From Chaos to Comfort: A Frisco Family’s Restoration Journey with Amica Insurance and Specialty Contractors
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Chapter 1: Hailstorm Havoc in Frisco
It was a quiet Thursday night in Frisco’s Prairie View neighborhood—until the sky turned green. Within minutes, thunder roared, sirens wailed, and hailstones the size of ping pong balls began slamming rooftops.
The Jensen family—Tom, Rachel, and their two boys—raced to the hallway.
“We could hear it hitting the windows and skylights. It was terrifying,” Rachel said.
When the storm passed, Tom stepped outside and saw neighbors walking around with flashlights. Shingles littered the yard. Their fence was leaning. And water had started dripping from the living room ceiling.
Chapter 2: The First Call—Amica Insurance
Tom and Rachel had been with Amica Mutual Insurance for years. They appreciated the lower premiums, but had never filed a homeowners claim—until now.
Using the Amica app, Tom uploaded photos and submitted a claim before midnight. By morning, he had confirmation and a scheduled visit from a local adjuster.
“We didn’t have to wait on hold. The process was shockingly easy,” Tom said.
Amica’s adjuster arrived two days later, did a walk-through of the home, and gave a rough overview of what would be covered under their replacement cost coverage policy. That’s when the adjuster handed them a referral list and said:
“For quality restoration work in DFW, Specialty Contractors is highly recommended.”
Chapter 3: Enter Specialty Contractors
The very next morning, Tom received a call from Carlos Lopez, a senior project manager with Specialty Contractors.
“I know exactly what storms like this do to Frisco homes,” Carlos said. “We’ve been restoring houses here for over 40 years. Let's set a time to walk through everything, including what Amica missed.”
Carlos arrived that afternoon with:
- A moisture meter
- An iPad loaded with Xactimate (the same software Amica uses)
- A calming presence that immediately reassured the Jensens
Chapter 4: Uncovering the Damage
Carlos didn’t just inspect the roof—he looked everywhere:
- Attic: water saturation in insulation
- Living room: drywall bubbling, water seeping behind paint
- Garage: hail pocks in the door panels
- Fence line: impact damage and rotted posts exposed by the storm
- HVAC: hail-dented condenser coils
He took over 200 photos and even used a drone to survey the entire roof.
“Insurance adjusters often miss things, not on purpose—they’re just fast and focused. It’s our job to make sure nothing gets overlooked,” Carlos explained.
Chapter 5: Working With Amica—The Right Way
Amica is known for its high customer satisfaction, but navigating a claim still requires experience.
✅ Document Everything
Carlos uploaded photos to Amica’s portal and created a full line-item scope matching the insurer’s format.
✅ Submit Supplements Professionally
When the attic insulation had to be replaced (a code requirement in Frisco), Specialty submitted a supplement to Amica—along with photos and local ordinance documentation. It was approved in 72 hours.
✅ Clear Communication
Amica uses Hi Marley, a text-based system that let the Jensens receive daily updates on claim status, payments, and next steps.
Chapter 6: Permits, Code, and Frisco Specifics
Frisco is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, and it enforces strict building codes. Specialty Contractors handled all the city-specific needs:
- Pulled roofing and structural permits
- Scheduled city inspections
- Installed upgraded attic ventilation to meet Frisco’s 2024 code
“We would’ve had no clue what was required,” Rachel said. “Specialty made it easy and even explained things to our HOA.”
Chapter 7: The Build Begins
With insurance funds released and Amica’s scope approved, work kicked off in phases:
🏠 Roof & Exterior
- New high-impact shingles with upgraded underlayment
- Replaced all vent boots and flashing
- New gutters with leaf guards
🎨 Interior Restoration
- Removed and replaced drywall in two rooms
- Repainted with Sherwin-Williams low-VOC paint
- Installed new baseboards and crown molding
🪵 Fence & Landscaping
- Rebuilt 70 feet of fencing
- Replaced landscaping crushed during tree removal
“Specialty wasn’t just a contractor—they were like a project quarterback,” Tom said.
Chapter 8: What Homeowners Should Know About Amica Claims
🔍 1. ACV vs RCV
Amica pays actual cash value first, then replacement cost value after work is completed and receipts are submitted.
📑 2. Your Contractor Can Help with Supplements
From decking to paint matching, contractors like Specialty can get necessary items added back into the claim.
💬 3. Communication is King
Amica's texting system helped keep everything clear. Don’t rely on emails alone.
🧾 4. Keep Every Receipt
All invoices and receipts are needed for RCV reimbursement. Specialty provided digital copies automatically.
🧠 5. Your Deductible is Your Responsibility
Texas law prohibits waiving deductibles. Specialty was upfront and even offered financing options.
Chapter 9: Final Walkthrough and Final Thoughts
Six weeks later, the Jensen home was better than ever.
- The roof? Upgraded.
- The interior? Brighter and more modern.
- Their peace of mind? Fully restored.
Amica released the final depreciation funds quickly, and Rachel summed it up best:
“This storm was the worst night of our lives—but working with Amica and Specialty made the process feel like a blessing in disguise.”
Chapter 10: Why Frisco Homeowners Choose Specialty Contractors
Whether it’s a roof after hail, a kitchen after a slab leak, or a full reconstruction after fire or flood—Specialty Contractors is the go-to name in Frisco and North Dallas for a reason:
- ✅ Over 40 Years in DFW
- ✅ Preferred by Insurance Carriers
- ✅ Licensed and Insured
- ✅ Knowledgeable in City Code Compliance
- ✅ Full-Service: Roofing, Drywall, Paint, Flooring, and More
Chapter 11: Bonus Tips — Making the Most of Your Home Insurance Claim
- Document Before and After — Take “before” photos annually for easy comparisons.
- Understand Your Policy — Know your deductible and any exclusions.
- Bundle Smart — Amica gives discounts for bundling home, auto, and umbrella.
- Don't Delay Repairs — The longer you wait, the more damage can occur.
- Ask for Help — Great contractors don’t just build—they guide.
Ready to Restore? Call the Experts Frisco Trusts
If you’ve experienced storm, water, or structural damage and are working with Amica Insurance or another provider, don’t settle for slow, low-quality repairs.
📞
Call Specialty Contractors today 214-389-5130
🌐
Visit
www.callspecialty.com
📍 Serving Frisco, Plano, Prosper, Little Elm, and North Dallas
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