Hurricane Preparation Does Not End With Boards And Nails
As Broward and Dade county residents prepare for what is forecasted to be an above-average hurricane season, experts say one thing on the to-do list should be a Home Inventory.
Cooper City, Florida - June 3, 2008 - "A home inventory is vital for many reasons. When you make an insurance claim for lost, stolen, or damaged property, you are required to provide a list of affected items, including the quantity, description, and value of each item. You'll also need copies of bills or receipts or other documentation to support your claim. Even if a loss isn't covered by insurance, you'll need proof to substantiate your loss on your tax return", says Thomas Bauer of Guardian Home Inventory.
Bauer goes on to say, "Relying on your memory during the stressful time following a catastrophe can be an expensive mistake," says Thomas Bauer, a home inventory specialist with Guardian Home Inventory Corporation in Ft. Lauderdale. Not only are you likely to forget something, but you also need to provide proof of ownership to your insurance company.You will only be compensated for your loss based on the proof you provide. Some individuals have been shocked when they received only 30-50% of the value of their insured loss because they could not provide proof," Bauer added. Although hurricanes are one threat, a more realistic danger to residents comes from more mundane causes: burglary, fires, and non-catastrophic storms. Conducting a home inventory can provide peace of mind. It's also probably required by your insurance policy".
When asked, "what are the top tips for conducting inventor", Bauer provided the following:
* Take One Room at a Time. Make a list of each item in the room. Be
as detailed as possible. Open drawers, closets, and built-in
cabinets. Also record the contents of under-bed storage boxes and
"hope" or cedar chests.
* Be Thorough. Don't forget the garage, storage shed, and attic.
Often-forgotten items include sports equipment, lawn gear, and
barbeque grills. (See the attached list of "Items to Inventory.").
* Record All the Vital Statistics. Include the item description,
manufacturer or brand name, color, and model and/or serial number.
Be as detailed as possible, recording the quantity of items -- for
example, "Borsheim's charm bracelet, with eight sterling silver
charms: horse, butterfly, birthday cake, star, angel, flip-flop
shoe, baby rattle, and tennis racket." Also include a description
of where or how the item was obtained, and the date of purchase or
age of the item. Include a receipt or other proof of purchase,
showing cost. List the current value and/or replacement cost (if
known). Attach a photocopy of any appraisals for items that may
have increased in value since purchase (i.e., antiques).
* Photograph or Videotape Your Possessions. Photos or a VHS video or
DVD will help show ownership and condition of the item as of the
date of the inventory. Take a photo of the daily newspaper or hold
up a copy of the paper in the video to substantiate the date.
* Update Your Inventory at Least Once a Year. Already have an
inventory? Remember to add in all those new items you've purchased
in the last year. And don't forget to remove items you no longer own.
* Keep A Copy of Your Inventory Off-Site. If your home burns down,
it won't do you any good to have your inventory in your desk
drawer. Mail a copy of your inventory to a trusted friend or
relative living elsewhere in the U.S.
About Guardian Home Inventory Corporation
Guardian Home Inventory Corporation provides professional documentation of your home inventory. Our services are tailored to each of our client's needs and requirements so that we can reach our goal of providing the best customer service.
"We encourage people to do their own inventories," says Bauer. "But many people don't have the time -- and some people, like having a licensed professional third party perform their inventory as this is viewed by insurance companies as being impartial and, therefore, allows for more credibility."
Guadrian offers a free do-it-yourself checklist on their website, www.ghomeinventory.com
*The start of hurricane season* provides south Florida residents with a good reminder to conduct -- or update -- their home inventory. "Better to be safe than sorry," says Bauer. "We hope you won't need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you did! Nothing can replace your stuff, but getting new stuff faster -- without as much hassle -- is sure worth it!"
*MEDIA NOTE*: If you are interested in video or photo opportunities showing how to do a self home inventory, please contact Thomas Bauer at 954-793-7552 or by email: bauerthomas@msn.com
For more information visit: www.ghomeinventory.com
Full HTML version of this release, Images, Video, PDF and MSWord:
http://www.rapidpressrelease.com/Press-Release/Consumer/005560.asp
Cooper City, Florida - June 3, 2008 - "A home inventory is vital for many reasons. When you make an insurance claim for lost, stolen, or damaged property, you are required to provide a list of affected items, including the quantity, description, and value of each item. You'll also need copies of bills or receipts or other documentation to support your claim. Even if a loss isn't covered by insurance, you'll need proof to substantiate your loss on your tax return", says Thomas Bauer of Guardian Home Inventory.
Bauer goes on to say, "Relying on your memory during the stressful time following a catastrophe can be an expensive mistake," says Thomas Bauer, a home inventory specialist with Guardian Home Inventory Corporation in Ft. Lauderdale. Not only are you likely to forget something, but you also need to provide proof of ownership to your insurance company.You will only be compensated for your loss based on the proof you provide. Some individuals have been shocked when they received only 30-50% of the value of their insured loss because they could not provide proof," Bauer added. Although hurricanes are one threat, a more realistic danger to residents comes from more mundane causes: burglary, fires, and non-catastrophic storms. Conducting a home inventory can provide peace of mind. It's also probably required by your insurance policy".
When asked, "what are the top tips for conducting inventor", Bauer provided the following:
* Take One Room at a Time. Make a list of each item in the room. Be
as detailed as possible. Open drawers, closets, and built-in
cabinets. Also record the contents of under-bed storage boxes and
"hope" or cedar chests.
* Be Thorough. Don't forget the garage, storage shed, and attic.
Often-forgotten items include sports equipment, lawn gear, and
barbeque grills. (See the attached list of "Items to Inventory.").
* Record All the Vital Statistics. Include the item description,
manufacturer or brand name, color, and model and/or serial number.
Be as detailed as possible, recording the quantity of items -- for
example, "Borsheim's charm bracelet, with eight sterling silver
charms: horse, butterfly, birthday cake, star, angel, flip-flop
shoe, baby rattle, and tennis racket." Also include a description
of where or how the item was obtained, and the date of purchase or
age of the item. Include a receipt or other proof of purchase,
showing cost. List the current value and/or replacement cost (if
known). Attach a photocopy of any appraisals for items that may
have increased in value since purchase (i.e., antiques).
* Photograph or Videotape Your Possessions. Photos or a VHS video or
DVD will help show ownership and condition of the item as of the
date of the inventory. Take a photo of the daily newspaper or hold
up a copy of the paper in the video to substantiate the date.
* Update Your Inventory at Least Once a Year. Already have an
inventory? Remember to add in all those new items you've purchased
in the last year. And don't forget to remove items you no longer own.
* Keep A Copy of Your Inventory Off-Site. If your home burns down,
it won't do you any good to have your inventory in your desk
drawer. Mail a copy of your inventory to a trusted friend or
relative living elsewhere in the U.S.
About Guardian Home Inventory Corporation
Guardian Home Inventory Corporation provides professional documentation of your home inventory. Our services are tailored to each of our client's needs and requirements so that we can reach our goal of providing the best customer service.
"We encourage people to do their own inventories," says Bauer. "But many people don't have the time -- and some people, like having a licensed professional third party perform their inventory as this is viewed by insurance companies as being impartial and, therefore, allows for more credibility."
Guadrian offers a free do-it-yourself checklist on their website, www.ghomeinventory.com
*The start of hurricane season* provides south Florida residents with a good reminder to conduct -- or update -- their home inventory. "Better to be safe than sorry," says Bauer. "We hope you won't need it, but if you do, you'll be glad you did! Nothing can replace your stuff, but getting new stuff faster -- without as much hassle -- is sure worth it!"
*MEDIA NOTE*: If you are interested in video or photo opportunities showing how to do a self home inventory, please contact Thomas Bauer at 954-793-7552 or by email: bauerthomas@msn.com
For more information visit: www.ghomeinventory.com
Full HTML version of this release, Images, Video, PDF and MSWord:
http://www.rapidpressrelease.com/Press-Release/Consumer/005560.asp
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