Glossary

Air MoversA device used to move air across a wet surface accelerating evaporation.
Air ScrubberA device used for removing contaminants and odors from an air stream. A way of cleaning the ambient air within a building
Alternative Living Expenses (ALE)Monies paid by your insurance carrier for temporary housing while your property is being restored.
Board UpThe temporary installation of barriers to secure roofs, windows, doors and other penetration against intrusion or weather.
Building CodeRules & regulations adopted by local or state authorities, governing the design and construction of buildings, their alteration, repair, use and occupancy. Codes usually specify the minimum architectural, structural, and mechanical standards for sanitation, public health, welfare, safety, light and air.
Certificate of SatisfactionA signed statement that work has been performed and completed to the satisfaction of the purchaser. A copy will be provided to the purchaser (property owner) and insurance company.
Change OrderA written order to a contractor, signed by the owner or authorized agent as an addendum to a contract, authorizing a change or addition in the work. The original contract usually defines the payment terms and conditions under which change orders will be accepted and performed.
Climate-Controlled StorageA warehouse or other facility where the temperature and relative humidity are maintained at stable levels appropriate for the safe storage of property.
Condominium Association PolicyInsurance covering the common property of a condominium as defined by the association’s bylaws, in contrast to insurance carried by the individual unit owners.
ContaminationThe presence of sewage, wastes, chemicals or other material rendering an article, habitation or substance unfit for use, usually for reasons of toxicity and health.
ContainmentThe isolation of an area of contamination within a building to prevent the spread of contaminated materials, by erecting a barrier of plastic sheeting or similar material.
ContentsPersonal property, or items contained within a building, as distinguished from the building itself, for purposes of insurance.
Contents ManipulationHandling and positioning of furniture and other personal property required during repairs.
DeductibleAn amount specified in an insurance policy which is automatically subtracted from any settlement following a loss.
DehumidifiersA device used to remove water vapor from the air.
Demo, DemolitionThe systematic dismantling of building components to permit their repair or replacement.
DeodorizationEliminating offensive odor
DepreciationA deduction from replacement cost to reflect the lessened value from age, use, wear and tear, obsolescence, or other departure from pristine condition.
Direction To PayA formal request, submitted by a named insured to their insurance carrier, that a third party be paid directly from the proceeds of their insurance policy after a loss.
DisinfectTo free from infectious materials by destroying harmful micro-organisms.
Emergency ResponseThe rapid response of service personnel to a damage site after a fire or other disaster.
Emergency TreatmentRemedial action in the immediate aftermath of damage, designed to protect and minimize the loss to buildings and contents.
ExtractionA restoration process in which a liquid cleaning agent or solvent is sprayed on a surface and immediately vacuumed out, removing dissolved soils or residues.
Homeowners InsuranceA package policy designed for homeowners, which includes the building, additional structures, unscheduled personal property, liability, and loss of use.
Policy LimitsIn an insurance policy, the maximum amount of insurance provided for a particular coverage.
Pre-Loss ConditionThe appearance and state of repair which existed prior to the loss.
Public AdjusterAn individual who represents policy-holders in preparing and presenting their claims to insurance companies and taking a percentage of the loss as compensation.
Scope, Scope of RepairThe extent of repairs required after a damage incident; a complete, detailed listing of the repairs required to remedy damage at a specific site, prepared by a restoration contractor who are experienced in evaluating damage.
Smoke DamageA discoloration caused by the penetration of fire residues into a material or surface.
SootFine black particles composed principally of carbon, produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel.
SubrogationA standard policy provision giving an insurer who paid a claim the right to act in the name of their insured in recovering the funds from another party.
Tenant’s PolicyA package policy similar to Homeowner’s insurance except that dwelling: coverage is limited to betterments installed by the renter.
Time & MaterialA method of calculating charges by recording the hours worked, labor rates, material costs, and subcontractor charges, to which are added markups for overhead and profit.
Work Authorization/ContractA document signed by a property owner or agent requesting that the contractor perform damage repairs and accepts responsibility for paying the contractor for the work; usually the document directs an insurer to pay the contractor or include the contractor as a payee on any check or draft issued for that claim.