Crime Scene Cleanup Cost and Who Pays
Crime scene cleanup cost usually falls first on the owner of the property where the incident happened. Insurance may cover it, and in Texas the Attorney General's Crime Victims' Compensation program can reimburse eligible victims and families for crime scene cleanup. Cleanup cannot start until the police release the scene.
Who pays for crime scene cleanup
The owner or manager of the property arranges and pays for it. A homeowner, renter or commercial property policy may cover the cost, so the insurer is the first call. Sources differ on how reliably policies pay, and an adjuster can underestimate the work, so ask the insurer in writing what is covered.
The Texas Crime Victims' Compensation program
The Texas Attorney General's page lists crime scene cleanup as a covered cost. A victim who cleans the scene alone is reimbursed for supplies only. When cleanup and repairs overlap, only the crime-related cleanup is covered. Under 1 Texas Administrative Code 61.405, the maximum is $2,250 per victim for crimes on or after July 15, 2016, so a large job can cost more than the program pays. Crime Victim Services answers questions at 1-800-983-9933.
Steps to take after a crime scene
Wait for the police to release the scene. Call the insurer and ask whether crime scene cleanup is covered. Photograph the scene as released, keep every invoice, and contact Crime Victim Services if the incident was a crime against a person. Then call a cleanup crew for a walk-through and a written estimate.
What crime scene cleanup costs
No Houston firm publishes a price, because the area, the porous material removed and the time since the incident all change it. The biohazard cleanup cost guide shows national ranges. Houston Biohazard Pros gives a free written estimate after a walk-through.
Crime scene cleanup in Houston
The crime scene cleanup page explains what the crew removes, from blood and fluids to tear gas residue. Call any hour for a walk-through.