Whether you rent or own your home, there are many things you can do to protect your home and possessions. You can increase your safety and reduce insurance costs by:
- Installing safety equipment such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
- Securing large or heavy items that could fall and cause damage during a storm
- Covering windows, turning off utilities, and moving possessions if you have adequate warning of hurricanes or floods
- Having your home inspected by a building inspector or architect to find out what structural improvements could prevent major damage
- Conducting an inventory of your household possessions and update it annually - include photographs and get professional appraisals
- Making copies of receipts and canceled checks for more valuable items
- Keeping the originals of all important financial and family documents in a safe place - store copies elsewhere
- Photographing the exterior of your home to include the landscaping
- Buying insurance - make sure it covers any perils you may face