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Protecting Your Assets Taking Inventory Article
Protecting Your Assets: Taking Inventory
from:You may think that it would not be possible for you to forget any of your valuables should they get stolen in a home burglary but you might be surprised to find what you would forget, especially during the emotional time after you find out your home has been burglarized. What if there were a fire and some or all of your valuable were destroyed? Even if you were to remember each and every item, the police, as well as your insurance company need to have accurate descriptions, along with model or serial numbers and value. By taking a home inventory and including pictures and receipts, you can ensure that you will be prepared should the unthinkable actually happen.
What to Include on Your Home Inventory List
Don’t just include things on your home inventory list that you think a burglar might steal. After all, most burglars aren’t going to walk off with your refrigerator. However, your major appliances could be damaged or ruined in a fire or natural disaster so it is a good idea to include these things on your home inventory list. Also, include any receipts or contracts and take pictures or video of your possessions. If you have jewelry or art that has been appraised, include the appraisals with your home inventory list as well.
Keep your Inventory List in a Safe Place
While it may be convenient to keep your home inventory list on your computer, you should also print out a copy and put it, along with any pictures or video in a safe deposit box. That way, if your home is destroyed you will still have an intact list to give to the police and/or insurance company. Update your list at least once a year; keeping the list on your computer can make this task easy, and then print out a new copy for your safety deposit box.
Are you Adequately Insured?
Another benefit of maintaining a home inventory list is that it will help you to assess the amount of insurance you need to carry. Once you’ve amassed the value of your possessions, you can better determine how much insurance coverage to have and increase your coverage if you presently aren’t carrying enough. Also, by keeping such a list, complete with purchase prices and appraisal values, your insurance claim will go much smoother and faster than if you had to come up with the entire list after the incident. In the case of fire or other disaster, you may no longer be able to locate receipts or appraisals so it pays to be proactive about this aspect of your home security so that you can be properly insured and go through the claims process without a hitch.