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"Know Your Stuff" To Protect Your Family

Jan 04, 2013

Disaster Preparedness

Trying to remember all of the things in your home after a loss, especially a catastrophic loss such as a fire or flood, can compound an already stressful situation. You may not be sure of everything that was in a certain area of your home, or of the number of items in a room. It can just make a bad situation worse. That's why it's a good idea to make a list of your belongings, especially those of value, before a loss occurs. You may already have appraisals and photos on file with your agent for high-value items that are scheduled, such as jewelry, but many people don't have an inventory of their regular household items. Keeping an inventory also has the added benefit of helping to determine how much coverage you need. Many people do not realize the value of the items they have accumulated and become underinsured. An inventory can be as simple as keeping a handwritten list, but there are also programs that can help you itemize your household goods. The Insurance Information Institute, for example, has produced an application that can be accessed online or from your smartphone, called “Know Your Stuff.” It's a great way to keep track of your valuables and can be invaluable in the event of a loss. This software walks you through your home, room by room, to create an inventory of your belongings. It also has a place to upload photos of rooms in your home or of specific items. Whether you write down your list, or keep it online, it's a good idea to have multiple copies, and to try and store at least one outside your home, such as in a safe deposit box. You will also want to periodically review the list and update it as needed. It will go a long way in helping your agent and claims team in the event of a loss, and will give you peace of mind in knowing that all of your things are accounted for. The WIN team is available to answer any questions about your coverage, including whether you should increase your coverage or schedule items on your policy. And if you don't have a homeowners or renters policy, we'd be happy to review your options and give you a free quote! Give us a call today at (610) 524-7860!
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