Are you prepared for a fire, flood or other disaster? Over the past several years, many families and businesses nationwide have discovered the hard way that they weren’t. But taking just a few steps can help ensure that you not only have adequate coverage for your home or business, but that you have the information you need to file an insurance claim quickly and accurately. Here are three main things you’ll want to do so that you’re prepared if disaster hits:
Check up on your coverage: If you haven’t met with your insurance agent or contacted your insurance company in a while, it’s probably time to make that call. If you own a home, check to see if you have adequate coverage for your house and belongings. If you’re a business owner, a coverage checkup is always a good idea. Go over all the components of your policies. Check to see if you should consider any additional coverage for floods and earthquakes, which aren’t included in standard homeowner’s and business policies.
Make a list: Do you have a household and/or business inventory? In the event of a disaster, having an inventory handy is invaluable. You can make a room-by-room list of belongings and valuables, including electronics, appliances and furniture. Or you can record a video of a walk-through of your home or business instead. Don’t forget the garage.
Have a grab-and-go box: Do you have an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights and other items? Great. But you’ll also want to put together a box that contains copies of important documents (like your insurance policies) in the event you need to leave your home or office quickly.
