Home Insurance FAQs

Your responsibilities will differ depending on the type of claim, but there are a few things that you should always do:

• Secure your property from further loss or damage if it’s safe to do so
• Report your claim to us as soon as possible
• Document the damages

Please take a moment to review our Home Loss Checklist for more information.

You should obtain an estimate from a contractor. Depending on the extent of the damage, we may also need to have an adjuster inspect the damage in addition to your provided estimate.

Your claim handler will contact you to let you know if an adjuster will need to inspect your home. If so, the adjuster will reach out to schedule a convenient time for the visit.

Additional living expenses are provided for covered losses. We can help you find temporary housing if needed. Please contact us for further assistance.

Several steps are taken by your claim handler to complete an investigation. These may include:

• Determining the cause of the loss
• Confirming whether policy coverage applies
• Estimating the amount of damage

Sometimes additional steps are taken, depending on the nature and complexity of the claim. These can include determining the scope of the damage, reviewing supplements and subrogating against any responsible party.

Your policy requires that you contact the police and file a police report. In addition, report your claim online or contact us for further assistance.

Notify us immediately before the additional damage is repaired. We may need to inspect the additional damage to properly assess coverage and accurately estimate the cost of repairs. Supplemental payments may be issued if coverage applies.

Amica offers Contractor Connection, a Home Repair Assistance Program that may be available in your area. If you’re interested, we can help connect you with a contractor; however, availability is limited and the program is not offered in all locations.

You’re always welcome to choose your own contractor, and there’s no obligation to use a contractor from our program. Your claim handler can explain what options are available based on your location.

Replacement cost is the total cost to repair or replace an insured item at the current market price. Actual cash value is the current value of the property. This is often calculated by subtracting depreciation from the replacement cost. The method used to calculate depreciation varies depending on the expected life of a specific item or material.

Replacement cost – depreciation = actual cash value

If your personal property loss is covered, payment is based on the terms of your policy. Most standard home policies pay for personal property at actual cash value, which means the settlement reflects the item’s age and condition at the time of loss.

Some items — such as jewelry, stamps, coins, firearms and silverware — have specific coverage limits outlined in your policy. For certain high-value items, additional coverage may be available if they are listed separately on the policy.

Helpful tip: Replacement cost coverage is available for purchase through a separate endorsement and would provide full replacement cost coverage for most personal property.

Your claim representative can review your policy with you and help explain how your policy coverage applies to your specific situation.

Yes, sheds and other detached structures are covered by your home policy. The limit for these items is typically 10% of the limit on your dwelling. If you have larger detached structures on your property, you might want to consider purchasing additional coverage.

Standard policies will pay up to $200 for stolen cash and $1,500 for securities, evidence of debt and letters of credit. Identity theft is covered through the Identity Theft endorsement in partnership with Cyberscout.

Yes, theft is covered, and any related damages to your home would be considered for coverage.

If the stolen property is something that you put in your car, such as CDs or a car seat, it is usually covered under personal property within your home policy. However, if the stolen items are permanently installed in the car and you have comprehensive coverage, the loss is covered under your auto policy. Certain restrictions may apply.

Your home policy does not cover cars that are required to be registered for use on public roads. If you carry comprehensive coverage on your auto policy, the damage to your car would be covered by your auto policy.

First, call emergency services if needed. Then, contact Amica as soon as possible. We investigate all potential injury claims and will keep you informed throughout the process.

If you receive a summons and complaint or other time-sensitive legal documentation regarding a loss, please contact Amica immediately for further assistance.