FAQs - Homeowners
- What are my responsibilities after a loss?
- What kinds of records are needed to substantiate a homeowner claim?
- I do not know a contractor to repair my home. Can you supply one?
- What is the difference between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost?
- Are we insured for replacement cost for our contents?
- We have added a sunroom to our home. Are we insured for it?
- We have a shed in our yard. Is it covered?
- Am I liable if someone gets hurt on my property?
- If my home was damaged during a robbery is the damage covered?
- My car was located in my garage and a fire destroyed it. Am I covered under my homeowners?
- My house has been broken into and many items were stolen. Are all of my belongings covered?
- A pipe under my sink broke and an Amica adjuster is coming out to look at the damage. How soon can I expect payment?
- If my house is not fit to live in after a loss, what should I do?
- What happens if additional damage is discovered after the claim is closed?
- I received payment for my damage based on the adjuster's estimate. My contractor found additional damage that wasn't on the adjuster's estimate. Do I have to pay for the additional damage out of my own pocket?
- I received a check for the repairs to my house. My mortgage company is listed as a payee. Why is it on the check?
What are my responsibilities after a loss?
Your responsibilities will differ depending on your claim situation. Most importantly, you are required to notify us promptly if you have a claim, you must protect your property from further damage, and you must cooperate with us in our evaluation and investigation of your claim.
Additional information can be found in the section of your policy labeled "Duties After Loss."
topWhat kinds of records are needed to substantiate a homeowner claim?
The better your records are, the quicker and more accurate your settlement can be. Photos, purchase receipts on newly acquired items, and appraisals on unique property will assist. A photo inventory of the inside and outside of your home is an excellent way to properly and completely account for your property. Remember to store the photos in a safe place away from home.
I do not know a contractor to repair my home. Can you supply one?
Yes. Amica has a Contractor Repair Program available in most areas of the country. At your request, we can send a contractor to repair your home. It is your option to select the contractor you wish to complete the repairs.
What is the difference between Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost?
Actual Cash Value is typically defined as Replacement Cost less Depreciation. Depreciation is a deduction taken based on the age, current condition, and useful life of each item involved in the loss.
If you have Replacement Cost coverage under your policy, the depreciation withheld is paid after the repair or replacement of each item.
Are we insured for replacement cost for our contents?
The standard homeowners policy covers your personal property at actual cash value. This means your personal property settlement will be depreciated based on the current age and condition of each item. Replacement Cost coverage can be purchased through a separate endorsement. This endorsement will provide full replacement cost coverage for most of your personal property.
Some property, such as jewelry, stamps, coins, guns, and silverware, has special dollar limits specified in your policy. You may want to purchase a scheduled personal property endorsement on these valuable items in order to be more fully covered
We have added a sunroom to our home. Are we insured for it?
Yes, it would be covered just like any other room in your home. However, you should notify Amica whenever substantial changes are made to your home to ensure adequate Limits of Liability are being maintained.
We have a shed in our yard. Is it covered?
Yes, sheds and other detached structures are covered by your homeowners policy. The limit for these items is typically 10% of the limit on your dwelling. If you have larger outbuildings or detached structures on your property, you might want to consider purchasing additional coverage.
Am I liable if someone gets hurt on my property?
Without more information, we can't tell if you will be considered legally liable. We investigate all potential claims and will explain our findings and conclusions promptly.
If my home was damaged during a robbery is the damage covered?
Yes.
My car was located in my garage and a fire destroyed it. Am I covered under my homeowners?
Your Homeowners policy does not cover vehicles that are required to be registered for use on public roads. If you carry Other Than Collision coverage on your auto policy, then the replacement of your vehicle would be covered by your auto policy.
My house has been broken into and many items were stolen. Are all of my belongings covered?
Theft is a covered peril for homeowner policies. Dollar limitations known as "Special Limits" may apply to certain classes of items.
A pipe under my sink broke and an Amica adjuster is coming out to look at the damage. How soon can I expect payment?
Payment is generally issued as soon as we have inspected the damage, confirmed coverage, and written an estimate for the cost of repairs. The time frame can vary if the loss is more complex or involves unique repair items.
If my house is not fit to live in after a loss, what should I do?
Call Amica as soon as possible for immediate assistance.
What happens if additional damage is discovered after the claim is closed?
Call Amica immediately. Depending on the nature and extent of the additional damage, we may need to re-inspect before repairs are made.
I received payment for my damage based on the adjuster's estimate. My contractor found additional damage that wasn't on the adjuster's estimate. Do I have to pay for the additional damage out of my own pocket?
Our adjusters write estimates based on what is seen at the time of their inspection. We realize that additional damage may exist but may not be found until the work begins. Notify us immediately before the additional damage is repaired. We may need to inspect the additional damage in order to properly assess coverage and accurately estimate the cost of repairs.
I received a check for the repairs to my house. My mortgage company is listed as a payee. Why is it on the check?
Your mortgage company has a legal interest in your property as well as a vested interest in seeing that the repairs are completed. It also has rights under your policy which we are obligated to recognize.
