On The Move
Home Inventory Can Help Homeowners Prepare For Unexpected
Aug 25, 2010
GREER, SC - August 25, 2010 - No matter the time of year, the aftermath of storms can be devastating, leaving people without homes or dealing with major repairs. While we can't predict whether or not our homes our home will be affected by hail, heavy winds or strong thunderstorms, home owners and renters can make sure their property and belongings are properly protected.
The Atlantic hurricane season stretches through Nov. 30, and early preparation is the best way to help protect your family and property.
Regardless of whether you own your house, condo or townhome, or if you rent, this next question should be very important to you: If disaster struck your home would you know what you owned? Remember that even though it can take years to collect your possessions, they could be gone in a split second following a disaster like a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, storm or another peril.
The Allstate Insurance Company recommends that you compile a home inventory to compile a list of your belongings to ensure the proper coverage in your home owners, condo or renter's policy. If your home, condo or apartment is damaged or destroyed in a storm, an accurate and up-to-date home inventory can help make the possible recovery process easier on you and your family.
6 Steps To A Home Inventory...
- Allstate recommends, 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 Allstate agent so that he or she can help you decide if your coverage meets your needs.
Coverage and discounts are subject to availability and qualifications. Other terms, conditions and exclusions may apply.
For more information on how to conduct a home inventory, contact Allstate agent Jim Windham of The Jim Windham Agency at (864) 877-8462, or via email at jimwindham@allstate.com.
About the Allstate Corporation
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com®. and 1-800 Allstate
