Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Invisible Protection Plan: Contents Insurance

By Graham McKenzie

You're house really means a lot to you doesn't it? Of course it does, homes are built for comfort and safety. Dorothy was right when she said, "There's no place like home." However, just like she found out in the Wizard of Oz, natural disasters like tornados can destroy your dream house in seconds. Are you protected from the damages?

Contents insurance is a must for any family with a moderately sized home. The insurance guarantees protection for your prized possessions either worth a lot in value, or that symbolizes a lot to you. Such as a grandfather clock that has been passed down for centuries. It protects your house's favorite possessions.

Natural disasters and theft are rare, and the chances of your house getting hit are slim. But let's say for the sake of an argument your house does get struck with an unfortunate event. This could range from a fire, flood or from wind damage. It could also extend to a house robbery. What would you do next?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, hire an appraiser if you haven't already. The insurance company your policy is under will provide them for you. Make the call and request one. The appraiser will arrive at a designated time to assess your possessions and their worth. They have been trained to assess worth for a living.

Appraisers are here to serve your best interest. They can only do that with your complete cooperation. Allow them to roam the house so they can appraise the house for the correct value. If they do their job right, the insurance company will quickly and accurate return the damages of your lost possessions.

The insurance company will work closely with the appraiser and discuss the contents of your home. The insurance company may provide additional information on how you can better protect your home. Sometimes these are more than suggestions, stipulations that must be met before you gain full coverage.

For theft, insurance brokers are quick to suggest home alarm systems in case of an intrusion. If your home does not already have one of these, it's a phenomenal idea. Wouldn't you feel safer with one operating inside your home? Of course you would. Secondly, insurance brokers may request the installation of a safe or other protection unit to store your jewelry.

You might be thinking I don't have enough valuable items or jewelry to need contents insurance, but you may be in for a surprise. Your valuables can add up quickly and usually are worth more than you may think. Hire an appraiser and gain a rough estimate. It's always nice to have that protection, "Just in case. - 15224

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