Tag: Home Inventory

Spring Cleaning: Keeping Records for Insurance Claims

Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering closets and dusting shelves—it’s also the perfect time to take proactive steps to protect your home. From making small repairs to updating your home inventory list, a little effort now can save you from major headaches in the future. In this blog, we’ll go over how documenting repairs, upgrading security measures, and how keeping records for insurance claims can help simplify insurance claims and ensure you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Spring Cleaning and Home Improvements

Beyond the usual tidying up and disposing of clutter, spring is a great time to tackle the home maintenance projects you’ve been putting off this cold winter season. Here are some simple home improvement tasks you can work on to help you stay ahead of any potential home issues and complicated insurance claims.

  • Exterior Home Maintenance. Checking your roof for small leaks, cleaning gutters, repairing missing fence panels, and inspecting your walkways and stairs are all small tasks that can protect you against hefty insurance claims or liability issues.
  • Interior Home Maintenance. Deep cleaning of major appliances, inspecting for leaks, and testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors can catch any significant repairs or health concerns early, minimizing potential damage.
  • Improving Security. Improving your home with new locks and security systems will help keep your home safe and potentially decrease insurance payments.
  • Home Inventory and Documentation. Gathering important documents and updating your home inventory with any large purchases will help streamline any claims you may need to file.

Keeping Records for Insurance Claims

Keeping records of any upgrades, projects, or purchases you’ve made is key in creating simple insurance claims. Not only will this demonstrate to your insurance company that you’re committed to maintaining your property, but you’ll also have all the detailed information for any claims you may need to submit. Here are some key pieces of information to keep track of:

  • Save all paperwork regarding purchases for materials and labor, as well as any contracts with repair services.
  • Warranties and Guarantees. Ensure you won’t be paying out of pocket for an item that has existing coverage.
  • Take photos and videos of any damages that have been repaired, along with organized time stamps and dates.
  • Improvement Log. Keep a general log of all improvements with clear descriptions and costs.

Have questions or need guidance? At the Safeside Insurance Agency, we strive to serve all our customers with the right service at the right price. Whether you’re unsure where to start your documentation or simply need assistance reviewing your current policy, we’re here to help. Call us today at (508) 753-8862 or visit our website here, and let us guide you in finding the perfect plan tailored to your needs.

Renters Insurance and Theft During the Holiday Season

As the holiday season quickly approaches, many find themselves making large purchases to gift to their loved ones. Unfortunately, paired with the season of giving, is a 20% increase in theft-related crimes. In this blog, we will go over how you can handle theft during the holiday season as a renter and what strategies you can use to protect your assets to provide your family with the comfort the winter months bring.  

How Does Renters Insurance Protect Against Theft? 

If you are renting a home or apartment this holiday season and have not purchased renters insurance, it is the perfect time to think about adding it to your plan. At a low monthly cost, renters insurance not only protects your home against damages and liabilities, but also theft—whether it occurs in your home or off the property.  

Things to Consider 

  • Taking a Home Inventory: Having an up-to-date list of all your “big ticket items” is key in keeping track of how your totals stack up against what your policy limits are, especially when you start purchasing expensive gifts. 
  • Filing Claims: If you are filing multiple claims, you will have a higher premium. Consider the value of the items before filing a claim, as it may not be justifiable. 
  • Deductibles: Before your insurance covers the remaining cost of the stolen items, you will have to pay a deductible beforehand.  

Protecting Your Belongings Against Theft

Being mindful about busy shopping plazas, package deliveries, and keeping your house secure is key in protecting yourself before renters insurance needs to step in. 

  • Hide Valuable Items: If you have completed a big shopping trip, keep them out of sight from potential thieves and do not leave them in your vehicle overnight. Parking in well-lit, monitored areas is also a good idea.  
  • Lock Your Home and Vehicle: Always lock your vehicle and home, even if you are leaving for a short period of time.  
  • Install a Security System: Having a security system outside of your home can help you monitor any unusual activity, especially as your package deliveries increase. If it is an option, change the delivery time to when someone will be home. 
  • Vacations: Pause mail and newspaper deliveries while away, so there is no noticeable pile-up. Think about leaving a couple lights on, or better yet, place them on a timer.  

 Now that you know how renters insurance can protect you and your family both at your home and off your property, it is time to review your coverage to make sure your policy limits match your needs. To review your coverage or start services with us at the Safeside Insurance Agency, you can call us at (508) 753-8862 or visit our website here. With over 30 years of experience servicing the Worcester Area, we are here to find you the coverage you need to keep you and your loved ones safe.  

 

4 Insurance Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Congratulations on the house! As both a big investment and a big change in your lives, it’s important to get the right protection and understand how that coverage works. Homeowners insurance is as complicated and varied as the houses it protects, so learning as much as you can before you start shopping around can make sure there aren’t costly mistakes down the line. Learn four helpful insurance tips for first-time homebuyers from your friends at Safeside Insurance! Continue reading 4 Insurance Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Taking a Home Inventory for Your Homeowners Insurance

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have been in your current house for years, you know you should have a home inventory. We build up a lot of possessions over years of hobbies, families, and needs. But right now is the best time to get started on taking a home inventory: not just for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got everything covered, but also making sure you’ve got the right homeowners insurance coverage. Continue reading Taking a Home Inventory for Your Homeowners Insurance

Renters Insurance and Theft: How to Prepare & Claim

We all know that sickening feeling when you find an empty bike rack, broken window, or something suspiciously missing after a party. Theft, especially in the shared spaces that occur in apartment situations, might feel unavoidable—but it can be planned for. Learn about how renters insurance and theft interact, get a plan together to better protect your property, and learn how to file a claim if the worst does occur. Continue reading Renters Insurance and Theft: How to Prepare & Claim