What We’ve Learned and How the Industry Must Adapt

February 19, 2025

The past few years have brought one catastrophic event after another—from hurricanes and winter storms to widespread flooding and wildfires. As the frequency and severity of these disasters increase, the commercial restoration and insurance industries must adapt.

At Helixco, we’ve worked with national response teams handling some of the largest and most complex loss events. Each one brings unique challenges, but the same pain points emerge time and time again.

What we’ve learned is clear: Success in large losses isn’t just about speed—it’s about precision, coordination, and real-time visibility.

The Biggest Challenges on Large Commercial Losses

⚠ Technology Gaps & Disjointed Communication

Too many restoration teams still rely on outdated methods—email chains, phone calls, and spreadsheets. The result?

❌ Lost or delayed documentation slows down claim approvals.

❌ Teams operating in silos leads to inconsistent information.

❌ Project delays impact policyholders, tenants, and insurers alike.

Solution: A centralized platform ensures that everyone has access to the same real-time data, reducing miscommunication and bottlenecks.

⚠ Inconsistent Contractor Compliance & Performance

Large losses require multiple contractors working together. When compliance isn’t standardized, the risks multiply:

❌ Unlicensed or unqualified contractors stepping into critical roles.

❌ Lack of background checks and proper insurance verification.

❌ Inconsistent documentation leading to rejected invoices.

Solution: A structured contractor onboarding and compliance system ensures that every vendor meets the same rigorous standards before they ever touch a job site.

⚠ FNOL & Dispatch Bottlenecks

The first 24-48 hours after a disaster are crucial. Delays in mobilization lead to:

❌ Increased secondary damage and higher restoration costs.

❌ Frustration from property owners and insurers.

❌ Loss of potential revenue due to inefficiencies.

Solution: A streamlined FNOL and dispatch process ensures that the right teams are assigned immediately and jobs start without unnecessary delays.

⚠ Poor Documentation Leads to Billing Disputes

When documentation isn’t standardized, billing becomes a nightmare. Moisture logs, photo documentation, and time-tracking must be meticulously structured to prevent claim reductions.

Solution: Helixco’s built-in documentation tools ensure that every invoice is defensible, reducing disputes and speeding up payment cycles.

How the Industry Must Adapt

If the restoration and insurance industries want to avoid costly delays, disputes, and inefficiencies, they must evolve.

✅ Embrace Centralized Claims Management

Moving away from disjointed systems to a single, cloud-based platform creates a seamless workflow from FNOL to final invoicing.

✅ Standardize Project Documentation & Compliance

Having a predefined framework for moisture logs, estimates, and invoicing makes it easier to defend costs and get approvals faster.

✅ Set Performance Metrics & Hold Teams Accountable

Every project should be measured against key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:

📌 Timely milestone completion

📌 Accurate documentation & invoicing

📌 Quality assurance & compliance adherence

Final Thoughts

Large losses aren’t just about response time—they require precision, accountability, and coordination. Without standardized processes and technology-driven solutions, delays, disputes, and inefficiencies will continue to plague the industry.

At Helixco, we’re committed to helping the industry move forward with structured, technology-enabled workflows that reduce risk and improve efficiency for everyone involved.

If you’re tired of outdated, inefficient processes, it’s time to evolve. Let’s build a smarter, more resilient future—together.