Home & Business Inventory Services

What to do to Make Your Home Less Appealing to Burglars

2009-07-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some things to do or changes to make that will make your residence less attractive to burglars.

Install extra lighting in dark areas of the exterior of your property.
Never leave an extra key outside your house in a so called hiding place.
Keep your windows clear of trees and shrubs.
Never leave tools or ladders outside your home unattended.
Add self-tapping screws to the top frame of your sliding doors. This will all not allow the door to be lifted.
Keep your car locked while at home.
Do not have signs posted with your name on as thieves can call to see if you are at home.
Create a record of your home and contents and have them stored off-site in a secure location, such as a bank deposit box.
Might think about getting a dog.
Securing your outside sheds, garage or basement.
Invest in a home security system and post their signs.

These are some great tips to help make your home and contents more secure.

How Secure is Your Home & the Contents?

2009-07-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Fewer than 10% of stolen goods recovered by the police remain unclaimed as there is often no record of the owner's ID on the item, or no personal data on the stolen goods has been forwarded to the authorities. This is where an accurate home inventory record would be important.

Most homeowners are concerned about the security of their home and theft prevention. A burglary takes place in the U.S. every 14.6 seconds according to the Uniform Crime Reporting Program Crime Clock. Of great concern to homeowners is the thought of losing precious heirlooms.

Here are some tips in securing your home and contents:

Install deadlocks on all external doors and windows.
Installing security doors, peep holes and a chain lock as an added security measure.
Fitting double sided locking handles and door bolts to sliding doors.
ID tagging all valuables, such as engraving or using a UV marker.
Adding sensor lights.
Maintaining accurate home inventory records.

Of course there are other precautions that can be taken, but these make a great start.

Know Your Handyman Before Disaster Strikes!

2009-07-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

If you have ever been through a hurricane where your property is damaged can be a very tramatic time. You must deal with your insurance company over the damages and remember to make this process proceed quickly it is best to have a home inventory of your home's belongings. This will definitely speed up the claim process.

Now you have to deal with the damage and who to call. It is best to select and get to know a handyman before disaster strikes. You should check out a contractor before pouring money into your home repairs. Before you hire anyone, you will want to check them out by calling (850) 487-1395 or visit the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for Florida. Each state should have an office of this type.

Clues that your Contractor may not have a License:

If Contractor only displays an occupational license.
If Contractor is only willing to work on weekends or after hours.
Requests a large down payment before work begins.
Contractor asks customer to obtain the permit or another person pulls the permit. This may signal the contractor is unlicensed, since unlicensed contractors cannot pull permits.
Contractor not willing to sign a contract.
Contractor cannot show proof of insurance.
Contractor states the job doesn't require a permit.
Contractor ask for the check to be made out to an individual instead of the company.
Contractor has no license number on vehicle, business card or other promotional material

You can never be to careful. Plan now before disaster hits!

2009 Hurricane Season Also Signals the Beginning of The Rainy Season in Florida

2009-07-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

The 2009 hurricane season is now a month in and so far we are not seeing much activity. But that could change in an instant. Also Florida's rainy season begins, which brings frequent rains. Unfortunately, those afternoon showers often contain lightning, which has triggered brush fires in the past.

Here are some tips when lightning is present:

Watch for developing storms: As the air heats the air, pockets of warmer air start to rise and cumulus clouds form. Continue heat can cause these clouds to grow in size vertically, which is often the first sign of a thunderstorm.
When should you seek shelter: From where it is raining lightning can strike up to ten miles away or about the same distance as when you can hear thunder. So if you hear thunder you are within striking distance of lightning.
Minimize your risk: When you hear thunder the first thing you should do is stop what you are doing outside. This will allow you to get inside in the event of a storm.
Things you should avoid: Stay off electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity, which would include your home phone, computers etc. Stay away from pools, both inside and outside, tubs, showers and Jacuzzis.
Helpful links. For additional information for Southwest Florida visit here.

With the uncertainty of Florida weather lightning storms can develop quickly. Wild fires are the norm as we have seen in past years. So you need to make sure you are prepared, especially if you are located in a wooded area. A home inventory should be part for your preparing for a disaster.

So it is wise to prepare for the 2009 Hurricane Season, but don't forget about the lightning storms. And, as I finish writing the rain is beginning!

Decide to Ride Out the Storm: Things to Remember

2009-06-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

If you decide not to leave and ride out a storm, here are a few things to remember;

Position yourself in an interior room such as an inside bathroom or closet. It is best to be in an interior room with no windows, but if you have a window make sure you cover it.

Take necessary supplies into the room such as, food, water, flashlights, batteries, plastic bags, radio, cell phone.

Do not use the phone, because the storm may also have lightening.

Make sure to close all interior doors to all rooms of your residence in case damage ocurrs to one or some of your rooms.

If you can bring a mattress into your room, you should do so. The mattress can be used as protection and place it up against the door, or hide under it if you think the roof may collapse.

Gather up your important documents and important papers and place them in the room with you.

Remember a hurricane can take hours to move on. Bring cards, games, books and toys to combat boredom if your power goes out.

You need to stay inside until you are sure the storm has passed. Don't let the calm outside fool you. It may be the eye of the storm passing, and severe conditions could follow.

And most of all "stay calm". You need to think clearly to stay safe during a hurricane.

Protect Your Business: Conduct a Business Inventory

2009-06-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

In any small business it is important to have an up-to-date fixed asset inventory as knowing the balance of your business bank account. Challenges facing business owners today include reducing taxes, making sure of appropriate insurance coverage and complying with accounting regulations.

While maintaining and auditing inventories of your fixed assets can be difficult for your staff to conduct with their other work responsibilities taking a priority, it may be necessary to have an outside company perform a business inventory without disrupting your normal business. Few business owners have the expertise or wish to devote staff to perform a business inventory, but recognize the necessity.

Many Business owners:

Do not have an up-to-date asset inventory in case they need to file a claim for a loss.
Without knowing your actual assets businesses can be under insured.
With good inventory controls a business owner will have more accurate tax preparation and abide by the depreciation schedule.

So as you can see a business asset inventory is very important and keeping them up-to-date. You never know when a claim may need to be filed and without a business inventory the process can be difficult.

Plan your business inventory today!

How to Reduce Damage to Pools and Screen Enclosures

2009-06-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some tips to help protect pools and pool cages during storms:

Do not drain your pool - After storms there is allot of groundwater and it may cause your pool to come up out of the ground. The water in the pool helps keep it waited down.
Turn off the power to your pool pump - unhook the hoses to your pump and raise it higher to make sure if you are flooded that your pump is not affected.
Remove doors to your pool cage - If you have little time make sure they are secured.
All pool cages and screens have "tie-downs" - these tie-downs are located at the bottom and you need to make sure they are secured to the base. You may want to consider adding additional tie-downs to better secure pool cages.

Following these simple tips will definitely help reduce your risk of loss in a strong storm. You will also want to make sure you have an up to date home inventory, which should entail pictures and information on your pool and your screened area in the event a claim has to be made to your insurance company.

It is never to early to plan. Better safe than sorry!

Moving! Right Time to Create a Home Inventory

2009-06-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

It's moving Day! You have all your belongings into boxes and have them labeled according to the room they are for in your new home. One thing you didn't do is make a list of each item as you packed. What if some boxes are missing or damaged?

You may be unaware for days depending on how quickly you unpack. Then imagine the difficulty it would be to make a list? Probably Impossible!

If you don't have a thorough inventory of your belongings, moving time is a great time to create an home inventory. Normally, people will get rid of things they no longer want or need, so this makes for another reason to document your stuff. You will have cleaned out your closets and given everything away or disposed of unwanted items and creating a home inventory will be made easier.

If you are using a moving company, you definitely want to have a home inventory created before you move. You will need to take photos and record content information. This will prove ownership in case something is missing or damaged and you have to file a claim with the moving company. Broken legs on chairs, a tear in upholstery, scratches on a table or crystal that has been chipped are situations that may occur. You need to be prepared!

If you are moving yourself, as allot of people do, document your items as you unpack. You will have the items in the correct room of your new home. Do your home inventory documentation by room, which is preferred when filing an insurance claim.

Moving is a very stressful time no matter how much you have prepared. Whether your moving across town or to another state, accidents and disasters do happen. No matter how far you are moving, when you are relocating makes a perfect time to create a home inventory!

Hurricane Season is Here. Now is the Time to Plan!

2009-06-10T09:02:00.001-07:00

With the hurricane season upon us here in Florida, now is the best time to start your planning. Last year Florida did not experience a major hurricane. To find out what you can do now to prepare your home for hurricane force winds visit My Safe Florida Home.

Don't forget to create a Family Disaster Plan. A great place to visit to help you create a family disaster plan visit Florida Division of Emergency Management. You can create a family disaster plan step by step on this site. This site also contains other helpful information.

Both the National Hurricane Center and the American Red Cross have developed specific guidelines for a Hurricane supply kit. Click here and it will explain to you what provisions are needed to carry you through a week or two after a storm or other disaster. A hurricane survival kit is merely a specialized version of your hurricane supply kit. A hurricane supply kit should include provisions to carry you through a week or two after a storm or other disaster. Remember, the more water, food, and other items you have the better off you will be in the event of an emergency. You will be able to assist family and friends if needed.

And, don't forget to have a home inventory completed and this information tucked away in a safe place in the event you are affected and need to file an insurance claim. Visit MHBS for your home inventory needs and also some additional links that may be helpful to you.

This information will help you get prepared. Start your preparation today!

Tips on Buying Homeowner Insurance Part 2

2009-06-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Homeowner insurance policies are what is called "package" policies. These "package" policies protect against multiple causes of loss. The homeowner insurance package includes two primary forms of insurance.

The "Property " section of your policy is normally divided into four separate categories; "A", "B", "C" and "D". These four categories as defined by insurance companies are:

Coverage "A" (Dwelling) - This section covers the main dwelling of the residence and any additions that attach to the main structure. Coverage "A" is normally All Physical Loss (APL) and is based upon the Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
Coverage "B" (Other Structures) - These are structures that are separate from the main dwelling, or connected to the dwelling by a fence, wire or other form of connection, but not attached directly to the main dwelling. Coverage "B" is normally All Physical Loss (APL) and is based upon Replacement Cost Value (RCV).
Coverage "C" (Personal Property) - This covers anything you own, which is not permanently connected to your dwelling. Items included would be clothing, artwork, furniture, jewelry, appliances, etc. Coverage "C" is normally a Named Peril (NP) and is based upon Actual Cash Value (ACV). Here are some typical coverage limits; - personal property: while away from dwelling - $1,000 - artwork: this will vary greatly - check your policy - business property: does not include electronic data equipment - $200 - firearms: $1,000 - Jewelry: includes precious stones, semi-precious stones & furs - $2,500 - trailers: non watercraft use - $1,000 - watercraft: includes equipment, motor & trailer - $1,000.
Coverage "D" (Loss of Use) - Typically referred to as Additional Living Expense (ALE). When a loss occurs and the dwelling becomes uninhabitable, the cost of additional living expense is covered and would be reimbursed under this coverage.

This will give you the basics of a policy. All homeowner insurance policies are not the same and are customized to your needs.

Tips on Buying Homeowner Insurance - Part 1 of 2

2009-06-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

Probably when you first purchased homeowner insurance your real estate agent may have called an insurance company that he had done business with previously and an agent provided a policy for you that was suitable for the mortgage company.

Do you have the proper coverage? Roughly 75% of all homeowners do not have the proper amount of homeowner insurance coverage based on the size of their home, personal belongings or mortgage balance. A Home Inventory Service will professionally document your personal belongings, which will assist you in making sure you have the proper homeowner insurance coverage.

Here is a list of some common Coverage Explanations in common Homeowner Insurance policies.

Actual cash Value (ACV) - The maximum potential payment the Insurance Company will make for damage to insured property is based on ACV (depreciated value) of the property at the time of the loss.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV) - The maximum potential payment the Insurance Company will make for damage to covered property is based on what it would cost to replace the property.

All Physical Loss (APL) - Property covered on an APL basis means the property is covered against damage from all perils except those that are specifically excluded by the policy (flood, act of war, wear and tear, drain backup, earth movement, etc.).

Named Peril (NP) - Property covered on an NP basis means that the property is covered against damage Only if the damage is the result of a specifically named peril (wind, rain, fire, vandalism, etc.).

Declarations Page - The single page attached to the policy on which the policyholder information appears such as the insured name, address and mortgage company information.

Endorsement - A separate written form that is attached to the basic policy that changes some of the terms, conditions, limitations or exclusions that appear on the basic policy.

Stay tuned for my next post: Part 2 of Homeowner Insurance Buying Tips and the importance of a home inventory.

Disaster Strikes: What To Do before and After an Emergency

2009-05-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

There are steps you can take to lessen your exposure to some types of disasters. In hurricane areas this could mean installing hurricane shutters, checking your siding and roof before a storm. In wildfire areas, clearing brush from the perimeter of your home. And, where tornadoes frequently happen, you can remove damaged or diseased tree limbs hanging close to or over your home. For more tips on how to minimize your loss exposure to your home contact your state insurance department. Click here to find a link to the web site of your state insurance department.

Following a disaster you will want to assess your home and remember to take photographs or video of any area that may have incurred damage from the storm. You will want to make any necessary repairs to prevent further damage, but do not make permanent repairs until you have received written approval from your insurance company. These repairs could be to cover broken windows or leaking roofs. Keep receipts for any repairs you have to make before the insurance adjuster visits your property, because they may be reimbursable under your policy. When it comes to filing the claim make sure that you provide correct and complete information. Otherwise this may delay the claim process. For more information and tips about assessing damage to your home after a disaster click here.

Finally if you have a disagreement with your claim settlement, ask your insurance company for an explanation that references specific language in your policy. If your disagreement results in denying your claim, make sure you get a written notification from your insurance company explaining the reason. Or if you have a dispute with your insurance company regarding the settlement, you need to contact your state insurance department.

Future postings will include: Home Insurance Basics and Tips on Buying Homeowners Insurance.

Get Prepared: Review and Update Your Insurance

2009-05-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

To begin a review, you first need to start with your home inventory. If you do not have one creating an inventory you will want to note the make, model, serial number, purchase price, date of purchase and a brief description of each item. if you have been given family heirlooms or purchased jewelry or art make sure you have them appraised in order to attain their values. And, you don't want to forget to take photos of your possessions and then an entire video of your home.

Storing it in a safe location away from your home, such as a safe deposit box is one of the most basic and effective steps in disaster preparedness you can take to help protect you and your financial future. It is important to review and update your inventory each year or more frequently if you acquire several new items.

Once you have a home inventory talk with your insurance agent to make sure you have the right amount of coverage. make sure you know whether the policy includes coverage for replacement cost or actual cash value in case you have a loss. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to your home or contents after depreciation. The replacement cost is the amount it would take to rebuild or replace your home or any of its contents without deducting depreciation. The difference in replacement cost and actual cash value could cost you thousands of dollars at the time of a claims payout.

Make sure you store copies of your insurance policies with your home inventory files, preferably in a safe deposit box away from your home. Future postings will include: Disaster Strikes: Before and After an Emergency, Home Insurance Basics and Tips on Buying Homeowners Insurance.

The Importance of Home Inventory Records For an Insurance Claim!

2009-05-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

You return to your home your roof is gone and the interior of your home has extensive damage. Are you prepared to file a claim and deal with a insurance claims adjuster? With home inventory records this will greatly help with your claim and make the process smoother in your time of grief.

The Insurance Claims Adjuster will visit your residence within hours of the disaster or a claim filed. They will want to see your insurance policy and your home inventory of what was destroyed or damaged. This is where your home inventory records will be very helpful. The adjuster will take photographs of the damages and make a written list of the losses based on your home inventory records. If you don't have home inventory records prepared, it will delay the process until you create one. Would you be able to remember everything you had including model/serial numbers and cost?

The job of a claims adjuster is not easy. When a disaster strikes they are often given many claims to handle at the same time and are under pressure from both sides in processing each claim. Their primary function is to protect the business interests of the insurance company, which means paying the claimant the least amount possible to settle the claim. Now you see the importance of a home inventory.

Another pressure the adjuster faces is to settle the claim and close the file quickly. In cases where they are waiting for the claimant to come up with all the details of the loss, the adjusters will try hard to push to close the file. They will offer a settlement amount, which will be far less the the actual loss. Again you can see the importance of a home inventory.

Having a home inventory documentation will provide proof of value of the loss and help with the negotiations for a more equitable settlement plus it helps to dramatically speed up the entire process.

EVACUATE! What you Don't Want To Hear In Florida...

2009-05-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

First comes the warning of a possible hurricane. You make a plan of action that includes things you will take and the route in case of an ordered hurricane evacuation. The media keeps us informed of the path of the hurricane. This initiates the start of panic mode in people. And, then ithe dreaded word comes.........

EVACUATE!

The hurricane order is issued. You grab what you had planned to take of importance; family treasures, financial documents, insurance information and take to the highways just like thousands of others. You hope and pray your home will survive the hurricane without to much damage. You continue to listen to media reports tracking the hurricane and your anxiety grows. Then it hits and your trying to find out the condition of your home to no avail.

Upon your return what if you found your home like this. Your grief is just beginning. What do you do? Where do you start? Are You Prepared For a Hurricane?

Next Post 5/23/09: The Insurance Claim

Create a Home Inventory Before Disaster Strikes!

2009-05-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

With the hurricane season about ready to begin, homeowners and renters should make an inventory of all the items in their homes, according to state and federal officials.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remind homeowners and renters that providing a complete home inventory to their insurance agent should help them get a policy that covers their risk more completely. In addition, an inventory can help provide proof of personal property if a loss occurs.

For those of you just setting up a household this process can be fairly simple. But for those of you who have lived in a house for many years this can be a daunting task. By setting aside an afternoon and getting the family involved this can make for an easier task. Their are home inventory businesses that exist that can perform a home inventory for a nominal fee and provide you with a personalized portfolio.

Whatever you decide on how to conduct your home inventory now is the time to prepare. Don't take a chance..........

Now is The Time For a Home Inventory!

2009-05-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

As the unfortunate people in California and Missouri experience life changing natural disasters of fire and tornados we can not imagine what they must be going through. We are hearing that several homes have been destroyed. Do they have their personal belongings documented? I sure hope. Having this documentation will make the insurance claim process go much smoother. Not having this documentation of belongings will add to the misery they are feeling in this difficult time.

Imagine having to go through something like this. You have to leave your home on short notice leaving most of your belongings behind. You hope that your things will be OK. Are you prepared? Do you have an inventory of your belongings? This is something that most people don't think about until they are affected.

Here is a quick exercise you can do to remember what you have. Leave your home and in five minutes start making a list of your belongings going from room to room. Then return home and go through your home comparing the list you made to what you actually have. I bet you missed some things. Now you can see why a professional documention of your belongings is important.

If you live in an area where natural disasters happen you need to look into documenting your belongings on an annual basis keeping your records up-to-date. You can sit down and list all your belongings adding a description, serial/model numbers and approximate values or their are companies that perform this service.

What ever way you choose to go maintaining an inventory will be very beneficial if you are ever affected. And one last thing, make sure your documentation is stored safely away from your residence.

Organize Your Home Inventory - Now is the Time!

2009-04-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

In this time of fires, natural disasters and burglaries it is never to soon to document your home's belongings. You will have to know this information if you ever plan to file an insurance claim. The normal thought is that "it won't happen to me". That is what the victims of Katrina, the tornados in Oklahoma, Kansas & Tennessee, fires in Florida and the flooding in North Dakota & Minnesota thought.

You have heard the old saying, "it is better to be safe than sorry" and it holds true in these instances. Do you have records that you can grab in case of a fire or natural disaster? I will guarantee you that between 60% and 90% will say 'no'. Organizing your records can be done by you, but do you know where to start. Do you have the time? There are small businesses that perform these services for consumers.

Don't wait until disaster affects you, Prepare Today!

Home or Business Inventory - Why You Should Have One!

2009-04-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

A fire or storm can destroy our homes and businesses, not just taking away our valuables, but a lifetime of memories. Also, thieves can invade our lives when we least expect it. Additional pain and grief may start when we deal with our insurance company as they ask for proof of ownership of our valuables. It happens everyday and we are seldom prepared!

Knowing what you own is important for many reasons; fire, hurricane, tornado, flooding, moving, estate planning and financial planning are reasons to have an inventory of your belongings. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Compiling an inventory can be a monumental task in our busy lifstyles and you may not know where to start or a format to use. This can be very time consuming, but their is a company in southwest Florida who provides a professional documentation service for your home or business contents. You never expect anything to happen to you, but it happens to someone everyday.