September is National Preparedness Month. This month we will be sending out regular posts about things you can do in your home to be prepared if an emergency or disaster occurs.
#10- Document and Insure Your Property
Your home, your personal belongings, and your business are meaningful and valuable assets. If a disaster strikes, having insurance for your home or business property is the best way to ensure you will have the necessary financial resources to help you repair, rebuild, or replace whatever is damaged. Yet more than half of all homeowners in the United States do not carry adequate homeowners insurance to replace their home and its contents should a catastrophic loss occur. Now, before a disaster strikes, take the time to:
- Document Your Property
- Understand Your Options for Insurance Coverage
- Ensure You Haver Appropriate Insurance for Relevant Hazards
Not all insurance policies are the same. Coverage amounts, deductibles, and payment caps can vary significantly. Consult with your insurance professional to be sure your policy is right for you. It is also important to review your policy annually to remind yourself of your coverage and to make any updates based on new purchases, renovations, increases in property value, or increases in costs to rebuild or replace items.
Learn more from FEMA
Learn more about preparing your home for disasters from Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
Here is a guide to natural disasters from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes