Be Prepared for Financial Disasters

If you think hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and floods won’t happen to you or that you don’t need to insure against these disasters, you’re among the nearly half of U.S. homeowners and renters who lack the insurance coverage to deal with potential losses, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

In a recent NAIC national survey, about 48 percent of homeowners and renters said they did not have an inventory of their possessions.  Of those who reported having a checklist, 32 percent had not taken any pictures and 58 percent had no receipts validating the cost of their possessions.  In addition, 44 percent of respondents acknowledged that they had not stored their inventory in a separate location.

Here are some tips from the NAIC to help you prepare for disasters:

• Take an inventory of your valuables and belongings. Photograph or video tape each room.  This documentation will provide your insurance company with proof of your belongings and help to process claims more quickly in the event of disaster.

• To enable filing claims more quickly, keep sales receipts and canceled checks. Also note the model and serial numbers of the items in your home inventory.

• As you acquire more valuables such as jewelry or antiques, consider purchasing an additional floater or rider to your policy to cover these special items. These types of items typically are not covered by a basic homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

• Remember to include in your home inventory those items you rarely use such as holiday decorations, sports equipment and tools.

• Store copies of all insurance policies in a safe but easily accessible location. You may want to store your policies and inventory in a waterproof, fireproof box or in a bank safe deposit box.

• Leave a copy of your inventory with relatives, friends or insurance provider and store digital pictures in your e-mail or on a website for easy retrieval.

• Know what is and is not covered by your insurance policy. You might need additional protection depending on where you live.  Make sure your policies are up to date.  Contact your insurance provider annually to review and update your policy.

• Keep a list of 24-hour-contact information handy for each insurance provider.

• Find out if your possessions are insured for the actual cash value or the replacement cost. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace your home and possessions after depreciation, while replacement cost is the amount it would take to repair or replace your home or possessions without deducting for depreciation.  Ask your insurance provider whether purchasing replacement coverage is worth the cost.

• Ask your insurance provider if your policy covers additional living expenses for a temporary residence if you are unable to live in your home due to a disaster.

• Appraise your home periodically to make sure your policy reflects home improvements or renovations. Contact your insurance provider to update your policy.