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As my first Alarm Lady Bulletin for 2008, I have asked Cindy Hartman, President of Hartman Inventory to provide some tips about conducting an inventory. I hope you enjoy reading this great information and that it gives you yet another security solution. As always, if I or any of the terrific staff of General Alarm may be of assistance, please contact us at your earliest convenience. Do you know what you own? We all face the possibility of a fire, tornado, theft or other disaster. The emotional stress you would experience is one other element few people think about. While you are reading this, in the comfort of your home, grab a piece of paper, without looking around, list everything in the room. Now try to do that for your entire house or business. Impossible! Much more would be forgotten if you were not in familiar surroundings and under the stress of a disaster. Compile an inventory A personal property inventory provides detailed documentation of your assets and eases the claim process. Photograph the exterior and interior, work room by room (don’t forget the garage!) until you have captured all the contents. Take individual photos of collectables, antiques, fine art, etc. Remember to open closets, cupboards and drawers. Include the name of the manufacturer, model and serial numbers and any other identifying marks. Also list the cost and date purchased. Save time and money The importance of this documentation is evidenced at one of the worst times in one’s life – when you have faced a loss. It can take months to remember and list everything you own, and you are in limbo while compiling this information. If you have an inventory, and a disaster does happen, you can submit the claim quickly because most of the work is already completed. According to the National Insurance Industry, policy holders who have a thorough inventory not only receive faster results when filing a claim, they also receive greater settlements. If you don’t remember what you own, you won’t request replacement; thus, you won’t fully recover. And for high-dollar items, you will most likely be required to show proof of ownership (i.e., big screen HDTV). Seek assistance if you don’t want to do it yourself Most people agree it is important, but few have this documentation. Reasons people have cited for not maintaining a personal property inventory are that are they are too busy, it takes too long, they don’t know how, or realize they will not keep it up to date if they do create one. If you are in one of these categories, seek the assistance of a professional to provide the service for you. Verify they are bonded and insured. In addition to the inventory service, the provider should also include secure back-up of your records and a process in place to update your records annually. Without the updates, the report will be outdated very quickly. The cost of a professionally documented inventory is minor compared to the loss you could encounter! Cindy Hartman, President/CEO Hartman Inventory, LLC 317-501-6818 HartmanInventory.com Pepper Spray Available If you have loved ones heading out for spring break or vacations don’t forget we have pepper spray available that they carry on their key chains for added personal protection. Call Donna at the office for details. Donna Johnson Executive Assistant General Alarm (317)925-8915 - phone (317)924-7939 - fax djohnson@genalarm.com |
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