McCarthy Insurance Group
Did You Know?

A holiday home inventory

Think about your bedroom. Now try to make a list of everything in it. It's harder than you'd expect. Can you remember every necklace in your jewelry box? Every sweater or tie in the closet? Anybody who has ever moved knows how very easy it is to underestimate the amount of stuff in a house.

Now imagine how much harder it would be to put together a list in the chaos and stress that can follow a loss. That's why we encourage our clients to create a home inventory campaign. Many of you will already be going through your things, finding places to put away presents or things that were bought at after-holiday sales. Plus, with baking, shopping, and wrapping responsibilities out of the way,you’re likely to have more free time once the holidays are over.

Home inventories are fairly large undertakings, but you can work on them a little at a time. Start by listing and photographing Christmas presents before they're put away. Then move on to bigger and more expensive items in the house and fill in the rest as time permits. Even a basic inventory can be helpful after a claim.

Home inventories are easier now than they have ever been. Digital cameras allow multiple photos without the cost of film or developing. Receipts can be scanned and saved in digital form, rather than piling up in a cabinet. Various Web sites offer free downloadable home inventory software or worksheets (including the Insurance Information Institute's site - www.knowyourstuff.org).

Home Inventories may be time-intensive, but following a fire, theft, or natural disaster, you will be glad that you took the time.

SOURCE: CSR ADVISOR VOL20 NO.6