Question 1

What areas does AAA Disaster Recovery serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Austin, TX and all surrounding communities including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, Leander, Manor, Lakeway, and Bastrop. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, call us — we may still be able to help or refer you to a trusted partner.

Question 2

Is AAA Disaster Recovery available 24/7?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year including holidays. Disaster doesn't wait for business hours, and neither do we. For active emergencies, call (737) 224-3060 for immediate dispatch.

Question 3

How quickly can you respond to an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Our average on-site response time in Austin is under 60 minutes. In surrounding areas, typical response is 60–90 minutes. We prioritize active emergencies and dispatch the closest available crew.

Question 4

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AAA Disaster Recovery is fully licensed and insured to operate in the state of Texas. Our technicians hold current IICRC certifications in water damage restoration (WRT), applied microbial remediation (AMRT), and fire and smoke restoration (FSRT). We carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance.

Question 5

How much does disaster restoration cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary significantly based on the type and extent of damage. A small water damage event may cost $1,500–$5,000, while a large fire loss can exceed $100,000. Most homeowners use their insurance to cover the majority of restoration costs.

Question 6

Do you work with insurance companies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work directly with all major insurance carriers including State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, Travelers, and more. Our team prepares complete Xactimate estimates that align with insurance industry standards. We communicate with your adjuster on your behalf to streamline the claims process.

Question 7

Will filing a claim raise my insurance rates?

Accepted Answer

Filing a single claim typically has minimal impact on rates and is often offset by the cost of uncovered repairs. We recommend consulting your insurance agent for specifics about your policy. For very small losses, some homeowners choose to pay out of pocket to preserve their claims history — we can advise based on your situation.

Question 8

What if my insurance company denies my claim?

Accepted Answer

We have extensive experience working through disputed or denied claims. We document all damage thoroughly with photos, moisture readings, and written reports to support your claim. If a claim is denied, we can assist you in understanding your policy and the appeals process. We can also refer you to a licensed public adjuster if needed.

Question 9

What is an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)?

Accepted Answer

An Assignment of Benefits allows you to sign over your insurance benefits to us so we can bill your insurance directly — you pay nothing out of pocket for covered losses beyond your deductible. We will always explain this option clearly and never pressure you to sign anything you are not comfortable with.

Question 10

Should I call my insurance company or a restoration company first after water damage?

Accepted Answer

Call a restoration company first. Water damage worsens by the hour — mold can begin growing within 24–72 hours, and saturated materials deteriorate quickly. Getting mitigation started immediately limits your total loss and your claim amount. A qualified restoration company will also document the damage thoroughly before work begins, which strengthens your insurance claim. You can call your insurance carrier while we are on the way.

Question 11

Can I choose my own restoration company or does my insurance company choose for me?

Accepted Answer

You have the legal right to choose your own restoration contractor — your insurance company cannot require you to use their preferred vendor. Carrier-recommended vendors are often selected based on cost agreements that may not serve your interests. You are entitled to a full, proper restoration regardless of who your carrier prefers. If an adjuster pressures you to use a specific company, politely decline and call us.

Question 12

What should I do if my insurance company says mold is not covered?

Accepted Answer

Do not accept that answer without reviewing your policy. Many policies exclude mold as a standalone issue but do cover mold that results from a covered water loss event — such as a burst pipe or appliance leak. The key question is whether the mold originated from a covered peril. We document the causal chain between water damage and mold growth in our reports specifically to support these situations. If your claim is denied, we can refer you to a licensed public adjuster who specializes in disputed mold claims.

Question 13

How much does water damage restoration cost and will my insurance cover it?

Accepted Answer

Water damage restoration typically ranges from $1,500 for a minor leak to $30,000+ for a major flood event, depending on affected square footage, material types, and contamination category. Most standard homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage — burst pipes, appliance failures, and storm intrusion are commonly covered. Gradual leaks and flooding from outside (rising water) are typically excluded unless you carry separate flood insurance. We provide a free written estimate and can walk you through what your policy is likely to cover before any work begins.

Question 14

What is an Xactimate estimate and why does it matter for my insurance claim?

Accepted Answer

Xactimate is the industry-standard estimating software used by insurance adjusters nationwide to price restoration and construction work. When your adjuster writes a scope of loss, it is almost always in Xactimate. We prepare our estimates in Xactimate as well — line item by line item — so our numbers align with your adjuster's format and there is no ambiguity about what is included. This reduces disputes, speeds up claim approvals, and ensures you receive the full value of your covered loss rather than a lowball estimate written by someone who hasn't seen your property.

Question 15

How long does water damage restoration take?

Accepted Answer

The structural drying process typically takes 3–5 days for standard water intrusion events. After drying, repairs and reconstruction may take an additional 1–4 weeks depending on the scope of damage. We monitor drying progress daily with calibrated moisture meters and will not demobilize until the structure meets IICRC S500 drying standards.

Question 16

Can I stay in my home during water damage restoration?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Our dehumidifiers and air movers are designed to operate safely in occupied spaces. However, if the damage is extensive, involves sewage contamination, or if mold is detected, temporary relocation may be recommended for health and safety. We always advise you honestly based on the conditions.

Question 17

What is Category 3 (black) water?

Accepted Answer

Category 3, also called "black water," refers to grossly contaminated water that contains pathogens, sewage, chemicals, or other harmful materials. Sources include sewage backups, floodwater from rivers or streams, and overflowing toilets. Category 3 water requires specialized biohazard remediation protocols, full containment, and PPE for our technicians.

Question 18

Does water damage always lead to mold?

Accepted Answer

Not if addressed quickly. Mold typically begins to grow within 24–72 hours of water exposure. If water is extracted promptly and structural drying is completed to standard, mold growth can be prevented. This is why calling us immediately is so critical — every hour matters.

Question 19

Can smoke-damaged items be restored?

Accepted Answer

Many items can be restored including furniture, clothing, electronics, and documents — but not all. We perform a thorough contents inventory and classify items as restorable, non-restorable, or questionable. Restorable items are packed out and cleaned at our facility. Non-restorable items are documented for your insurance claim.

Question 20

How do you remove smoke odor from a home?

Accepted Answer

We use a multi-method approach: thermal fogging, ozone generation, hydroxyl generators, and direct surface deodorization with specialty cleaning agents. The specific method depends on the type of fire and materials burned. Odor from synthetic materials (plastics, foam) is particularly stubborn and may require multiple treatments.

Question 21

Is soot dangerous to touch or breathe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Soot contains carcinogenic compounds, heavy metals, and acids from combustion. Direct contact can cause skin irritation, and inhalation is a serious respiratory hazard. We recommend leaving the building after a fire and not attempting to clean soot yourself. Call us and let our trained technicians handle it with proper PPE.

Question 22

What is black mold and is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

"Black mold" typically refers to Stachybotrys chartarum, a dark-colored mold that can produce mycotoxins. It thrives in areas with prolonged moisture exposure. While any mold can cause health issues (especially for those with asthma or allergies), the real concern is the presence of any mold species in your living or working environment. Professional testing identifies the specific species present.

Question 23

Can I clean mold myself with bleach?

Accepted Answer

Bleach is NOT recommended for mold remediation on porous surfaces like drywall or wood — it cannot penetrate the surface to kill mold at the root. Additionally, disturbing mold without proper containment can spread thousands of spores throughout your home. The EPA recommends professional remediation for any mold covering more than 10 square feet.

Question 24

Do you provide post-remediation testing?

Accepted Answer

We recommend (and can coordinate) independent third-party post-remediation verification (PRV) testing after remediation is complete. This provides an unbiased clearance certificate confirming that mold spore counts have returned to normal ambient levels. A clearance certificate is also valuable for real estate transactions and insurance purposes.

Question 25

What causes mold to keep coming back?

Accepted Answer

Mold recurrence is almost always caused by an unresolved moisture source. Whether it's a slow leak, poor ventilation, high humidity, or a compromised vapor barrier — if we only remove the mold without fixing the root cause, it will return. Our assessment always includes identifying and addressing moisture sources as part of the remediation plan.

Frequently Asked Questions