An accurate, up-to-date inventory is the best way to speed the recovery process after a burglary, fire or catastrophe, but many people see the process as daunting. This week, the insurance industry is releasing new, free software to simplify this important task.
Created by the Insurance Information Institute, the free software takes the homeowner or renter through every room, providing streamlined documentation of clothing, electronics, appliances and other items that may be easily overlooked. It also provides for digital photos and scanned receipts, contracts and appraisals to be incorporated into the inventory.
"For years we have said that creating a home inventory was as simple as breaking out a pad of paper and a pencil. Today, it's as easy as a click of a mouse," said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California, the west coast affiliate of the III. "The home inventory software takes the guesswork out of the process."
The software can be downloaded from the IINC web site at www.iinc.org, or at www.knowyourstuff.org. The electronic inventory can be stored on digital media, placed on personal web space or e-mailed to yourself, essentially protecting it in cyberspace so that it can be located in the event that the computer is stolen or damaged.
IINC also recommends that homeowners and renters review and update their insurance policies once a year, or after the purchase of expensive items. Taking a home inventory is the best way to ensure that your insurance coverage matches your needs. Consumers should also take pictures or videos of the items, save any receipts or appraisals and store them in a location away from the home.
The Insurance Information Network of California is a non-profit, non-lobbying media relations organization supported by the property/casualty insurance industry.