Ease tomorrow's worries today

If you're a homeowner or tenant and you've purchased personal property insurance, you've made a smart choice! But while insurance coverage is essential, it can't prevent loss from occurring. That's why it's always best to be prepared-so you can keep going even when the going gets tough!

• The best way to get your claim settled fast is to immediately provide your insurer with a list of everything that was damaged. Take an inventory of your personal property today. It's the best protection against claim-related headaches.
• Keeping an inventory will also help you assess your home insurance needs. Review your policy regularly to ensure that you always have the coverage you need.
• How to take an inventory
  • Make a list of all your personal property.
  • Attach relevant documents like receipts, photos, and warranties.
  • Make a video of your personal property or draw the layout of your home and indicate where each item is located.
  • Keep a copy of your inventory and related documents off the premises.
  To draw up an inventory, click here.
• If you've experienced a loss, it's important to act fast to stop disaster in its tracks and prevent the damage from getting worse. First contact the appropriate authorities, then make any temporary repairs. But don't make any permanent repairs before talking to your insurer.
• If you need to make emergency repairs, take photographs of the damage first and remember to keep your bills. You can show them to your insurer later.
• How to minimize damages
  • Cover broken windows.
  • Unplug electrical devices.
  • Turn off the power to places that water could reach.
  • Remove anything from the basement that could be damaged by water.
  • Turn off your water pipes.
  • Put your possessions in a safe place or have them watched to prevent theft or vandalism.