33 years restoring water-damaged homes alongside The Hartford / AARP adjusters across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. From emergency extraction within hours through structural drying and full rebuild, we log moisture readings and dry-out data to Xactimate standards — the same system The Hartford / AARP adjusters use. The Hartford's AARP homeowners program serves Michigan's 50+ community, and we keep the process simple for older homeowners.
Water damage has a 24–48 hour mold window — speed is everything. Here's how a The Hartford / AARP water claim typically moves in Michigan, from first extraction to final rebuild.
Water damage documentation starts with moisture readings — Category 1/2/3 classification, moisture content of structural materials, and daily drying logs. Without this data, a water claim is hard to defend.
Phase III documents every reading to Xactimate standards, including equipment placement, dehumidifier hours, and final clearance readings. The Hartford / AARP adjusters use this same data to close water claims.
Missing documentation is the most common reason water claims are underpaid. We build the dry-out record from day one so the scope — and any supplement — is supported by readings, not estimates.
We're the licensed contractor, not the adjuster. Our job is to document the loss completely, build to the approved scope, and ensure the finished work matches what your policy covers.
Michigan homeowners have the legal right to select their own licensed contractor for any insurance-covered repair. The Hartford / AARP cannot require you to use a specific vendor or preferred network contractor. If you have a The Hartford / AARP homeowners policy and need water damage repair, you choose who does the work — not your insurance company. Phase III holds Michigan Builders License #262000615 and carries full liability and workers' compensation coverage.
Water claims can expand after drying. Hidden moisture in walls and subfloor sometimes reveals secondary damage that wasn't visible at the initial inspection. Phase III supplements The Hartford / AARP for items discovered during active drying — including mold remediation when moisture wasn't addressed quickly enough.
The Hartford / AARP is required to cover damage directly caused by a covered water event, even when it's discovered after the initial estimate is issued — provided the loss was promptly reported and documented.
Sudden vs. gradual: Standard policies cover sudden and accidental water — a burst pipe or appliance failure — but not long-term seepage or external flooding, which requires separate flood coverage. The cause of loss is what determines whether The Hartford / AARP pays.
Structure (RCV): Repairs are typically paid on a Replacement Cost basis, released in two stages — an Actual Cash Value payment first, then held depreciation once the work is complete and documented.
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