Having a disaster affect a home is one of the worst things that can happen to a family. All at once, their basic needs become priorities—food, shelter and clothing. From CRDN's perspective, as long as everyone comes out uninjured, then it may be the luckiest day of their lives—because everything else can be replaced—or restored. This is where CRDN comes into their story.

One of the first questions racing through the mind of an insured who has just suffered a loss typically is, “Where am I going to sleep tonight?” What isn't immediately top of mind is what they are going to wear tomorrow. Or the next day. Or next week. CRDN thoroughly understands this position and has developed a systematic process and approach to customer service that provides multiple benefits to all those involved with the loss.

It starts with the insured. When CRDN meets with the homeowner, we review a checklist of common items that helps them identify what they and other members of the household might need, whether clothes for work, school, special events, sports, etc. This enables us to provide an efficient and meaningful service to the insured that positively impacts satisfaction. By improving the customer service experience, CRDN enables the insured to focus on dealing with the complexities of their loss rather than having to shop for clothes during what is typically a hectic time.

CRDN's “Immediate Needs” service then restores 10 to 14 days' worth of necessary clothing, shoes and other necessary items in as little as 24 hours. Our service is especially valuable for items that cannot be purchased immediately, such as custom-tailored clothing, uniforms and logo wear required for work, kids' sports uniforms, outdoor sportswear (such as hunting clothes), formal wear, religious garments and the like.

But it's more than just a customer service benefit. This service benefits insurers by reducing Additional Living Expense (ALE), and it provides “proof of concept” for the homeowner as the first evidence that restoration really does work. In many cases, an insured can be skeptical that anything on a loss site can be restored. When they receive their “Immediate Needs” clothing within a day or two, they see the results and often become more confident in the overall restoration process.

For the adjuster, CRDN's “Immediate Needs” service presents an opportunity to gauge the insured's mindset about the claims process early on, as we can serve as another set of “eyes and ears” on a claim. Our interaction at the onset enables our professionals to inform the adjuster about any unusual circumstances or extreme levels of distress that may affect other parts of the claim handling as well.

Oftentimes, “Immediate Needs” textile restoration demonstrates action and may be the first opportunity to deliver on the promise of the insurance policy to restore items to pre-loss condition. And it can reinforce your company's brand with the insured, as CRDN takes very seriously the responsibility entrusted to us when assigned a claim by an insurance representative who expects timely response, and efficient and empathetic customer care.

In many cases, CRDN's service is necessary before mitigation can begin. For example, window treatments need to be removed, and dressers need to be emptied. The faster we can be on-site and begin an inventory and pack-out, the sooner other restoration professionals can begin their jobs efficiently. It's part of a methodic approach that makes the restoration process flow more smoothly when well-orchestrated according to established protocols.

CRDN's “Immediate Needs” service focuses on the needs of all involved with the loss, from the homeowner to the restoration contractor to the insurance representative, to create opportunities for a positive and impactful customer experience that also benefits the other professionals involved with helping homeowners resume their normal lives.

Wayne M. Wudyka is founder and Chief Executive Officer of CRDN (Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network), an international organization of experienced, highly trained textile experts who specialize in insurance restoration laundry and drycleaning services for all types of loss. Adept at restoring personal garments and household fabrics damaged by fire, smoke, water or exposure to mold and other contaminants, CRDN members offer an effective, efficient and proven solution for insurance professionals seeking to reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. CRDN currently operates in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The organization's website is www.CRDN.com, and claims assignment can be made across the United States by calling 1-800-963-CRDN (2736), as well as via the web or mobile app.

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CRDN&rsquo;s Emergency Service: Addressing &ldquo;Immediate Needs&rdquo; (Advertorial)

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CRDN’s Emergency Service: Addressing “Immediate Needs” (Advertorial)