Hanover Insurance Policyholders — SE Michigan

Hanover Insurance Storm Damage Claim in Michigan

If you hold a Hanover Insurance policy in Michigan and your property has storm or hail damage, Phase III Construction is a licensed Michigan general contractor with experience navigating the Hanover claims process — from the initial Xactimate estimate to supplement filing.

33
Years in Business
1,000+
Claims Handled
$10M+
In Restored Value
A+
BBB Rating
Licensed GC #262000615 | BBB Accredited A+ | Xactimate Documentation | Supplement Experience

The Hanover Insurance Claim Process

Hanover processes storm and hail damage claims through a structured workflow. Here is what to expect at each step — and where Phase III fits in.

01
Report to Your Agent or Hanover Direct

Call your independent agent OR contact Hanover directly at their claims line. Both routes are valid. Hanover operates through independent agent networks, so your local agent is often the fastest first call.

02
Receive Your Claim Number

Hanover assigns a claim number once your claim is filed. Keep this number readily available for all future communications with Hanover, your agent, and your contractor.

03
Adjuster Contact & Scheduling

A Hanover field adjuster contacts you to schedule a property inspection. Response times vary by claim volume following a storm event. You may request Phase III be present during this inspection.

04
Field Inspection

The adjuster inspects the damage and documents findings using Xactimate estimating software — the industry standard for property damage scoping. This inspection determines the initial scope of loss.

05
Xactimate Estimate Issued

You receive a scope of loss and Xactimate-based estimate. This is a starting point, not a final number. You have the right to a licensed contractor's independent assessment and to request supplements for overlooked items.

06
Select Your Contractor

Michigan law gives you the right to choose any licensed contractor for your repair work. Phase III Construction is licensed, insured, and experienced working on Hanover-insured properties throughout SE Michigan.

Xactimate Documentation and the Supplement Process

Xactimate is the estimating software used by most insurance carriers — including Hanover — to scope and price property damage. Adjusters use it to generate line-item estimates for roofing, siding, structural repairs, and interior work. The output becomes the basis for your insurance payout.

Understanding Xactimate matters because the initial estimate doesn't always capture everything. Adjusters work under time pressure and may miss line items: code upgrade requirements, additional layers of roofing, starter strip, ice and water shield, drip edge, or interior damage that isn't immediately visible. These missed items can represent thousands of dollars in legitimate claim value.

Phase III Construction documents damage in a format that aligns with Xactimate line items. When we identify scope that was not included in the original Hanover estimate, we prepare a supplement — a formal addition to the claim that requests coverage for the missed items. Supplements are a standard, legitimate part of the claims process.

The supplement process with Hanover typically involves submitting documentation, photos, and a competing scope to the assigned adjuster or their supervisor. Phase III has experience with this process and communicates directly with Hanover on your behalf, so you're not navigating it alone.

If you have already received a Hanover Xactimate estimate, we can review it at no charge and tell you whether it appears to reflect the full scope of your damage.

Working With Phase III on Your Hanover Claim

We focus on thorough documentation and clear communication throughout the claim lifecycle.

Free Damage Assessment

No-cost inspection of your property to document storm and hail damage. We can be present during or after the Hanover adjuster's visit.

Xactimate Documentation

We document damage using the same Xactimate line-item framework Hanover adjusters use, making the review and approval process straightforward.

Supplement Filing Support

When the original Hanover estimate is missing scope, we prepare and submit a supplement. Missed line items are legitimate and recoverable.

No Work Until You Approve

We present the full scope and pricing before any work begins. You review, ask questions, and approve before we schedule the project.

Licensed & Insured Michigan GC

Michigan Builders License #262000615. Fully insured. You're working with a licensed general contractor, not a storm-chasing crew.

33 Years SE Michigan Experience

We've been working in Southeast Michigan since 1993. We know the market, local code requirements, and the carrier landscape.

Michigan Policyholder Rights on a Hanover Claim

Michigan law provides specific protections for homeowners navigating an insurance claim. Understanding these rights puts you in a stronger position throughout the process.

1
Right to Choose Your Own Contractor You are not required to use a contractor recommended by Hanover or your agent. Michigan law gives you full discretion in selecting a licensed contractor to perform the work.
2
Right to Get Your Own Estimate You may obtain an independent estimate from a licensed contractor. This estimate can be submitted to Hanover as a basis for supplementing or challenging the original scope.
3
Right to Request a Re-Inspection If you believe the initial adjuster inspection missed damage, you can request a re-inspection. Having a contractor document and present additional findings strengthens this request.
4
Right to Invoke the Appraisal Clause Most Hanover policies include an appraisal clause. If you and Hanover cannot agree on the amount of a loss, either party may invoke the appraisal process to resolve the dispute through independent appraisers.
5
Right to a Full Written Scope of Loss You are entitled to a written scope of loss documenting what damage was identified and what is included (and not included) in the estimate. Review this carefully with your contractor.

ACV vs. RCV: Understanding Your Hanover Policy

How your Hanover policy handles depreciation has a direct impact on how much you receive. Knowing your coverage tier before work begins matters.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

ACV means Hanover pays the replacement cost of damaged materials minus depreciation. Depreciation accounts for the age and condition of your roof, siding, or other affected components.

For example, a 15-year-old roof may have significant depreciation withheld. The check you receive initially will be for the depreciated value, not the full cost to replace.

Under ACV-only coverage, the depreciation amount is generally not recoverable unless your policy includes a recoverable depreciation endorsement.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV)

RCV coverage means Hanover pays the full cost to repair or replace the damaged property with like kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation.

Typically, Hanover pays out ACV first, then releases the depreciation holdback after the work is completed and documentation of completion is submitted.

Hanover's Elite tier policies in Michigan typically include RCV coverage. Platinum tier policies may have different terms — check your declarations page to confirm your coverage type.

Why this matters before work begins: Knowing whether you have ACV or RCV coverage affects the total funds available and the timeline for receiving them. Phase III reviews your declarations page with you so there are no surprises about when depreciation holdback is released and what documentation Hanover requires to release it. Hanover's Elite and Platinum tiers have different terms, and your specific policy endorsements may also apply.

Hanover Insurance Storm Claim FAQ

Yes. Michigan law gives you the right to select any licensed contractor. You are not required to use a contractor recommended by Hanover or your agent.
Hanover processes claims through their independent agent network or direct claims line. After reporting, a field adjuster is assigned who uses Xactimate to document and estimate damage. Hanover's claims operations are headquartered in Worcester, MA, but the company has significant Michigan presence, often serving policyholders through the Citizens/Hanover relationship.
Hanover Insurance has a long-standing partnership with Citizens Insurance, a Michigan-based carrier. Some Michigan policyholders hold coverage under Citizens policies that are administered or backed by Hanover. If your policy says Citizens, check your declarations page for the underwriting company to understand which entity's claims procedures apply.
You have the right to request a re-inspection and to submit a contractor's competing estimate. If there's a significant discrepancy, your policy may include an appraisal clause allowing an independent appraisal process. Phase III can review your Hanover estimate and identify scope that may have been missed before recommending a path forward.
ACV (Actual Cash Value) means depreciation is deducted from your payout. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) means you can recover that depreciation after work is completed and documented. Hanover's Elite tier typically includes RCV coverage; Platinum tier may have different terms. Check your declarations page to confirm your coverage type before work begins.
Timelines vary based on claim volume, adjuster availability, and the complexity of the damage. Most claims move through field inspection within 1–2 weeks of reporting under normal conditions. Following large storm events, response times may be longer. Supplement negotiations can extend the overall timeline. Phase III works to keep documentation current and your project moving.
A supplement is an additional claim submitted when the original estimate missed line items or scope — for example, code-required upgrades, additional roofing layers, or damaged components not visible during the initial inspection. Phase III documents thoroughly from the start and can file supplements with Hanover for items that were overlooked in the original scope.
Yes. Phase III Construction has experience working on Hanover-insured properties throughout SE Michigan. We understand Xactimate documentation requirements and the Hanover claims process, and we communicate directly with Hanover on your behalf during the repair and supplement process.

Ready to Start Your Hanover Claim?

Licensed Michigan GC with Xactimate documentation experience. Free property inspection.

SE Michigan Service Area

Westland Detroit Dearborn Ann Arbor Livonia Canton Ypsilanti Romulus Garden City Inkster Wayne Taylor Southgate Wyandotte Trenton Flat Rock Monroe Belleville Plymouth Northville Novi Farmington Hills Dearborn Heights Allen Park