1. Once a year video tape every square inch of your home.  If your home is ever declared a total loss by a severe tornado or fire, you will be very thankful for this documented archive of your belongings.  Don’t forget for video tape inside of drawers, under beds, inside of cabinets, etc.  Imagine how difficult it would be to list every piece of personal property that is in your kitchen.  You’d inevitably forget many things, such as that panini maker you got as a wedding gift or the expensive measuring cups you splurged on!  Don’t forget to store this video OFF of your property.  The video will do you no good if it is burnt up with your other belongings!
2. Take a look at your policy and make that your personal property is insured at a replacement cost basis and not actual cash value.  If you have an actual cash value policy, then you will get the depreciated value of your belongings.  A replacement cost policy will cover your personal property for replacement, up to your policy’s stated limits.
3. Save receipts and appraisals for any unique items you may have.  If you have any unusual items, it’s always a good idea to discuss these items with your agent, you you may need a floater to properly protect these items.  You should always store your receipts and appraisals off the premises.
4. Purchase a fire safe or keep a safe deposit box at your local bank.  Keep all of your important documents in a fire retardant safe.   Keep important documents in your safe, such as passports, social security cards, stock certificates, bank notes, birth certificates, and any other paper that would be difficult to replace.
5. Conduct regular insurance reviews with your insurance professional.  You should review things such as estimated reconstruction cost on your home, deductibles, liability limits, etc.  Your insurance professional will help you come up with a reconstruction cost that is based on the cost to reconstruct your home, not necessarily the purchase price.
6. If you or a family member sleeps on the second floor, or above, invest in a fire safety ladder.  The best insurance in the world won’t matter if you or a family member dies in a house fire.

This might be a good time to call your insurance agent to review your home policy – not all insurance policies with every company are created equal. Call us today at 303-773-9998 if you are unsure if you are adequately protected.