What ServiceMaster Restore does

ServiceMaster Restore is a for-profit restoration company that responds to property damage from water, fire, mold, and storms. It is not a government program or insurance company — it is a private business that you hire directly or that your insurance company may refer you to. ServiceMaster Restore operates through franchises across North America, so the specific services, pricing, and response time depend on which local franchise serves your area.

When you contact ServiceMaster Restore, a technician comes to assess the damage and provide an estimate. If you hire them, they handle the cleanup, removal of damaged materials, drying, deodorization, and restoration work. They also work with insurance adjusters and can file claims on your behalf in some cases. The company does not pay for the work — you or your insurance company does.

Key Takeaways

  • ServiceMaster Restore is a private company you hire directly or through an insurance referral; it is not a government program or part of your insurance policy.
  • The company responds to water damage, fire damage, mold, and storm damage, but the specific services and cost vary by local franchise location.
  • You pay ServiceMaster Restore out of pocket or through your homeowners or renters insurance claim, depending on your policy and what caused the damage.
  • Response time and availability depend on demand in your area and the severity of the damage; calling early gives you a better chance of same-day or next-day service.
  • ServiceMaster Restore can help coordinate with your insurance company, but you remain responsible for understanding your policy coverage and deductible.

How to contact ServiceMaster Restore

You can reach ServiceMaster Restore by calling 1-800-RESTORE (1-800-737-8763) or visiting their website to enter your zip code and find the local franchise nearest you. The national number connects you to a dispatcher who can tell you whether a franchise operates in your area and how quickly they can send someone.

If your insurance company has already referred you to ServiceMaster Restore, they may provide you with a direct number for the local franchise. In that case, calling the franchise directly often gets you faster service than calling the national line. Have your address and a description of the damage ready when you call — the dispatcher will ask about water source (clean, gray, or black water), fire extent, or storm damage to determine urgency.

ServiceMaster Restore typically offers 24/7 emergency response, but availability and speed depend on how many jobs the local franchise is already handling. During widespread storms or disasters, wait times can stretch to several hours or longer.

What happens during the initial assessment

When a ServiceMaster Restore technician arrives, they inspect the damage, take photos, and explain what work is needed and what it will cost. They provide a written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, equipment rental, and any specialized services like mold remediation or biohazard cleanup. This estimate is not a bill — it is a proposal you can accept, reject, or use to compare with other restoration companies.

If you have homeowners or renters insurance, the technician can explain how the damage may be covered under your policy. Some franchises can submit the estimate directly to your insurance company on your behalf, which speeds up the claims process. You remain responsible for understanding your deductible and what your policy actually covers — restoration companies cannot tell you what your insurance will pay.

You are not obligated to hire ServiceMaster Restore after the assessment. You can get estimates from other restoration companies, discuss the damage with your insurance adjuster, or handle some of the work yourself. The assessment itself is usually free, though some franchises may charge a small fee if you do not hire them.

Payment and insurance claims

ServiceMaster Restore accepts payment directly from you or from your insurance company. If you have homeowners or renters insurance and the damage is covered, you typically pay your deductible upfront and the insurance company pays ServiceMaster Restore for the rest. If the damage is not covered or you do not have insurance, you pay the full cost yourself.

Some franchises offer payment plans or financing options for out-of-pocket costs, but terms vary widely. Ask about this when you get your estimate. ServiceMaster Restore does not provide the money for repairs — they perform the work and bill for it afterward.

If you are filing an insurance claim, ServiceMaster Restore can help by providing detailed documentation of the damage and the work performed. This documentation is useful when the insurance adjuster reviews your claim. However, the insurance company makes the final decision about what they will pay, and disputes over coverage are between you and your insurer, not between you and ServiceMaster Restore.

Types of damage ServiceMaster Restore handles

Water damage includes burst pipes, flooding, roof leaks, and sewage backup. ServiceMaster Restore removes standing water, dries the structure, removes damaged materials, and treats for mold. The cost depends on how much water entered, how long it sat, and what materials absorbed it.

Fire damage includes cleanup after a fire, removal of charred materials, smoke odor removal, and structural repairs. ServiceMaster Restore also handles soot and ash cleanup, which can spread throughout a house if not addressed quickly. Restoration may take weeks or months depending on the fire's size.

Mold remediation involves identifying mold, containing it to prevent spread, removing affected materials, and treating surfaces. ServiceMaster Restore can test for mold, but they do not diagnose health effects — that is a question for a doctor or public health official.

Storm damage includes roof leaks, broken windows, fallen trees, and flooding from heavy rain. ServiceMaster Restore can provide emergency tarping and boarding to prevent further damage while you arrange permanent repairs.

What ServiceMaster Restore does not cover

ServiceMaster Restore performs restoration and cleanup, not structural repairs or replacement. If a pipe burst and damaged your drywall, they remove the wet drywall and dry the framing, but they do not install new drywall — a general contractor or drywall specialist does that. Similarly, if a fire damaged your roof, ServiceMaster Restore cleans up the debris and treats the structure, but a roofer replaces the roof itself.

ServiceMaster Restore also does not provide temporary housing, replace personal belongings, or cover living expenses while your home is being restored. Those costs may be covered by your insurance policy under additional living expenses coverage, but you need to check your policy or ask your insurance agent.

Mold caused by a maintenance problem you ignored — for example, a slow leak you did not fix — may not be covered by insurance, and ServiceMaster Restore cannot override that decision. Always disclose the cause of the damage honestly when you contact them and when you file an insurance claim.

Choosing between ServiceMaster Restore and other restoration companies

ServiceMaster Restore is one of the largest restoration companies in North America, but it is not the only option. Other national chains include SERVPRO, Paul Davis, and Belfor, and many cities have independent local restoration companies. Comparing estimates from at least two companies is common practice and often recommended by insurance adjusters.

When you compare, look at what each estimate includes, the timeline for completion, whether they offer 24/7 emergency response, and whether they have experience with your specific type of damage. Ask whether they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance — this protects you if someone is injured on your property or if additional damage occurs during the restoration.

Price alone should not be your only factor. A lower estimate might mean less thorough work or hidden costs added later. A higher estimate might reflect better equipment, faster service, or more experienced technicians. Read the estimate carefully and ask questions about anything you do not understand before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does ServiceMaster Restore cost?

Cost varies widely depending on the type and extent of damage, your location, and which local franchise performs the work. A small water damage job might cost $1,000 to $3,000, while major fire or flood damage can cost $10,000 or more. The only way to know the cost for your situation is to call for an assessment and get a written estimate.

Will my insurance cover ServiceMaster Restore?

That depends on your specific policy and what caused the damage. Most homeowners insurance covers sudden, accidental damage like burst pipes or fire, but not damage from neglect or lack of maintenance. Contact your insurance company or read your policy before you hire anyone. ServiceMaster Restore can help you understand what the damage might cost, but your insurance company decides what they will pay.

How fast can ServiceMaster Restore arrive?

ServiceMaster Restore offers 24/7 emergency response, and many franchises can arrive within a few hours during normal business hours. During nights, weekends, or after major storms, response time may be longer. Call the local franchise or the national number to ask about current wait times in your area.

Can I use a different restoration company if my insurance refers me to ServiceMaster Restore?

Yes. Your insurance company may refer you to a particular company, but you have the right to hire any licensed restoration company you choose. If you use a different company, your insurance will still cover the work if it is covered under your policy. Some insurance companies have preferred vendors and may process claims faster for those vendors, but they cannot force you to use them.

What if I disagree with ServiceMaster Restore's estimate?

Get a second estimate from another restoration company. If the two estimates differ significantly, ask each company to explain the difference. If your insurance company disputes the estimate, you can request an independent adjuster or hire a public adjuster to review the damage and negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.