Protecting Property Through Insurance–Restoration Alignment

This article was co-authored by Lauren Penn and Crishana Loritsch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM of Paul Davis and Sahouri Insurance, respectively.

When disaster strikes —a fire, flood, or major storm— life can turn upside down in an instant. In those moments, policyholders are often anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. It is one of the most vulnerable times in a person’s life. And it is exactly when two professionals step in to bring order to chaos: the insurance broker and the restoration contractor.

When we work together in a coordinated and unified manner, amazing things can happen. The road to recovery becomes smoother, faster, and less stressful. We have seen firsthand how powerful it is when brokers and restoration specialists are aligned. It makes all the difference, not just in getting a property back to normal, but in helping someone feel safe again.

Here’s why that alignment matters more than ever:

Rather, as we point out further in this article, this adage is something that we in the community association management space need to bear in mind as we navigate the summer season as our community residents and their guests enjoy our common areas and open spaces.

What you will learn:

• Faster, More Coordinated Response
• Clear Expectations = Smoother Claims
• Path Forward Begins Before Losses Occur
• Beyond Insurance

Faster, More Coordinated Response

One of the best things we can do for our clients is to be ready before the storm hits. That means having trusted relationships in place before there is an emergency. Get to know a reputable restoration contractor now - not during the panic of a loss. Make sure that contractor is properly vetted and carries the insurance requirements and certifications to handle all types of property emergencies.

At Paul Davis Restoration, for example, we hold IICRC certifications in water, fire, smoke, odor, environmental hazards, mold, contents restoration, and more. We are also a full-service general contractor, and most of our team holds OSHA 10 or 30 certifications.

WARNING: Engaging an uncertified contractor can lead to secondary damage and unnecessary liability.

For commercial clients, consider doing a walkthrough of the property together. It is a great opportunity to identify issues that might slow down an emergency response. For example, tight parking, locked gates, access codes, or special equipment needs and solve them in advance. These “well-checks” can shave hours off your response time when every minute counts. There is nothing more reassuring to a client than knowing a team is already in place, ready to act.

Additionally, consider inviting your insurance broker along on this walkthrough. This allows another pair of eyes to point out areas that may need to be addressed prior to any actual emergencies, especially as it relates to having the appropriate coverage for the property. Protecting your organization from potential liability while work is being performed on property is paramount to protecting your organization from additional costs at the time of loss.

Clear Expectations = Smoother Claims

Insurance claims can be confusing and frustrating even in the best of times. But when brokers and contractors communicate clearly, the process becomes significantly easier. Restoration contractors who specialize in insurance work often use estimating and documentation software that aligns with carriers’ requirements. This ensures losses are documented thoroughly and repair plans are clearly scoped and priced. This will help to speed up approval and avoid common claim pitfalls. Ask your contractor if their documentation process integrates with your preferred carrier systems.

Likewise, ask your broker if there are any specific documentation preferences. That one conversation can prevent weeks of back-and-forth. Communicate early and often. Document everything, every conversation, every email. No detail is too small. This allows a smoother process for policyholders, the contractors performing the work, and the insurer processing the claim.

Ultimately, proactive communication leads to faster decisions, less stress, and a clearer path forward.

The Path Forward Begins Before the Loss Occurs

Insurance provides protection against a possible eventuality, and it is imperative when reviewing your insurance program, to prepare for as many eventualities as possible.

When a loss occurs, it can often cause one to be reactive, and that is appropriate for certain aspects of a loss, but proactive measures are what make a difference in the long term. This is why alignment matters, especially when collaborating with a broker. Creating long-term risk strategies is an integral component of what we do at Sahouri Insurance.

Insurance and restoration can work together to promote pre-loss mitigation by having the proper coverages in place, undertaking preventative initiatives, and enhancing the decision-makers' risk literacy with proactive education and consultation.  Reviewing your insurance program on an annual basis allows you to make necessary adjustments to address any gaps in coverage.

For example, for commercial clients, maintaining your operations after a covered loss is critical to the fiscal health of your organization. Business interruption insurance covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other fixed expenses when a covered peril, such as fire or wind damage, forces a business to temporarily close. Discovering that this coverage is not in place once the loss occurs is too late. However, adding this coverage as part of the insurance review process prior to a loss is as simple as having a broker partner as your trusted, strategic advisor and resource.

Having a risk management plan that is developed in collaboration with your insurance broker and trusted business partners, like a restoration contractor, is another proactive measure that ensures that losses are kept to a minimum. A plan that addresses water and fire losses, which represent two of the top five most common property damage claims, will result in fewer claims,  lower insurance costs, not only in terms of your premiums but in your costs at the time of loss.

Beyond Insurance

The vision at Sahouri Insurance goes beyond transacting insurance policies. It revolves around restoring efficiency and transparency for the middle market through the integration of insurance services, utilization of the right technology and data, and by implementing risk avoidance strategies to empower our clients' decision-making process. To realize this vision, alignment with like-minded business partners and advisors is critical.

Disasters are deeply personal. Behind every loss is a family, a business, or a community trying to find their footing again. When insurance brokers and restoration contractors work together with empathy, clarity, and shared purpose, we are not just restoring properties, we are restoring peace of mind. That is why this alignment matters more than ever. Because in someone’s worst moment, how we show up can turn a nightmare into a story of trust, support, and recovery.