Home Inventory Helps Homeowners Prepare
In the aftermath of the devastating losses along the Gulf Coast or the recent flooding we experienced here in Illinois, you may be thinking, "What if something that terrible happened to me? Am I prepared?" In the blink of an eye, your home and all of your belongings can disappear. Do you know what you have? Could you list and describe your possessions so they could be replaced?
Even if you do not live in a hurricane zone, disaster can strike at any time. Tornadoes, hail, fire, floods and theft can impact area homeowners without any notice and with devastating consequences. I suggest to my clients that an accurate and up-to-date home inventory can help make the recovery process easier on you and your family.
Below are six steps that will help you prepare a home inventory.
Whenever possible, make sure your home inventory list includes photographs or video of your belongings. If you have a home video camera, take periodic videos of each room in your house. Focus on individual items in each room. Take additional video of smaller items like jewelry, silver, and related valuables or keepsakes. The same recommendations apply if you're using a conventional camera. Be sure to be thorough when taking pictures of your belongings.
Include with any picture or video home inventory list, a detailed, written account of what you own. Be specific in your written inventory. Whenever possible include make, model, serial numbers, receipts, and date of purchase for all items in your home inventory.
If you don't have pictures, a written home inventory list is better than no inventory, but make sure you are as detailed as possible.
Store your home inventory list somewhere away from your home. If you have a bank safety deposit box, keep your list there. If you don't have a safety deposit box, ask a friend or relative to keep your inventory list in a safe place. Allstate recommends, wherever you store your home inventory list, make sure the location is far enough away from your home it won't be lost in the same event that may destroy your house. However, make sure your home inventory list is kept close enough so that it is easily accessible to you when you need it.
Be sure to update your home inventory after any major purchase or gift. You should be updating your home inventory periodically anyway, but make special effort to do so after any major purchase, holidays, or birthdays.
If time permits, share your home inventory with your insurance agent so that he or she can help you decide if your coverage meets your needs.
Let's face it, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I have worked with clients who have lost everything they own from disasters. Preparing a home inventory helps protect you and your family. Lets face it, do you know how many Christmas ornaments, screwdrivers or socks you own? Your insurance policy covers the replacement of these items but only if you ask for reimbursement. Don't put it off, grab your video camera and walk thru your home today. That's all I have to say about that.
Bull
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