Is Your Personal Property Protected Against Damages In Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

Heavy rains, wind, flooding, fires, and theft can all cause major damages in and around your home. Homeowners property insurance can help offset financial losses you suffer but it is important to review policies in advance to ensure you have the adequate amount of protection. As experienced Daytona Beach property damage attorneys, we know that one area in which coverage often falls short is in protecting valuable personal items.

Make An Inventory Of Personal Items Included In Your Coverage

Whether you are buying property damage insurance or updating an existing policy, make a list  of all items covered in the event you need to file a claim. The Insurance Information Institute (III) strongly encourages homeowners to make a complete and detailed home inventory documenting all of the structures on your property and any personal items you need protected. In making a home inventory, follow these steps:

• Start in one room or area of your home and make a list of all personal belongings and structures that should be covered;
• Provide details on each item, including when you purchased or installed it, what you paid for it, what the current value is, and projected replacement costs;
• In addition to keeping a written list, including digital photos and videos as part of your home inventory;
• Keep a file filled with receipts, repair records, and warranties;
• Add new items to your home inventory as needed.

Making Sure Personal Property Is Protected

There are often items of value in your home that are either not included in your coverage, not documented, or not properly valued. Coverage.com warns that among the most common personal items that you need to ensure are protected against property damages and valued appropriately include:

• Artwork and antiques: Do not assume that pieces you have in your collection will be covered by your property damage insurance or appraised properly. Get a formal appraisal to ensure you are protected.
• Collectibles: A collection of old dolls, stamps, or other items may not appear valuable on paper but they can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars in replacement costs or resale value. Document their worth.
• Electronics: Televisions, laptops, video recorders, and other electronics represent some of the most valuable items in your home. Be sure they are covered under your property damage policy and that the value does not exceed policy limits.
• Guns: Guns are not as easily damaged as the above items but they are a frequent target of thieves. A basic homeowner’s insurance policy is likely to have a limit of several thousand dollars for guns. If you have a large collection, consider additional protection.

We Can Help You Today 

At Bundza & Rodriguez, we protect your rights when dealing with insurers and in filing property damage claims. For help in getting the compensation you are entitled to, call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage claims attorneys online today.