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Jewelry, like this necklace by Yvonne, should be inventoried if you want to have its loss reimbursed. |
1. Create a written list
Go through your home room-by-room, listing everything that you will want to replace. Include expensive items as well as less-valuable ones -- over your entire house, the value of all goods will quickly accumulate. When listing items, be sure to include the following:
- Description - What is the item? If there is a serial number or ISBN number attached to the item, record that as well.
- Purchase price - How much did you pay for it when you bought it?
- Age of item - When did you buy it? This will help the insurance company establish how much the item has depreciated.
- Appraisal certificate - This only applies to items like jewelry, antiques or collectibles which appreciate in value over time. Without a proper appraisal certificate for certain items, you may not be reimbursed the full amount. Also, keep in mind that you will be reimbursed the amount attached to your most recent appraisal certificate. Therefore, be sure to keep your appraisals up to date so you get the most accurate amount for your item.
- Receipt - Very few people keep receipts for everything, and insurance providers understand that. For more expensive items, however, it will make the process much easier if you have a copy of the receipt.
Using a video or still camera, go through your home and record the items from your written list. This will prove to your insurance provider that you actually owned the item you want to replace. Include members of your family in the video or still footage to prove that the footage is indeed of your home. If you're using video, talk into the mic and describe the items you are showing. Be sure to focus on the serial numbers of the more valuable items.
3. Secure the "evidence"
All the evidence in the world is useless if it's destroyed. Make sure you don't store your video, photo and written proof in your home. If your home is destroyed in a flood or fire, you won't have anything to show! Keep a few copies stored on DVDs or CDs at friends homes. Also keep a copy online. The web service Dropbox allows you to store up to 2GB for free online: use it to keep your lists and video/photo footage secure.
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