What to Do After a Loss
We are sorry that you have experienced loss or damage to your home. We know this can be a stressful and confusing time, and we want to help you get on the road to recovery as soon as possible. In order to make the claims process as smooth as possible, here are a few suggestions.
Recovery & Safety
Experiencing a loss after a storm can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps early can help you protect your family, safeguard your property, and move forward with confidence. The guidance below outlines key actions to help you stay safe, recover efficiently, and prepare your home for the future.
Assess and Document the Damage
Ensure Your Safety
If you stayed home through a storm, wait for an official “all-clear” before venturing outside or inspecting for damage. If you’ve evacuated and are returning home, carefully inspect your home for any structural damage before entering.
Take Photos and Videos
Thoroughly document any damage to your property. Take clear photos and videos of the affected areas, including roof damage, broken windows, water intrusion, and destroyed personal belongings. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim.
Make Temporary Repairs
If it’s safe to do so, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as covering broken windows or patching a leaking roof. Keep all receipts for any materials or services you use for these repairs, as they may be reimbursable under your insurance policy. Refrain from making permanent repairs until an adjuster has had a chance to assess the damage.
Begin the Recovery Process
Coordinate Repairs
Once your claim is approved, work with reputable contractors to repair the damage to your home. Make sure to get estimates in writing and verify the credentials of any contractors you hire. Do not throw damaged parts away, or allow your contractor to remove them before your adjuster has a chance to inspect them.
Claim Checks
If you have a mortgage on your home, payment for your home repairs will be in the form of a check made payable to you and your mortgage company. The mortgage company must endorse the check, so please contact them to find out their process for this situation.
Avoid Scams
Unfortunately, some contractors prey on vulnerable homeowners, promising quick fixes and offering to relieve you of the “burden” or “hassle” or dealing with your insurance company. To avoid this problem, call your insurance company to report your claim before hiring a contractor.
Plan for the Future
While you’re already making repairs, take this opportunity to reinforce your home and review your emergency plan. Consider upgrades that could offer better protection in future storms, such as stronger windows, reinforced doors, or improved drainage systems.
File an Insurance Claim
Contact Your Insurance Carrier
Reach out to American Integrity as soon as possible by calling 1-866-277-9871 or visiting www.myaii.com to report the damage and start the claims process. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner the recovery process can begin. Keep in regular communication with your assigned claims adjuster and be available for any questions or inspections they may ask of you.
Locate Your Home Inventory List
Ideally, you will have previously created a complete record of your property using a smartphone, video camera, or a written list. Referencing this list expedites the claims process and helps ensure that you are reimbursed for your belongings in accordance with your policy.
Provide Documentation
When filing your claim, provide the documentation you’ve gathered, including photos, videos, and receipts for temporary repairs. This will help streamline the process.
Know the Difference: ACV vs Replacement Cost
When it comes to personal property coverage, there are two common types of protection: Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost. If your items are insured at Actual Cash Value, your reimbursement takes depreciation into account—meaning you’ll receive the current market value of the item at the time of loss, not what you originally paid for it. For example, if a five-year-old television is damaged, the payout would reflect its used value, not the cost to buy a brand-new model.
With Replacement Cost coverage, depreciation is not applied. Instead, you’re reimbursed for the amount it would take to replace the item with a new one of like kind and quality. Using the same example, you would receive enough to purchase a comparable brand-new television today.
Every policy is different, so it’s important to review your coverage details carefully to understand how your personal property would be handled in the event of a loss.
Notify Police In Case of Theft
If there has been a theft, notify the police immediately and request a copy of the police report. This step is important not only for your safety but also for creating an official record of the incident. Be sure to keep a copy for your records and provide one to your claims adjuster as soon as possible.
We’re Here for You
Your adjuster is your guide throughout the entire claims process. Think of them as your primary point of contact – they’re here to answer questions, explain next steps, and make sure you understand how your claim is being handled. Don’t hesitate to reach out if something is unclear or if you need updates along the way. Our goal is to support you, ease the stress of the situation, and help you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get it, the details of insurance policies are complex. These answers to some of our most commonly asked questions should help make it a little easier.
See All FAQs
You can file a claim with American Integrity by calling our 24/7 claims line at 1-866-277-9871 or filing online through our Customer Portal. If you have tropical storm or hurricane-related damage, please call 844-MYAIIC1 (844-692-4421).
Check your policy documents (you can view these online by logging into our Customer Portal for specific coverage details). You can also contact your agent to clarify what types of damage are covered under your policy. Typically, your policy covers damage from perils like fire, windstorms, and theft, but may exclude others like flooding unless you have additional coverage.
Our goal after a claim is submitted is to contact the insured within the same business day. The overall timeline depends on the complexity of the claim and the volume of claims filed.
Following a major storm, American Integrity responds to claims based on severity. Once customers who have been displaced from their homes receive assistance, adjusters will contact policyholders according to the level of damage their home has sustained.
You’ll need your policy number, a detailed description of the damage, photos or videos of the damage, and any receipts or estimates for repairs. Keeping a home inventory can also help speed up the process.
If you are an American Integrity policyholder, contact us immediately if your home is uninhabitable. We can help arrange temporary housing and cover additional living expenses if your policy includes Additional Living Expenses coverage.
Reach out to your adjuster if you need assistance selecting a contractor. American Integrity has partnered with a network of contractors that can assist with all types of repairs, including temporary accommodations, tarping, water mitigation, tree removal, and more.