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However, there are three equally important pieces to the security puzzle that you can do now that will help ensure a much better result after the fact: protect, prevent, and recover.
PREPARE A fire or natural disaster can totally demolish your home in minutes.
Hurricanes and tornadoes can completely flatten the house to it's foundation.
There are a variety of statistics, but I've found that on average, house fire losses top $30,000.
Losses from theft of just jewelry, silver, and electronics can easily run into the thousands of dollars.
Review your insurance policy with your agent to ensure that you are sufficiently protected against financial loss.
Ask what items have replacement limits on your policy (i.
e.
, jewelry, weapons, collectibles, fine art, etc.
) that may need a rider or umbrella coverage.
PREVENT An alarm system quickly detects fire and smoke.
Though they will not prevent fires, alarm systems will minimize the loss by notifying the fire department as quickly as possible - especially important when no one is home! An alarm system will also provide a level of prevention against theft.
Professional burglars know how much time they have to get in and out of a building before law enforcement will arrive.
Knowing their time is limited reduces the number of items they'll be able to remove from your home or business.
Also, alarm systems will deter casual burglars and encourage them to pass by your property as they seek an easier target (a home with no alarm).
RECOVER When you have experienced a loss, you will be required to file an insurance claim.
The process can be tedious, as your insurance company will require an itemized list of every item that was damaged or destroyed.
They won't just send a check - they need a list of what was damaged, destroyed, or stolen.
There is no other way to know the total amount of funds you require to replace your belongings.
Many have difficulty remembering, especially when under the emotional turmoil of having just experienced a disaster.
This most often results in a financial loss.
To ensure that you can remember and prove ownership of your belongings, create a home inventory.
Referring to this thorough list and album of photographs will help you achieve an equitable settlement from your insurance company.
Additionally, when collectibles and jewelry are stolen, the photos will enable the police to check with pawn shops to help you recover these items that hold such sentimental value.
Certainly you'd rather have the items back.
THE TRIFECTA Proper insurance coverage helps you get back to where you were before your loss, with minimal financial loss.
A security system is beneficial to dissuade possible burglars and/or lessen the loss from thefts and fires.
An inventory prepared, prior to the disaster, will help you achieve an equitable claim settlement.
Minimize your loss - take steps now to prepare, prevent, and recover.
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