How to Prepare to File an Insurance Claim in the Event of Disaster
Read the small print on your home insurance policy carefully – ideally do this before the damage occurs so you know you're properly covered., Keep proof of purchase of all items valued at over $200, wherever possible., Complete a written inventory...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Read the small print on your home insurance policy carefully – ideally do this before the damage occurs so you know you're properly covered.
Ensure that the descriptions of your property are accurately detailed on your insurance schedule and that all details are correct (sums insured, etc.).
Notify your insurers or broker in writing if any error is spotted, requesting them to correct the same as a matter of urgency.
Keep this email or letter as proof. -
Step 2: Keep proof of purchase of all items valued at over $200
This will provide evidence of the price and date of purchase.
Keep a running record and inventory of all collections like CDs, DVDs etc., and proof of purchase from now on if you haven't already done so. , Forward this to your insurance company or broker for their records.
This will place the ball in their court to ask you for proof of purchase for more expensive items such as expensive electronic equipment or jewellery beforehand.
It is always best to have proof of purchase of these items and updated valuations conducted on all your jewellery items every two years or so.
Being pedantic about this from the onset could save you a fortune of money and headaches should an insurance loss occur.
You can even go as far as keeping proof of ownership of these items in a fireproof safe. , Flickr limits you to 20 MB of uploads per month, so shoot at low resolution or downsize the files using an app like http://gimp.org Gimp (gimp.org).
Upload your pictures to (http://flickr.com Flickr), making sure to select "Private"
- you don't want the whole world ogling your Fabergé eggs.
Write captions for each photo.
Include the date you purchased the item and its approximate value. -
Step 3: wherever possible.
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Step 4: Complete a written inventory of all your household goods on an annual basis.
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Step 5: In the absence of the above-mentioned evidence as proof of ownership
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Step 6: or as supporting evidence
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Step 7: take photos of your valuables with serial numbers.
Detailed Guide
Ensure that the descriptions of your property are accurately detailed on your insurance schedule and that all details are correct (sums insured, etc.).
Notify your insurers or broker in writing if any error is spotted, requesting them to correct the same as a matter of urgency.
Keep this email or letter as proof.
This will provide evidence of the price and date of purchase.
Keep a running record and inventory of all collections like CDs, DVDs etc., and proof of purchase from now on if you haven't already done so. , Forward this to your insurance company or broker for their records.
This will place the ball in their court to ask you for proof of purchase for more expensive items such as expensive electronic equipment or jewellery beforehand.
It is always best to have proof of purchase of these items and updated valuations conducted on all your jewellery items every two years or so.
Being pedantic about this from the onset could save you a fortune of money and headaches should an insurance loss occur.
You can even go as far as keeping proof of ownership of these items in a fireproof safe. , Flickr limits you to 20 MB of uploads per month, so shoot at low resolution or downsize the files using an app like http://gimp.org Gimp (gimp.org).
Upload your pictures to (http://flickr.com Flickr), making sure to select "Private"
- you don't want the whole world ogling your Fabergé eggs.
Write captions for each photo.
Include the date you purchased the item and its approximate value.
About the Author
Justin Allen
A passionate writer with expertise in hobbies topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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