What To Expect From Your Long Island Home Insurance Company After A Burglary
In the unfortunate incident of a home burglary, you can minimize the inconvenience if you understand the terms of your Long Island home insurance policy and you’re prepared to provide your insurer with descriptions of all missing items.
At the insurance company’s request you will need to file a police report to get things moving on a theft claim and a claims adjuster will come to your home to assess your loss. The more information you can provide (such as receipts, photographs and appraisals that verify value) about stolen items, the quicker the claims process will be.
Also, it is important to be timely as you comply with requests from your insurance company. If your independent insurance agent sends you documents to sign, do so immediately so that time is not wasted.
Having an updated home inventory list to work from is important. A free home inventory software to help create your your list is available on the I.I.I. website. Upon creating your inventory list, make certain to keep it in a safe place outside your home, such as a safety-deposit box. You also can e-mail a copy to yourself to create an online record that can be accessed by computer.
Your plan is to pay for only enough coverage to replace your dwelling and its contents. Do not worry about your home’s value on the real estate market. You may need enough insurance money to rebuild your house, but you won’t need to buy a new one.
Focus on prevention
· To keep them guessing, suspend mail and newspaper deliveries or arrange to have these items picked up by a friend or neighbor when you are on vacation.
· Anytime you leave your home, lock your doors and make sure all the windows are secured.
· Do not leave a spare key under your mat or in your mailbox. Such “secret” places are known to experienced burglars.
· Keep valuables, such as expensive jewelry, in a safety-deposit box.
· Take your purse, wallet and laptop into your bedroom with you at night. Some burglars will avoid bedrooms if they think a home may be occupied.
· Do not announce that you are not at home via social media.
Be sure to read your Long Island home insurance policy to understand the terms and limits of your coverage. Insurance is a competitive field, so remember to choose an insurer that offers both a fair price and good service.
