Resources
You don’t have to
fight it alone
The advocates, regulators, and professionals who exist to help policyholders and the contractors who serve them. Restoration Education is independent and not affiliated with any organization listed here.
The advocates we stand with
United Policyholders
Nonprofit voice for insurance consumers, founded in 1991. Its Roadmap to Recovery program and free claim-help library walk disaster survivors through documenting losses, negotiating, and knowing their rights.
Restoration contractorsRestoration Industry Association (RIA)
Trade association for restoration and cleaning professionals. It advocates for the industry, offers advanced credentials, and sets expectations for how restoration work is documented and done.
Contractors and policyholdersIICRC
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It certifies technicians and firms and develops the ANSI-accredited standards (S500 water, S520 mold, S700 fire and smoke) that define a proper restoration job.
Regulators: where to complain and get answers
Every state has a Department of Insurance that licenses insurers and adjusters and takes consumer complaints. A written complaint creates an official record and requires the insurer to respond.
NAIC: find your state Department of Insurance
Policyholders in every state
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners keeps a map linking to every state insurance regulator.
California Department of Insurance
California policyholders
Consumer hotline, online complaint form, and claim-handling guidance under the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations.
Phone: 1-800-927-4357
Texas Department of Insurance
Texas policyholders
Consumer help line, online complaint portal, and homeowners claim guides.
Florida Department of Financial Services: Consumer Services
Florida policyholders
Consumer assistance, complaints, and the state-run property claim mediation program.
Standards and contractor verification
Know what a proper job looks like, and confirm who you are hiring.
IICRC standards
Contractors and policyholders
Official listing of the ANSI/IICRC standards and where to obtain them.
IICRC certification lookup
Policyholders vetting a contractor
Confirm that a firm or technician actually holds the IICRC certification they advertise.
California Contractors State License Board
California homeowners
Check a contractor’s license, bond, workers’ compensation coverage, and complaint history before you sign.
EPA: Mold
Homeowners
Federal guidance on mold, moisture, and cleanup, including when to bring in a professional.
Getting professional help
When the claim is large, complex, or stalled, an independent professional who works for you can change the outcome.
National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA)
Policyholders
Directory of public adjusters, who are licensed to represent policyholders (not insurers) in presenting and negotiating a claim.
American Bar Association: lawyer referral directory
Policyholders
Find a bar-certified lawyer referral service in your area to locate an attorney who handles insurance claim disputes.
Disaster and flood
Flood is excluded from standard homeowners policies; federally declared disasters open additional aid.
FloodSmart (National Flood Insurance Program)
Flood policyholders
How to file and appeal an NFIP flood claim.
DisasterAssistance.gov
Disaster survivors
Apply for FEMA and other federal aid after a declared disaster.
United Policyholders: Roadmap to Recovery
Disaster survivors
Workshops, guides, and survivor-to-survivor support after wildfires, hurricanes, and floods.