HOME INVENTORY HELPS HOMEOWNERS PREPARE
As we approach the first anniversary of the hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast, you may be thinking, “What if something like that 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? Allstate recommends that all homeowners take inventory now – before a loss is incurred.
“Even if you do not live in a hurricane zone, disaster can strike at any time,” says Allstate Agent KEVIN GWOZDZ. “Tornadoes, fire and theft can impact homeowners without any notice and with devastating consequences. An accurate and up-to-date home inventory can help make the recovery process easier on you and your family.”
Here are six steps that Allstate recommends you take in preparing 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 other 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.
•With any photo or video home inventory list, include 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.
•Make sure you have a written home inventory list even if you don’t have pictures. A detailed written list is better than no list at all.
• Store your home inventory list somewhere away from your home. If you have a bank safety deposit box, keep your list there. Or ask a relative to keep your inventory list in a safe place. Make sure the list is kept far enough away so it’s not destroyed in the same event that destroys your belongings, but that it’s close enough to be easily accessible when you need it.
•Be sure to update the inventory list after any major purchase or gift received. You should be updating the list periodically anyway, but make a special effort to update it after major events like weddings, birthdays or holidays.
•It’s wise to share your home inventory list with your insurance agent to make sure you are adequately covered in the event of a devastating loss.
For more information on this and other topics, contact KEVIN GWOZDZ at Allstate Insurance at 436-2866.
> Read More Information About Us
> More Articles Written By Our Staff
- Shamrock Search Leads To Adventures In Waynedale - March 29, 2024
- Take A Journey Back To The Hundred Acre Wood - March 29, 2024
- Recognizing Green Book Sites In Indiana - March 29, 2024