Avoid Home Insurance Claims Hassles

A photographic record of your possessions is the best means of establishing proof of loss and speeding up and insurance claim in case of fire, flood or other damage to your home. Use a digicam or SLR and photograph everything you own. Even ordinary household objects can be costly to replace. Include all appliances including water heater and pumps. Arrange small appliances together when photographing the kitchen. Write the model and serial numbers on the back of the photos. Photograph silver and other quality objects against black velvet to enhance their appearance of value. Don't forget the garage where you likely have such items as expensive bicycles and costly power tools. File the photos along with the receipts to prove the original value of the items by room and make sure you store the photos and records in a private security box away from the home, they do you no good if they're destroyed in the same fire that burns up the insured item.