INDUSTRY INSIGHT
HOME SAFETY
W
ould you be able to list everything that was damaged,
destroyed or lost in your house or apartment if you
had to file a claim with your insurance company?
Trying to remember everything when dealing
with a claim is not an easy task. You would have a thousand things on
your mind, like finding your most important personal documents and
family heirlooms, in addition to trying to arrange a place to live.
However, you can avoid this potential distress - and the risk of your
insurer disputing or not paying the claim - by preparing a detailed
home inventory.
More than 75% of U.S. homeowners don’t have an inventory,
according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Moreover, of those who do have one, they generally don’t keep their
records up to date.
Having a home inventory can make filing a claim much easier. Also,
if you prepare an inventory it will help you assign a value to your
SPONSORED CONTENT
possessions, which in turn can help you and the insurer decided how
much insurance you need.
It may sound like a daunting task to just get started, but fortunately,
TWS Home Inventory and Asset Management Group has created this
handy list to help you take stock of your stuff.
READ YOUR POLICY AND DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR
INSURANCE AGENT
You need to understand your policy so you can know if you are you
covered for the replacement value of your possessions or only actual
cash value, or whether you need any special riders or endorsements
for specialty items, such as:
• Jewelry,
• Musical instruments,
• Firearms,
• Expensive sporting goods like scuba gear or golf clubs.
TAKE PHOTOS OF THE OUTSIDE OF THE HOME
Shoot the property from all sides, including any landscaping,
outdoor furniture, and accouterments.
TAKE PHOTOS OF EACH ROOM FROM ALL ANGLES
Make sure that your pictures cover every piece of furniture, art and
other decorations in every room.
OPEN EVERY CLOSET, CUPBOARD, AND DRAWER
Go through all the places that you keep your possessions and, if you
find anything of value, document it. Document when and where you
got it and how much you paid for it.
If you haven’t gotten in the habit of doing so, keep receipts for all of
your big purchases.
Don’t forget to photograph and document your clothes. If you have
any expensive items, like fur coats, business suits or fancy dresses, take
separate photos of them.
NOTE THE MODEL, SERIAL NUMBER OF ELECTRONIC
ITEMS
Take pictures and list the details of computers, mobile phones,
tablets, TVs, stereo systems, etc.
Free to do what’s right for you.
SM
Sponsored by Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina
To learn more about protecting your family, home or business,
visit www.TrustedChoice.com.
Cusumano Insurance Agency
178 Clairton Blvd (Rt 51)
|
Pittsburgh PA 15236
(412)655-4432
[email protected]
www.cusumanoinsurance.com
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*To see these statistics or others about distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov
Cusumano Insurance, a local family-owned business, has been serving the Pittsburgh
area since 1958. The agency represents several insurance companies offering various
options for your personal and business insurance needs. Its experienced staff are creative
problem solvers who help find the suitable insurance companies, products and discounts
to meet your specific needs. Give them a call today for a free insurance review.
This Industry Insight was provided by:
Joann
Cusumano
Sciulli, AAI
Agency
Principal
Rosann
Cusumano
Elinsky, AAI,
LUTCF
Agency Principal
PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO CHINA, CRYSTAL, AND SILVER
If you have a fancy set of china and cutlery, place it all on a table and
take a picture. Take pics of the front and back of your plates, to show
the brand name and the pattern.
COVER THE GARAGE AS WELL
Often people have more valuables in their garage than any other
place in their home. Again take pictures of everything in there - your
tools, equipment, sporting goods, bikes, etc.
PHOTOGRAPH FAMILY HEIRLOOMS
Include rare items you have inherited when taking pictures. Even
though insurance can’t replace the sentimental value, it may replace
the cost of those items.
SCAN ALL RECEIPTS
Get into the habit of scanning your receipts and taking a picture of
the item and keep together. Keep things organized with one folder for
each room.
KEEP INVENTORY OFF-PREMISES
You should have a home inventory at home, but also keep one off
your premises. These days that’s quite easy since you can store it on
the cloud with a free service like dropbox.com.
Cusumano Insurance Agency, Inc. • 178 Clairton Blvd. • Pleasant Hills, PA 15236
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
❘
FALL 2018
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