Storm season continues on, and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America is urging homeowners, renters and business owners to create an inventory in case they need help replacing items.
This can help in the recovery process, PCI said, which they say often is a stressful situation.
“It’s important to create an inventory of what’s inside your home or business,” said Chris Hackett, director of personal lines for PCI, in a release. “It only takes a few minutes, and could save you hours of trying to determine exactly what you lost.”
One way to do that is to use the video feature on a smartphone to capture images of those items, and then store that video somewhere safe, like even in an off-site cloud. If something were to happen to those belongings, they can more easily be reported lost or damaged to an insurance company or agent.
In addition to video, inventories can be completed in a variety of ways using online tools, apps, or specially designed software, PCI said. Several insurance companies have home inventory apps that can be downloaded as well.
PCI offers this checklist to homeowners, renters and business owners:
• Talk with your insurance agent or company about your insurance policy. Check your deductible and make sure you have a solid understanding of your current coverage.
• Assess whether you have adequate home, auto and other property coverage. Property damage can take a tremendous financial and mental toll. Knowing you have proper coverage will give you peace of mind.
• Review additional coverage options, particularly flood coverage. Heavy rains and storm surge can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas.
PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, writing more than $195 billion in annual premium, 39 percent of the nation’s property casualty insurance.
