Make Sure Your Insurance Safety Net is Adequate
You should review your home owners and/or renters insurance policy every year to ensure you have the right type and amount of coverage for your needs in the area you live.
Document Your Home and Inventory Your Possessions
If you do not have a home inventory, create one. Take pictures and video each room in your home, condo, and apartment. If you own your residence do the same for the exterior of your house to document your entire property. Include the contents of your closets and drawers. Build as much of an inventory as you can including furnishings, artwork, jewelry, appliances, electronics, collectables such as sports memorabilia, coin and stamp collections and specialty items. Hopefully, you will never have to suffer a loss and need this inventory, but if you do, you will be glad you do not have to start from scratch. After a traumatic loss, it is nearly impossible to remember everything you had. Most people never collect their full insurance benefits for this reason.
List and Pack Important Documents
When told you must evacuate, you may feel overwhelmed and confused on what to take. Along with sentimental items that are irreplaceable, below is a short list of important documents that are recommended you take if you have time, always remember life safety is most important:
- Purse and/or wallet
- Insurance policies and related correspondence
- Passports and Birth Certificates
- Family Photos
- Tax and Loan Documents
- Stocks and Bonds
- Wills and Trusts
- Plans/Blueprints of Your Home
For more information and resources on ensuring you have the proper insurance coverage and inventorying your home and possessions visit United Policyholders (UP) United Policyholders is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and a respected voice for consumers of all types of insurance in all 50 states. "We don't take money from insurance companies. We give you the straight scoop. Guide you on buying insurance and navigating claims. Fight for your rights."
