When tragedy strikes, the last thing a family should have to worry about is a bill. Yet one of the most common questions we receive at Midwest Trauma Cleanup is a heartbreaking one: “Who’s going to pay for this?”
The honest answer — one that surprises most people — is that in many cases, you may not have to pay anything out of pocket. Every state we serve has programs in place to help cover the cost of trauma and crime scene cleanup. Here’s what you need to know.
Does Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Cover Cleanup?
In most cases, yes. Standard homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies cover biohazard remediation when the event occurs inside your property — including crime scenes, suicides, and unattended deaths. This falls under the “additional living expenses” or “dwelling coverage” portion of most policies.
What to do immediately:
- Call your insurance provider and open a claim before any cleanup begins
- Ask specifically about “biohazard remediation” and “trauma cleanup” coverage
- Request that your adjuster document the scene before restoration starts
- Get written authorization from your insurer before signing any service agreement
Midwest Trauma Cleanup works directly with insurance adjusters and can help you navigate the billing process so your family is never caught in the middle.
State Victim Compensation Programs
If a crime was involved, additional financial help may be available through your state’s victim compensation fund. These programs exist specifically to help crime victims and their families cover costs that insurance may not fully address — including cleanup.
Illinois: Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Act (ICVCA)
In Illinois, the Crime Victims Compensation Act (740 ILCS 45) provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime and their families. Eligible expenses include:
- Biohazard and crime scene cleanup costs
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the crime
- Mental health counseling
The program covers up to $27,000 in total expenses. Claims must typically be filed within 2 years of the crime. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority administers the fund.
If you’re in Illinois, our team is ready to help. Visit our Illinois offices page for immediate assistance.
Michigan: Crime Victim Services Commission
Michigan’s Crime Victim Services Commission (CVSC) provides compensation to victims of violent crimes and their survivors. Covered costs include crime scene cleanup, medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs.
Key details for Michigan families:
- Claims must be filed within 5 years of the crime (one of the longer windows in the country)
- Coverage of up to $25,000 for qualifying expenses
- The crime must have been reported to law enforcement to qualify
Our Michigan offices serve families across the state and can assist with documentation for your CVSC claim.
Tennessee: Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Program
Tennessee’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Program (CICP), administered by the Tennessee Claims Commission, provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime. Covered expenses include biohazard cleanup, funeral costs, medical bills, and mental health treatment.
Important Tennessee details:
- Applications must be filed within 1 year of the crime
- Maximum award is $30,000
- The crime must have occurred in Tennessee and be reported to police
Our Tennessee offices have experience helping families work through the CICP process from start to finish.
What If Insurance and Victim Compensation Don’t Cover Everything?
In some situations — particularly non-criminal deaths or cases where coverage limits are reached — families may still face out-of-pocket costs. At Midwest Trauma Cleanup, we believe that no family should go without help because of finances. We work with families on a case-by-case basis and can help identify additional resources including:
- Local social services and emergency assistance funds
- Nonprofit grief and crisis organizations
- Payment plans and deferred billing arrangements
The Most Important Thing You Can Do Right Now
If you’re dealing with a crime scene, unattended death, or traumatic event right now — call us first. We’ll send a team, we’ll work with your insurance, and we’ll help you find every resource available to your family.
You don’t have to figure out the financial piece before calling. We’ll figure it out together.
Call us 24/7: (888) 629-1222
Or find the office closest to you: