A GUIDE TO. Understanding Your AARP Homeowners Insurance Policy from The Hartford

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1 A GUIDE TO Understanding Your AARP Homeowners Insurance Policy from The Hartford

2 WELCOME! Thank you for choosing the AARP Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford, 1 the nation s trusted name in insurance protection for over 200 years. The Hartford is pleased to provide you with what we consider the finest coverage and service available, and we welcome you into The Hartford family. HERE S HOW TO REACH US: Claims Hotline Online Customer Service Center... thehartford.com/myaccount Customer Service Us.... AARPcustomercenter@thehartford.com This entire coverage guide is provided for informational purposes only. It is not part of any policy issued by The Hartford or its affiliated insurers and is not a binding part of any insurance contract which may be applicable to you. This guide contains only general descriptions of coverage which may be provided and does not include all of the features, exclusions and conditions of the policy it describes. Certain coverages, features and credits may vary by state in accordance with our product filings and applicable law and may not be available to all policyholders. The Hartford suggests that you read your policy to determine your actual coverage. In the event of a loss, your specific policy term will determine the benefits and coverages to which you are entitled. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use off its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. The AARP Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT CA License # In Washington the Program is underwritten by Trumbull Insurance Company. In Michigan, the Program is underwritten by Trumbull Insurance Company. Homeowners product is not available in all areas, including the state of Florida. Specific features, credits and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify. 1 1 In Texas, the Home Program is underwritten by Trumbull Insurance Company.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS WAYS YOU CAN SAVE VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS AND MORE POLICY INFORMATION CUSTOMER SERVICE OPTIONS REPORTING CLAIMS HOW TO CONTACT US... BACK COVER Your policy package includes the following documents: A Declarations Page explaining the property that is insured and the coverages that apply Your Policy stating the terms and conditions of your coverage Any Endorsements modifying the Policy or Declarations Page 1

4 WAYS YOU CAN SAVE The discounts and credits currently being applied to your home policy are listed on the enclosed Declarations Page. And to help save you even more money, we also offer the following: 2 Account (Bundling) Credit 3 Combine your auto and home insurance policies with The Hartford and you could be eligible for additional savings on both policies. Renters may also be able to save. Home Security or Protective Devices Credit You may qualify for discounts if you have a burglar alarm, fire alarm, sprinkler system, or a combination of these devices. Apartment and condominium owners may also be eligible if their building has 24-hour security guard services. Retiree Credit You may be eligible for a discount if you or your spouse are both retired or work less than 24 hours a week. 4 Renewal Credit Continue renewing your homeowners insurance with The Hartford and once you ve been insured for four years, you ll start earning a Renewal Credit. 2 Availability of the following homeowners discounts and credits may vary by state and/or by the specific homeowners policy plan purchased. 3 Automobile/homeowners discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance Programs from The Hartford. 4 Does not apply to secondary residences. 2

5 VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS AND MORE VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS 5 Lifetime Renewability Benefit With The Hartford s Lifetime Renewability benefit you ll never have to worry about losing your coverage, provided you pay your premium when due and maintain your home. ProtectorPLUS Zero Deductible Benefit If you experience a qualifying loss of $25,000 or more, The Hartford will waive up to $5,000 of your Coverage A deductible. This benefit does not apply to special deductibles such as hurricane, earthquake, coal mine subsidence, special wind/hail or optional special theft deductibles. Extended Replacement Cost Coverage If something should happen to your home and it becomes a total loss, The Hartford will pay to fully rebuild it, even if it costs up to 150% of your Coverage A applicable limits. 6 If included on your policy, this coverage will be listed under Endorsements as Additional Limits of Liability Coverage A, B, C, D. It may also be called Replacement Cost Dwelling coverage. 6 Replacement Cost Coverage for Your Belongings Sometimes referred to as New-for-Old Protection, this benefit enables you to replace your damaged or stolen belongings with similar new items of equal quality at today s prices, regardless of the age of the item. If included on your policy, this coverage will be listed under Endorsements as Personal Property Replacement Cost. 5 Availability of homeowners features and benefits may vary by state and/or by the specific homeowners policy plan purchased. If you are age 50 or older, once you re insured through this Program for at least 60 days, you cannot be refused renewal as long as applicable premiums are paid when due. Also, you must continue to insure your home for at least 80% of your home s rebuilding value, cannot have knowingly increased your home s hazard level, and must not have obtained your policy through material misrepresentation. Not available in HI, MI, NH, and NC. 6 Benefits vary by state and according to your policy plan. 3

6 VALUE-ADDED BENEFITS AND MORE (CONTINUED) WAYS TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR COVERAGE Special Protection Packages Your homeowners policy already protects you against loss of valuables, such as jewelry, silverware, even credit cards. But, like many AARP members, you may have even more to protect. That s why The Hartford offers several packages that bundle together additional coverages at a cost often less than the cost of purchasing them individually. Customized Protection for Valuables If your needs are specifically to protect valuables such as jewelry, furs, silverware, antiques, sports equipment, fine art and more, The Hartford can offer you coverage options for these items as well. For example, you may choose a Blanket Plan an easy, convenient way to protect certain higher-valued possessions without scheduling or appraisals. Or, you can choose Scheduled Personal Property coverage for more customized coverage. (Receipts and/or recent appraisals may be required.) Water Backup and Sump Pump Discharge/Overflow Coverage 7 Your basic homeowners policy does not provide coverage for damages caused by or related to water backup through sewers or drains, or from sump pump failure. To add this optional coverage to your policy, contact Customer Service. Home-Based Business Coverage If you conduct business out of your home, we offer coverage to fully protect you from liability and equipment breakdown. To request a quote for an AARP Home Business Insurance Plan, call , Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Or visit aarp.thehartford.com/homebusiness 7 Does not provide coverage for water damage caused by direct or indirect flooding. Also does not provide coverage for water backup of sewers or drain, or overflow or discharge of a sump pump if it s caused by flooding. 4

7 POLICY INFORMATION BILLING AND PAYMENT OPTIONS The Hartford gives you the flexibility to manage your billing and payments in a way that works best for your needs. Online Bill and Payment Options Register at thehartford.com/myaccount to: Choose edelivery and be notified by when a bill is available for viewing and payment Make a fast, easy payment by credit card or a one-time withdrawal from a bank account Sign up for AutoPay to make automatic payments by credit card or directly from a checking or savings account Additional Bill, Installment and Payment Options 8 Bill-by-Mail You ll receive paper bills by U.S. Mail. You can choose how often you receive your bill and make payments. Monthly Automatic Bill/Payment We divide your policy premium into monthly payments, which are automatically withdrawn monthly from a credit card, checking or savings account on a date you select. Service fees may apply to some payment options. HOW TO PAY YOUR BILL Online Register at thehartford.com/myaccount. You can make a payment using a credit card or a one-time withdrawal from a checking or savings account. You can also enroll in monthly automatic payments online at any time. (See the Online Bill and Payment Options section above.) Phone Call The Hartford at /7 and choose the Billing option. Mail Send a check with the payment stub to the address listed on your bill. 8 In most states, a service fee applies to installment payments. 5

8 POLICY INFORMATION (CONTINUED) LATE PAYMENT FEES To assure continuous coverage, always make sure we receive the minimum amount due on your bill by the date shown. If not, a late payment fee will be assessed. 9 BILLING QUESTIONS? Visit the Online Customer Service Center at thehartford.com/myaccount Call our Automated Account Manager at (choose the Billing option) For more personalized assistance, talk to a Hartford Customer Care representative at Fee may vary depending on state filings and applicable law. 6

9 CUSTOMER SERVICE OPTIONS Whether it s a change to your policy, a question about your coverage, or making a claim, The Hartford offers a variety of ways to take advantage of our great customer service. CUSTOMER SERVICE OPTIONS Visit our Online Customer Service Center: thehartford.com/myaccount It s easy to manage your policy with our Online Customer Service Center. If you haven t already signed up, register now to: View and print policy documents Enroll in edelivery instead of getting documents in the mail Make a payment or enroll in AutoPay Submit or track a claim You can also accomplish all this through your tablet or smartphone by using our mobile app. Call Hartford Customer Care at Some questions or policy changes are best handled by speaking with one of our highly trained Customer Care representatives. Just call They are available Monday Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. AARPCustomerCenter@thehartford.com WHEN TO REQUEST A COVERAGE REVIEW To make sure your homeowners coverage keeps pace with changes to your home, your belongings or your living situation in general, be sure to contact us for a periodic coverage review. Here are some examples of when you should consider this: Adding on to your current home, or building a separate structure such as a garage or pool Renovating a room, especially a kitchen or bathroom Acquiring high-value items such as jewelry, antiques, art, furs or silverware You should also check your coverage when you no longer live full-time in the home insured through this Program, or if you start renting your home. 7

10 CUSTOMER SERVICE OPTIONS (CONTINUED) MOVING TO A NEW HOME? The AARP Homeowners Insurance Program is available in most areas of the country. However, if you move to a new address in or out of state you must reapply. Be sure to call us at least days prior to your closing date to allow adequate time to provide you with a quote, approve your application, and issue your new policy by your closing date. Getting Flood Coverage Because flood damage is excluded from your homeowners policy, The Hartford offers separate flood protection for AARP members coverage fully backed by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). To request a free quote, call Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Or visit aarp.thehartford.com/flood 8

11 REPORTING CLAIMS CLAIMS SERVICE Call the Claims Hotline 24/7: Report and Track a Claim Online: thehartford.com/myaccount We understand how stressful it can be when something unfortunate happens to your home. That s why The Hartford offers services that go the extra mile to minimize disruptions, and to make a difficult time a little less difficult. Reporting a Claim When you have a loss and need to report a claim, call The Hartford as soon as possible. Please have the following information available: Your policy number Date, time and location of the loss Description of the loss (i.e. fire, vandalism) Name, address and phone numbers of the police or fire department where you reported the incident Your address The names of any witnesses to the loss Finding a Contractor Should you need help finding a reputable contractor to repair, rebuild or clean up your home after a loss, The Hartford can recommend professionals who agree to meet our high standards of service and back their work for three full years. 9

12 HOW TO CONTACT THE HARTFORD CLAIMS Call toll-free, 24/7 For Hearing Impaired Services: Report or Track a Claim Online: thehartford.com/myaccount CUSTOMER SERVICE Manage your policy online: thehartford.com/myaccount Also, take advantage of our mobile app Call The Hartford toll-free For Hearing Impaired Services: Monday Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Eastern Time Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time HOME-BASED BUSINESSES Call The Hartford toll-free Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time Visit aarp.thehartford.com/homebusiness FLOOD Call The Hartford toll-free Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time Visit aarp.thehartford.com/flood PLICH