Phase III Construction works with AARP members covered under The Hartford Homeowners Insurance Program to document storm and hail damage, prepare accurate estimates, and navigate the claims process — so you receive the full benefit of your policy.
Understanding each phase of your claim puts you in a stronger position. Here is how the process unfolds — and where Phase III can help.
Contact The Hartford at 1-800-624-5578, via thehartford.com/aarp, or through aarp.org/insurance. Document damage with photos before any temporary repairs.
The Hartford will assign a claim number and a claims handler. Keep this number for all communications — it is required for every follow-up call or submission.
A Hartford field adjuster will schedule an on-site inspection to assess the damage. You have the right to have your own contractor present. Phase III can accompany you.
The Hartford's adjuster produces a line-item estimate using Xactimate software — the industry-standard tool for insurance property damage estimates. Every line item matters.
Review the estimate carefully. If items are missing or undervalued, you can request a re-inspection or submit a supplemental claim with documentation from your contractor.
Once approved, The Hartford issues payment (minus your deductible). As an AARP member with a ReplacementCost+ policy, depreciation may be withheld initially and released upon completion of repairs.
Xactimate is the software The Hartford (and most major carriers) uses to generate property damage estimates. It contains thousands of line items for materials, labor, and overhead costs. Adjusters use it to build your estimate — and contractors use it to build supplements.
When Phase III reviews a Hartford estimate, we work in the same Xactimate framework, so our documentation speaks the adjuster's language. This reduces back-and-forth and helps ensure nothing is missed or undervalued.
Many initial Hartford Xactimate estimates omit legitimate line items — either because the adjuster did a rapid visual inspection or because certain code-upgrade requirements were not factored in. A Phase III Xactimate review compares the original estimate line-by-line against the actual scope of damage and current code requirements for your municipality.
AARP members can hold Advantage Plus or Premier tier policies. Premier policies typically include enhanced replacement cost and broader coverage for storm events. Know your tier before you file.
The Hartford's ReplacementCost+ provision (on qualifying policies) means storm-damaged property is replaced with new equivalent materials at today's prices — no depreciation deducted. Confirm your policy tier with your Hartford agent.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays replacement cost minus depreciation. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays the full cost to replace with like kind and quality. Most AARP/Hartford premier policies include RCV for roofing — verify yours before settling.
Michigan law gives you the right to select your own licensed contractor for insurance-covered repairs. The Hartford cannot require you to use a preferred vendor list. Phase III is Michigan-licensed (Builder's License #262000615).
If the Hartford's initial estimate is incomplete, your contractor can submit a supplement — a revised Xactimate estimate with additional line items and documentation. Phase III handles supplement submissions on behalf of clients.
Hail impact on asphalt shingles can be subtle — bruising, granule loss, and cracked mat may only be visible up-close. A thorough Phase III inspection documents all damage, including marginal hits that adjusters may overlook on a quick visual pass.
Michigan insurers must acknowledge your claim within a reasonable time. If The Hartford is slow to respond, document every contact — dates, times, and the name of the representative you spoke with.
You are not required to use any contractor The Hartford recommends. Select a licensed Michigan contractor you trust. The Hartford cannot penalize you for choosing an independent contractor.
You are entitled to a line-item written estimate of your covered damage. Request the full Xactimate printout from your Hartford adjuster — not just a summary total. Every line item is subject to review and supplement.
If you believe the Hartford estimate is incomplete, you have the right to provide additional documentation and request reconsideration — without forfeiting your claim. This is the supplement process, and Phase III handles it regularly.
Covers the depreciated value of damaged property. Older roofs may receive significantly less than the cost to replace them. Common in basic policies. If your declarations page shows ACV, the depreciation is permanent — you will not receive holdback funds later.
Covers the full cost to replace damaged property with new, like-kind materials — no depreciation penalty. Available in most AARP/Hartford standard and premier policies for roofing. The Hartford may withhold depreciation until repairs are complete, then release the balance.
Hartford's enhanced option for qualifying AARP policyholders. May include extended replacement cost (above policy limits), guaranteed replacement, or waived depreciation hold-back depending on policy tier. Review your Hartford declarations page or call 1-800-624-5578 to confirm.
Phase III Construction has worked with Hartford/AARP policyholders across SE Michigan. Get a free inspection and let us review your claim estimate.