The Hartford

How do I file an insurance claim?
For auto and home insurance claims, call our toll-free claims hotline at 1-866-574-4833.

Claims representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Claims representatives provide step-by-step guidance through a procedure that keeps paperwork to a minimum. If you prefer, you may also report a glass claim, auto claim or home claim online.
 

What happens next?
With the information gathered during the inspection of your damaged property, your claim handler will outline exactly what needs to be repaired (the "scope" of repairs) and prepare an estimate for the covered damages. This estimate will be provided for you to review. There may be instances when we request that you provide an estimate of the damages. In this case, you would ask your contractor to provide us an estimate that details the material and labor costs separately.
 

Who do I call if I have a question about my claim?
You should contact your claim handler with any questions at any time during the resolution of your claim.
 

Will my claim be covered?
Coverage depends on various factors, including, but not limited to, what coverage you purchased as part of your policy, what was damaged and how that damage occurred. A claim handler will investigate the cause of the loss and review your policy to determine if your loss is covered. Once that initial investigation is complete, your claim handler will advise you what coverage will be afforded under your policy.
 

Does my policy cover flood damage?
Neither standard homeowners, renters, nor commercial property insurance policies include coverage for flooding. Flood insurance, however, is available through The Hartford as part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). If you are unsure whether you purchased separate coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program, please call your claim handler.
 

What if my home is burglarized?
You should immediately report the burglary to the police and file a report with the police detailing items stolen.

In addition, please take steps as soon as possible to secure your property and protect it from further damage. To assist with your claim, you should complete an inventory of items stolen or damaged during the burglary. Gather receipts for these items if possible. A downloadable form to assist you in logging stolen or damaged items resulting from the burglary can be found by selecting your preferred file format:
Inventory Loss Form - Excel
Inventory Loss Form - PDF

Throughout the claim process, your claim handler is happy to answer your questions about your claim and what you need to do in connection with your claim.

Now that the claim inspection is over, can I dispose of the damaged property?
Do not dispose of damaged property until your claim handler says it's appropriate to do so, especially items such as appliances or pipes that might be the source of a fire or leak.
 

Now that the claims handler is working on an estimate, can I throw out receipts related to the claim?
No, continue keeping detailed records of receipts resulting from your loss, including any temporary repairs made prior to the claim inspection and expenses you may incur if you need to relocate.
 

What do I do after I receive the estimate from The Hartford?
You should make an appointment with the contractor of your choice and give the contractor a copy of our estimate. Review the estimate with your contractor to help ensure that the full scope of the repair process is understood.

If you would like to make any or all of the repairs yourself, please contact your claim handler.
 

Whose responsibility is it to hire a contractor?
As the property owner, it is your responsibility to select and hire a contractor. If you do not have a preferred contractor, your claim handler may be able to provide names and contact information to assist you. Remember, the choice of contractor is always yours.
 

What if the contractor's estimate is different than The Hartford's estimate?
Contact your claims handler prior to any repair work beginning. He or she will review the differences in the estimate and, whenever possible, work to reach an agreement with your contractor.
 

What if I cannot live in my home until repairs are completed?
Your policy may provide coverage for increased living expenses during repairs. Your claim handler can explain your available coverage.
 

What if my property has smoke or water damage?
If the damages to your home require the services of a water or smoke remediation specialist, your claim handler can assist you in securing these services.

Please prepare an inventory of contents that were damaged or lost due to smoke or water damage. A downloadable form to assist you in logging these items can be found by selecting your preferred file format:
Inventory Loss Form - Excel
Inventory Loss Form - PDF
 

What if my personal property is damaged?
Your claim handler can assist you with documenting personal property items that are damaged as a result of your loss. He or she will also explain the coverage afforded by your policy for these items.

You can begin the process by taking photographs and creating a detailed inventory of damaged items. Include any information that will assist in evaluating the repair or replacement costs of the items. Details such as warranty documents, owner's manuals or original purchase information are helpful in expediting the resolution of your claim.

Once the damaged items are inventoried, your claims handler will discuss repairs and options for those items that cannot be repaired. The Hartford has a team of contents specialists that use various resources to price each damaged item and are dedicated to accurately evaluating your losses.

A downloadable form to assist you in logging items damaged as a result of your loss can be found by selecting your preferred file format:
Inventory Loss Form - Excel
Inventory Loss Form - PDF

When can I expect payment?
Once you and your claim handler agree upon the amount of the covered loss, payment will be issued and mailed to you. This usually occurs within days of agreement on the amount.

If your policy requires payment to be based upon a depreciated value of the property, we will pay you that depreciated amount. You may then be entitled to the replacement cost for such items once you can show us proof of replacement and the amount paid. Your claim handler will provide a more detailed explanation of this process prior to the initial payment.
 

What is replacement cost?
It is the cost to repair or replace damaged items with new items of like kind and quality, without deduction for depreciation.

Your claim handler will identify any items that are covered at the replacement cost.
 

What is the depreciated value?
Depreciation is a decrease in the value of an item due to its age or condition, or as defined by the law. Depreciated value, or actual cash value, is the cost to replace an item with like kind and quality, less depreciation. Most policies provide that The Hartford will initially pay you the depreciated value until the repairs or replacement is completed.

An initial claim payment is based on the terms of your policy and the applicable state law.
 

Why is my mortgage holder included on the payment?
When you purchased your policy, you requested that your mortgage holder be named in your policy as an additional insured. Your insurance policy provides that any payment for certain covered losses be paid to you and your mortgage holder.

You should contact your mortgage holder for information about the possibility of endorsing the check and releasing the funds to you for repairs.
 

What is a deductible? To whom do I pay the deductible?
You selected your deductible when you purchased your policy. It is the amount you've agreed to pay out of pocket before The Hartford pays for any covered losses. You pay your deductible directly to the repairer of your damaged property.

The Hartford then pays the remaining amount over your deductible and other applicable limitations identified in your policy. If there are limitations of coverage in your policy, you may be responsible for some costs or expenses in addition to the deductible.