Homeowners should always be prepared in case of emergency such as a fire, flood or storm. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) encourages Tennesseans to take time during the new year to start or update their inventory of belongings to be prepared all year long. “Post-holidays is a good time to update insurance records,” TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Insurance Michael Humphreys said. “Big purchases or gifts that may have occurred during the holiday season should be added to your inventory list. Whether it is electronics, furnishings, collectibles, jewelry or clothing, you should document what you own and how much it’s worth.” Homeowners should always keep pictures and/or receipts for all contents on their property. Update the inventory at least once a year and store it in a safe place outside the home such as a safe deposit box. Digital tools such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) MyHome Scr.APP.book lets you quickly capture images and descriptions of your belongings to help determine how much insurance you need and for filing a claim. The app makes it easier for consumers to document their valuables, update their inventories and store the information for easy access. For those without a smart phone, the NAIC offers a downloadable home inventory checklist and tips for effectively cataloguing your possessions. Both are available at http://home.insureuonline.org. The new year is also the perfect time to update your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, in the case the need might arise during the coming year. Questions? We can help. Contact the TDCI Consumer Insurance Service Division at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218.
