emotional trauma or counseling costs
❌ Loss of property value
❌ DIY cleanup costs or damage caused by unqualified attempts
Why Working With Professionals Is the Right Call
At AAA Crime Scene, we understand the urgency and sensitivity of these situations. Our certified technicians follow all state and OSHA regulations, use hospital-grade disinfectants, and wear appropriate PPE at every stage of the job.
We’ve worked with nearly every major insurance provider in California and can help you:
- Determine if your policy covers cleanup
- Document the scene and provide detailed estimates
- Communicate directly with your adjuster
- Avoid costly mistakes or delays in coverage
You don’t need to figure this out alone. We’re here to guide you from the first call to the final walkthrough.
How to Start the Insurance Process
- Contact a professional crime scene cleanup company first
Don’t disturb the scene before it’s properly documented. - We’ll assess and document everything
We take photos and prepare an itemized estimate that your insurer will accept. - File your claim with the insurance company
Provide them with the scene report and let them know you’ve hired a licensed provider. - We handle the rest
From paperwork to waste disposal, we’ll take care of everything safely and legally.
Still Not Sure If You’re Covered?
Every case is different, but we offer free consultations so you can make an informed decision. If your insurance doesn’t cover cleanup—or if you prefer not to file a claim—we’ll still work with you to find a solution that fits your situation and budget.
Know Your Rights, Protect Your Safety
California law protects homeowners, but it also places the responsibility of cleanup squarely on your shoulders. The good news is, you don’t have to do it yourself—and in most cases, you shouldn’t.
If you’re dealing with a traumatic event on your property, call our team at AAA Crime Scene Cleanup. We’re available 24/7 and can help you navigate insurance, stay compliant with California law, and restore your home with dignity and care.
