Christmas morning brings excitement as you unwrap that new 75-inch TV, expensive jewelry, luxury designer clothing, or high-end gaming system. But once the wrapping paper is cleaned up, Janis-Shunta Insurance, serving the Muskegon, MI area, wants to remind you about an important step that many homeowners forget: properly documenting your new valuables.
Why Documentation Matters More Than You Think
Your homeowners insurance policy covers your belongings, but proving what you owned and its value becomes crucial when filing a claim. Without proper documentation, you might find yourself struggling to remember exactly what brand that laptop was or how much you paid for those new appliances. Insurance adjusters need evidence to process claims fairly and quickly.
Simple Steps To Protect Your Investment
Start by taking clear photos of your new items from multiple angles, including serial numbers and model information. Keep receipts in a safe place or scan them to cloud storage. Create a simple spreadsheet listing each item with purchase date, cost, and description. Don’t forget to update your insurance agent about high-value items that might exceed your policy’s standard coverage limits.
Make It a New Year’s Habit
Consider doing a complete home inventory annually. Walk through each room with your phone, recording a video while describing items and their approximate values. Store this documentation in multiple places like cloud storage and a safety deposit box.
Taking time now to document your Christmas gifts and other valuables can save you significant headaches later. Contact Janis-Shunta Insurance, proudly serving the community in and around Muskegon, MI, to review your coverage and ensure your new treasures are properly protected.