The intruder died in my hallway. The police took the body, but they left the blood, tissue, and biological fluids soaked into my carpet and drywall. It was a horror scene. I called a cleaning crew. They quoted $7,500 for “Biohazard Remediation.” My CCW insurance said, “We do legal, not janitorial.”
Key Takeaways
- Biohazard is expensive: You cannot clean this up with bleach. It requires tearing out subfloors and drywall. It is hazardous waste.
- Homeowners Insurance “Pollution” Exclusion: Standard policies often exclude “pollutants.” However, “Crime Scene Cleanup” is sometimes a specific covered peril. You must check your policy.
- CCW Insurance Gaps:
- CCW Safe: The “Ultimate” plan includes a specific “Crime Scene Cleanup” benefit (up to ~
3kâ3kâ5k). - USCCA: Hardship funds might be used for this, but it’s not a specific line item.
- US Law Shield: $0.
- CCW Safe: The “Ultimate” plan includes a specific “Crime Scene Cleanup” benefit (up to ~
- Victim Assistance Funds: In some states, if you are the victim of a home invasion, the state “Victim Compensation Fund” might pay for cleanup.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Bodily Injury” Definition.
Liability insurance pays for someone else’s injury. Property insurance pays for damage to the house. Blood is considered a contaminant. Unless you have “Trauma Scene Waste Management” coverage, you are paying cash.
The Investigation (I Called Cleaners)
- Aftermath Services (National Chain): “We require payment or insurance claim number upfront. Average shooting cleanup is $5,000 – $10,000.”
- My Analysis: This is the most overlooked cost of self-defense.
Comparison Table
| Program/Policy | Cleanup Coverage | Limit |
| CCW Safe (Ultimate) | Yes | ~$3,000 |
| Homeowners | Maybe (Check exclusions) | Deductible applies |
| US Law Shield | No | $0 |
| State Victim Fund | Yes (If eligible) | Varies |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call Homeowners Insurance First: Frame it as “Damage caused by Vandalism/Crime.” Do not use the word “Pollution.”
- Check CCW Plan: If you have CCW Safe Ultimate, call them to arrange the cleaning.
- Do Not Touch It: Bloodborne pathogens (Hep B/C, HIV) are real risks. Keep pets and kids away.
- [IMAGE: Photo of a biohazard cleanup team in Tyvek suits]
FAQ
Can I just cut the carpet out?
Fluid soaks into the subfloor. If you don’t seal it, the smell will return in summer.
Does ‘Loss of Use’ cover my hotel while they clean?
Yes, Homeowners insurance should pay for a hotel if the home is uninhabitable (biohazard).