Happy Thanksgiving – Avoid Being Gobbled Up in an Insurance Nightmare

As Thanksgiving approaches, you likely have a long list of tasks to accomplish before your family sits down for the holiday dinner. But if you’re hosting this year, there’s one more thing you should add to the list: documenting your personal property and assets.

This is because a recent study by State Farm Insurance shows that cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving more than any other day of the year. In fact, grease and cooking-related claims more than double on Thanksgiving Day when compared to any other day in the month of November.

If your holiday event in South Florida takes a turn for the worse, it’s likely that you should file a fire insurance claim with your homeowners’ insurance provider. However, if you want to receive the amount of compensation to which you’re entitled under your policy (and who doesn’t?), you’ll need to have documentation of everything of value that was in your home and damaged by the fire or smoke.

In case of a fire, insurance companies require that you provide “proof of your loss.” Thus, the more detailed the documentation you have prepared before disaster strikes, the easier it will be to file the claim and get it processed quickly. You’ll also be more likely to receive adequate compensation to replace or repair the damaged items.

The Documentation Process

To document valuable property in your Florida home, you can start by taking pictures. You should also take it a step further by writing descriptions, including details like make and models, color and the year that you purchased the item, if they are available. Any identification codes or other special characteristics should be recorded, as well.

Once you’ve compiled all of this information, you should make multiple copies to be stored in safe, secure places that are easily accessible in case of a fire or other disaster. This could be a bank deposit box, an attorney’s office or with a close family friend. That way, your information is protected and accessible when you need it.

Should you need to file a homeowners’ insurance claim in Florida this Thanksgiving and are struggling to assess the value of your damaged assets and property, don’t hesitate to call a public adjuster. These professionals can help you determine the real value of your property and can provide assistance if you need to file a claim with your insurance provider.

Call Advocate Claims Public Adjusters today at 1-954-369-0573 or contact us online.

We serve home and business owners throughout South Florida, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Wellington, Hollywood, Delray Beach and the surrounding areas.