A.

A copy of your estimate along with a statement of your loss of the claim explaining the replacement cost benefits and how to recover any amount that may be available. Settlement checks will be mailed under separate cover.  Payment of your claim will be made as outlined on the last page of your estimate.

A.

If there is a mortgage or lien on the property, the mortgage company or lien holder may be listed on any settlement checks issued as required by your policy or by state law. If the mortgage company or lien holder is listed on your payment, you will need to contact your mortgage company or lien holder to inquire as to their procedures for processing insurance claim settlements.

A.

In some estimates, depreciation may be applied, based on the age and condition of the items requiring repair or replacement. If the depreciation is listed as "recoverable depreciation" you MAY be able to collect the depreciation after the completion of the repair. You will need to forward the final bill/invoice/proof of payment from the repairer for the adjuster to review any additional allowances due, based on the actual expenses incurred. A re-inspection may be required of completed repairs

Example: Your roof is a 25 year asphalt shingle roof that is 10 years old. You have a $500 policy deductible. If the cost to replace your roof is $5000 based on like kind and quality. The depreciation would be 10yrs old/25yr lifespan of the shingle =40%.
The amount of the settlement check after application of deductible would be $5000 x 60% (lifespan remaining of existing roof) less the -$500 deductible = $2500. Once the repairs are completed you would be able to recover the additional $2000 if you incurred that cost.

A.

If additional damages are found contact your adjuster as soon as possible. Hanover may ask you to forward a copy of the estimate from your contractor for these additional damages. Should you elect to make any changes or upgrades to your property, you will be responsible for any additional expenses as a result of these changes or upgrades. No supplemental payments will be considered without prior approval. 

A.

If your claim involves the replacement of carpet, we reserve the right to send a sample to an independent third party for analysis of the existing carpeting and to recommend a like kind & quality replacement. We reserve the right to pay your claim based upon the cost of the replacement carpet recommended by the third-party.  If you receive a higher estimate than the one provided by the third-party engaged by Hanover, please retain a 12”x12” sample of the replacement carpet you have selected to allow us the opportunity to have that carpet evaluated.

A.

Yes, if a tree(s) damages a covered structure, regardless of the number of fallen trees, your HO-3 Policy has a $500 debris removal limit to remove the tree(s) after they have been taken off the structure and dropped to the ground.

The cost to cut and/or lift a fallen tree off of the “covered structure” and drop it to the ground will be calculated as part of the cost to repair that structure and will not be subject to the $500 limit.

A.

There is no coverage for trees that are leaning or for trees that fall onto other plants or lawns. Tree removal coverage only applies if the tree damages a “covered structure”.

A.

Trees are not covered for damage caused by the peril of “wind”. Additional Coverage #3 of your policy lists the covered perils for Trees, Shrubs and Other Plants. These covered perils include damage caused by: Aircraft, Vehicles not owned or operated by a resident of the residence premises, Vandalism or malicious mischief or Theft

A.

Whether or not our policyholder may be liable to the neighbor for the damage will require an investigation under Section II – Liability Coverages.  However, Section I – Property Coverages provide no coverage for the neighbor’s damages or for the tree removal costs.  If the neighbor has property coverage with their homeowner or auto insurer, they should notify that insurer immediately about the damage.

If your neighbor is demanding you pay for the damage or if their insurance carrier has contacted you regarding the damage to their property please report a claim to us or your local agent as soon as possible. Admitting liability or volunteering to make payment to your neighbor or any other party may jeopardize the availability of liability coverage.

A.

The homeowner should proceed with emergency repairs, like installing an emergency tarp. You should be advised to save all receipts and records of the repair for the adjuster.  If possible, the homeowner should take photos of the damage before proceeding with any temporary repairs so the adjuster can have documentation of the original damage. The Hanover adjuster will advise the insured if any of the damage is covered.

The following language can be found in the Conditions section of the HO-3 policy: Duties After Loss condition 2.d (1) requires the policyholder to protect the property from further damage. Additional Coverage #2 agrees to reimburse the insured for the cost incurred to make reasonable & necessary repairs to “covered damage” when the repair is done to protect the property from further damage. 

A.

Depending on the cause and age of the leak, there is probably coverage for the interior stains on the ceiling.  However, there would be no coverage for any personal property contained in the building unless the storm first caused an actual opening in the roof or wall and the precipitation entered through that opening causing direct damage to the personal property. 

A.

Some granule loss is expected in a hail event. Roofing and engineering experts agree that in most cases, loss of granules is consistent with the roof performing as designed and that the life expectancy of the roof will not be compromised by such an event. An inspection of the roof will be required on all reported hail damage claims so we can determine whether there has been any covered damage to the roof and, if so, what method of repair may be necessary.

A.

Methods of repair range from the replacement of damaged roof parts and individual shingles to the replacement of a damaged slope. Because the policy will pay only the cost to repair actual physical damage, no coverage is available for the cost to replace any undamaged roof areas solely to make them "match" the areas that must be repaired.

A.

For reimbursement coverage under Additional Living Expense (ALE) to apply, a covered cause of loss must occur which makes that part of the residence premises where the insured resides "not fit to live in". Loss of power due to a wide spread power outage is not a covered cause of loss therefore coverage for hotel bills will not be provided.

A.

If the power interruption is caused by damage that occurs on the residence premises, the Coverage C perils and limits may apply. The HO-3 Policy does not provide food spoilage coverage in the event of a widespread power outage. However, an endorsement is available which provides a limited amount of coverage, subject to a special deductible, for spoilage caused by an off-premises power outage or by mechanical failure of the freezer or refrigerator. If the policyholder has not purchased an endorsement providing "food spoilage" coverage, they will need to discuss whether coverage is available with the Hanover adjuster.

A.

The standard HO-3 policy provides no coverage for flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, overflow of a body of water, or spray from any of these, whether or not the water is driven by wind. There is no coverage for ground water seepage or leaking, nor is there coverage for water that backs up through sewers, sumps or drains. It is important to note that coverage for loss caused by those perils is excluded even if another peril also causes or contributes to the loss