Stop the water
Shut off the main valve, strata shutoff, or appliance supply if safe. Do not enter standing water near electrical hazards.
Insurance & documentation
Your insurance claim, documented.
Shield documents every loss with photos, moisture maps, and drying logs — so your BC insurer has a complete file from day one. We mitigate first, then help you navigate scope and rebuild.
Do not wait for insurance approval to call.
BC policies require you to prevent further damage. Mitigation starts immediately — Shield extracts, dries, and documents while you open the claim with your insurer.
First 24 hours
What to do after water damage.
The first day sets the claim. These steps protect your property and give your adjuster what they need — without delaying emergency mitigation.
Call Shield
Mitigation cannot wait for adjuster approval. We dispatch 24/7 with a 60-minute target across Greater Vancouver.
Document what you can
Photos and video of active damage help — but do not delay extraction. Our crew continues documentation on arrival.
Notify your insurer
Open the claim when you can. We provide moisture logs, drying records, and a written scope for your adjuster.
Documentation
What Shield puts in your insurance file.
Adjusters need proof — not promises. We build the file during mitigation so you are not assembling paperwork after the emergency.
Arrival photos & video
Wide and close shots of affected rooms, water lines, and source before extraction changes the scene.
Moisture mapping
Readings at marked points in walls, floors, and cavities — not guesswork about what is actually dry.
Daily drying logs
Equipment placement, temperature, humidity, and progress notes while dehumidifiers and air movers run.
Insurance file submission
Photos, logs, line-item scope, and material specs assembled for your BC insurer — not a folder you build yourself.
01 · Emergency mitigation
Stabilize first. Document as we go.
Extraction, drying, treatment, and containment run immediately. Documentation is part of mitigation — not paperwork you chase after the crew leaves.
- Emergency extraction and source control
- Category 1, 2, or 3 handling with proper PPE
- Daily moisture readings until dry standard
- Initial photo and video record for the claim
02 · Scope & rebuild
Written scope before reconstruction.
Once readings pass, unsalvageable material is identified and a rebuild scope is written. Insurance restores what was there; upgrades are your written choice.
- Line-item damage scope for adjuster review
- Mitigation vs rebuild separated clearly
- Material specs for like-for-like restoration
- Same crew from dry-out through rebuild if needed
Typical timeline
From emergency call to rebuild scope.
Every loss is different — but this is the sequence most Greater Vancouver homeowners and stratas follow on a standard water damage claim.
Hour 0–4
Emergency response
Crew arrives, extracts standing water, stabilizes the loss, and starts the insurance photo record.
Day 1–3
Drying setup
Commercial equipment deployed. Moisture map created. You know what is wet and what can stay.
Day 3–14
Monitoring
Daily readings until industry dry standard. Logs updated for your adjuster throughout.
After dry-out
Scope & rebuild
Written rebuild scope submitted. Demolition, restoration, or upgrades authorized in writing before work starts.
Strata & property managers
Multi-unit losses across Greater Vancouver.
Stack leaks, riser failures, and appliance floods in condos and townhomes affect more than one unit. Shield documents the full loss and coordinates with building staff.
- Stack leaks affecting multiple units — one moisture log set for the strata file
- Coordination with building managers and caretakers for access
- Common-area and hall protection during occupied-building work
- Written notes for council meetings and AGM insurance discussions
How Shield supports your claim
- Photo and video documentation from arrival
- Daily moisture readings and drying logs
- Written scope for repair and rebuild
- Direct coordination with adjusters when authorized
Need help now? Call (778) 654-6742
Free resource
Shield Insurance Handbook
A practical PDF for Greater Vancouver homeowners and property managers — what to do after water damage, how insurance typically works in BC, and how Shield documents the loss for your adjuster.
- First 24 hours after a flood or leak
- What insurers usually need from restoration contractors
- Moisture documentation and drying standards
- Working with strata and property managers
- Mitigation vs rebuild on your policy
- Common claim mistakes to avoid
vancouverflood-insurance-handbook.pdf
Keep a copy on your phone before you need it — especially if you manage a strata, rental, or commercial property in the GVA.
Read the emergency checklistFAQ
Insurance & claims FAQ
Shield — documentation and claim support across Greater Vancouver.
Should I wait for insurance before calling a restoration company?
No. BC policies expect you to mitigate further damage immediately. Call Shield first — we extract and dry while building the documentation your adjuster needs.
What documentation does Shield provide for my claim?
Photo and video records, moisture maps, daily drying logs, equipment records, and a written scope of affected materials. We assemble the file and submit it when authorized.
Do you bill my insurance company directly?
We work with most major BC insurers and can coordinate billing when your policy allows direct vendor payment. You receive clear invoices and scope documents either way.
What is the difference between mitigation and rebuild on my claim?
Mitigation is emergency extraction and drying — urgent and time-sensitive. Rebuild is structural repair and finishes after the structure is dry. We separate both in your written quote so the claim file stays clear.
We are a strata corporation — can you work with our manager?
Yes. We regularly work with stratas across Greater Vancouver — coordinating access, documenting multi-unit stack leaks, and providing moisture logs suitable for council and insurer review.
Will improper drying affect my insurance claim?
Yes. Insurers expect professional drying to measured standards with logs to prove it. Stopping early or skipping documentation can lead to denied secondary damage or mould claims later.
Can I upgrade finishes during the rebuild?
Insurance typically covers restoring what was there. While walls are open you may authorize upgrades in writing — Shield builds what you approve on the same project.
Is the insurance handbook free?
Yes. Download the Shield Insurance Handbook anytime — a practical guide for Greater Vancouver homeowners and property managers on first steps, BC insurance basics, and how we document losses.
24/7 emergency
Water emergency? Call Shield.
We extract, dry, and document — then stay for the rebuild if you need it.
(778) 654-6742