Much of your home's value is what's inside
There’s a popular saying that goes like this: “Home is where the heart is.”

That saying rings true for many who find “home” a safe haven and a place to cherish, convene with family and friends, raise children, cook meals, rest, retire and celebrate.

Most will agree a home is not just a pile of bricks and mortar. Rather, a true “home” comprises much more, including everything inside it.

Some of the things inside your house that helps make it your home include your furniture and appliances, clothing, sports equipment, and electronic goods. These items are considered personal property – and it’s really important to protect it all.

How do I protect what really makes my house a home?

 Protecting the important stuff inside your home begins with an understanding what you have. If you’re like many people, you may find your home contains much more personal property than you realize.

To understand how much stuff you have, develop a careful inventory of your personal property following these tips.

•  Use a video camera to record and audibly describe items as you move through your home. If you don’t have access to a video camera, use a standard camera or phone camera.
•  Whether you use still photos or video to develop your inventory, include brand names and descriptions where possible, especially on high-cost items.
•  Keep any and all receipts on high-dollar purchases. Keep these receipts filed together with any instruction booklets, warranties, etc. that accompany the items.
•  Store your video or photo inventory offsite or back it up with an additional drive.
•  When you make new purchases, be sure to add them to your inventory.

If you have high-value items, be sure to check with us at Sandvik Insurance Agency so we can review your homeowners coverage to make sure you’re properly protected.  We understand that your home is not just a house, and we are here to help ensure that everything important to you is protected—both outside and inside your home.

Contact Us!

 At Sandvik Insurance Agency, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at 507-226-8481 or send us a note at contactus@sandvikagency.com. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!

A smart safeguard that saves time and stress

Did you know that according to the FBI, more than 2 million home burglaries are reported every year? It’s not something we like to think about, but with statistics like that, you can’t ignore the possibility that it could one day happen in your neighborhood.

The first thing we recommend to policyholders is to invest in a home security system and develop a protocol of locking windows and doors, trimming bushes or other obstructions from window areas, and taking precautions when out of town. But we also recommend some measures to help “after the fact,” should a burglary occur.

One of those precautions is a home inventory. A home inventory itemizes all your belongings – from the high-ticket items like TVs and electronics to the more mundane, like bedding and knickknacks. A home inventory provides detail that makes the claims process simpler and more efficient and gives you peace of mind that any items that need repair or replacement per your coverage and limits will be executed fairly.

To do your own home inventory, first take photos or a video of every room in your house, opening drawers and closets and storage pieces to show contents. Make sure to capture manufacturers’ logos where you can, as well as the all-important serial numbers or style numbers.

The next step is to itemize these all in writing. List each item, its manufacturer, serial/style number, where you purchased it and when.

Now, take the photos or video and your list and keep copies in a fireproof safe and upload a copy to your computer. This will help ensure that it’s available if and when you need it.

Your inventory should be updated every year; the best time is right after the holidays, when you may have received a big-ticket item like a tablet device or piece of furniture.

Final note: some of the most frequently forgotten items on household inventories are the contents of refrigerators/freezers, pantries, garages, basements and attics. Make sure you capture these areas, because when it comes to replacement or repair, you want to make sure you’re not overlooking any of your belongings.

Depending on the size of your home, creating a home inventory takes less than an hour or two – time well spent to ensure a speedier, more efficient claims process from companies like Integrity Insurance. Why not do yours this weekend?