September 12, 2017
Every day we see news reports of homes being destroyed by fire or devastated by flood waters. Even more numerous are the unpublicized instances of break-ins and home thefts. For the most part, these accounts fade into the background as we think to ourselves –“it’s okay, I have insurance”.
And while the peace of mind that property insurance provides allows us all to sleep at night, most don’t realize what a traumatic experience these events can be.
“Trying to remember all of the items in your home can add to an already stressful event. Having an inventory of items in your home is one of the best ways to prepare yourself,” states Glenn Cooper, from Aviva Canada. “Besides helping ensure you have the right amount of insurance, an inventory will help settle your insurance claim faster.”
Sure, but who has time to go through every item in their home? The task need not be onerous and can be as easy as taking a video account of each room in your home, and particularly of high value items.
Many insurance companies also prepare content lists that can act as a helpful starting point. You can start by separating the contents into categories:
1. Clothing, books, tools, toys, bicycles, and other items
2. Jewelry, silverware and other valuables
3. Computer equipment, gaming consoles and software
The Insurance Information Centre provides a valuable free home inventory tool called “It’s amazing how much stuff builds up over times!” that can help customers through the inventory process.
Whether you conduct a video or written inventory of your home, don’t forget to keep your inventory in a safety deposit box or at a trusted home. That way you’ll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. You should also keep a record of invoices, legal documents, such as birth certificates and passports, and financial documents, such as bank account and insurance policies on your inventory.
Don’t forget – Durham Region Association of REALTORS® (DRAR) members have access to Aviva’s group insurance program with special discounts and benefits for your home and auto insurance needs.
Learn more and get a quote at avivainsurance.ca/DRAR.
(905) 723-8184
(905) 723-7531
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