Take Inventory! Help Prove Your Loss

     Could you list, and accurately value, all your personal property from memory? If you needed to file an insurance claim, how would you prove your loss?

     The best way to protect yourself is to make a complete inventory of all your possessions. A written description should include the date of acquisition, original cost, and any improvements. Serial numbers, if available, should be recorded, and any receipts you have should be attached to the list. To make the task more manageable, you may want to tackle one room at a time. Be sure to cover items that may be stored in closets or storage boxes.

     If you have a video or digital camera, you can establish additional documentation of your home and belongings for insurance purposes. This record, which can be used as evidence in case of theft, fire, or damage, should include the following:

• A complete scan of all rooms, outside grounds, attic, basement, and garage.
  
  
• Close-ups of all valuable items such as artwork, jewelry, and antiques. Be sure to zoom in on serial numbers of stereos, television sets, and other electronic appliances.
  
  
• Audio commentary of details that may not be visually apparent.
  

     If you don't have access to a video or digital camera, there are companies that can do this for you. Ask your friends and associates for recommendations of reputable companies.

     Never allow an unknown individual to record your belongings. Store the visual images, along with your comprehensive written list, in a safe place away from home, such as a locked file cabinet at your office or your bank safe deposit box. For extra safety, you may want to make copies and store them in separate locations.

     Once you have established a complete inventory, it should be fairly easy to do periodic updating. Finally, be aware that visual documentation alone may not be enough to prove the loss of valuable items. Contact us for additional suggestions on how to protect your possessions.

Report Claims
Immediately

     We are constantly looking for new and better ways to control your insurance costs and improve our service to you. You can help us achieve both of these goals by immediately reporting any claims you may have. We can then offer suggestions on what steps to take next and promptly notify your insurance company of the details.

     Timely notification demonstrates your good faith when attempting to obtain relief. Your insurer needs the opportunity to conduct an adequate and timely investigation of all circumstances surrounding your claim. Prompt notification of a loss allows your insurance company to act on the claim quickly, resulting in better service and, in the long run, reduced insurance costs. Reporting claims immediately may also help you avoid any confusion that can arise when there is a significant lapse in the time between your loss and your claim.

     We are striving to control your premiums and ultimately improve the quality of your overall insurance program. We hope you never experience a loss, but if you do need to file a claim, we are here to assist you.

Protecting Your Future
without a Crystal Ball

     If every one of us could have our own personal fortuneteller to accurately advise our families about future events that could create financial loss in our lives, we would all be prepared. In the real world, however, no family has a crystal ball. Families can face tremendous loss when unforeseen events occur and the proper protection is not in place.

     For instance, what would happen if you had a car accident where you hit a pedestrian and he or she sued you for a multi-million dollar sum? What if a fire caused structural damage to your house? What if a hurricane destroyed your vacation home in Florida? What if your dog bit your neighbor's child?

     All of these unforeseen events have the potential to cause you great distress if you have inadequate protection. No one can argue against the fact that your family, home, automobile, and possessions are all important to you. That's why it is just as important to have the right insurance coverage to help protect all that you hold dear.

     Certainly, you may not have a fortuneteller to tell you what will happen in the future, but you can be prepared for the worst if it does happen. In this respect, insurance can act as your umbrella against the "storms" of life.

Keeping Pace with Change

     There are many stages we go through as we climb the ladder of life. As we move through each stage, we need to make sure our insurance keeps up with the changes in our lives. Some people may focus too much on one type of coverage and not enough on other types of coverage that could better protect their families. That's where a consultation with a qualified insurance professional can be of great benefit. We can review all your policies, coverage by coverage, and help you determine how best to put your insurance dollars to work.

Flying the "Friendly" Skies?

     In this fast-moving world, many vacationers and other travelers often find themselves, quite literally, up in the air.

     It is wise to remember that crime doesn't stop at the airport terminal doors. If your next excursion requires you to fly, you should consider the following steps to help protect yourself from the possibility of theft or assault.

Terminal Tips:

Be wary of overly friendly strangers. A talkative stranger at the terminal could be a "front" for well-organized pickpockets.

Don't wear flashy or expensive jewelry or clothing on your flight. It cries out "Look at me!" to those seeking a wealthy target.

Avoid carrying your money, credit cards, or other valuables in one area of your clothing. This will reduce the chance of your being "wiped out" if something is lost or stolen.

Never leave luggage unattended or ask an unknown fellow traveler to watch it. Even if you just turn your back to get a quick soda, a thief can strike in the blink of an eye.

Be observant and be prepared to react quickly. Overloading yourself with luggage may prevent you from acting quickly to protect yourself.

Know where you're going! Travelers who appear lost are primary targets for criminals. If you are lost, seek help from airline personnel, not strangers.

Keep a strong lock on checked luggage and frequently check the lock on your carry-on bag to ensure it's sealed tightly.

Check for logos and familiar company names on transportation vehicles. If in doubt, ask to see the driver's identification.

Finally, consider what time of day you will be returning before you park your car. If you will be returning at night, remember to park where there is good lighting and preferably near the exit you will be using.

     Airports can be cluttered, confusing, and potentially unsafe, but they don't have to be "terminal." Travel smart and have a safe trip!