‘Not a Scratch!’ — How to Protect Your Prized Possessions
Do you remember that icebreaker question: “If your house was on fire, and you could save one thing, what would it be”? Luckily, this question is primarily hypothetical, but it makes you examine what your most prized possessions are. Be it your computer, important documents, perhaps some special photo albums, there are plenty of items you value within your home. And because you value them, it’s important that you keep these safe and protected.
There are simple tips you can take to protect sacred items. Back up your photos, digitize your documents, and keep jewelry in a safe. But beyond sentimental value, there are ways to protect the financial value of your possessions through insurance. Many people are aware of home or renters’ insurance, but you can also invest in policies that cover what is in your home as well as the building itself. Protecting your prized possessions is crucial. Invest in contents insurance to give yourself peace of mind that your personal belongings will be covered.
Protect Your Home
Chances are, if you’re homeowners, your property itself is one of your most prized possessions. Be sure you’re investing in the best homeowners insurance first and foremost. Don’t overpay for not much coverage. Your homeowners’ insurance policy may increase if you live in a location prone to severe weather or if there are previous issues with the home. You want to protect your home without breaking the bank. Experts suggest you shop around. Investigate different home insurance companies and their coverage limits and policy limits. For your convenience, comparing home and contents insurance with Iselect is available anytime online. Using this service can help make your decision about which insurance company to trust.
Protect Your Stuff
You can purchase and insure a house, but the personal items inside are what truly make it a home. This is why you can’t stop at homeowners insurance alone, you need home contents insurance as well. You may be wondering what contents insurance covers. Some replacement cost coverage may seem self-explanatory. For example, if you are robbed of valuable items and belongings while you’re out of town, a claim process that involves personal property coverage will pay a replacement cost for you to purchase new versions of the items that were lost. Contents insurance also covers technology, valuable books, and other physical items if they are damaged in a flood or fire. Even food that spoils during a power outage can be replaced for the actual cash value. So even when tragedy strikes, house and contents insurance guarantees you it’s not a total loss.
Protect Your Memories
Prized possessions can have monetary value, but for some personal items, you’re probably more concerned with sentimentality. Items like special letters from your parents, early childhood memorabilia, or your grandparents’ old dolls have value beyond money. When items are attached to special memories, you have to protect those differently. Photos can be digitized, but the original copies need proper ventilation and storage spaces to stay preserved. You also may have some antique items that can’t be properly preserved on a computer, research how and where to store these special, delicate items. It may take a little work to keep your older belongings in good condition, but it’s worth it to save those memories.
Protect Your Documents
Though they don’t have sentimental value, you have important documents that can’t always be replaced by content coverage. One of a kind papers like your birth certificate, social security card, the deed to your home, marriage certificate, passport, these are the documents that should be kept in a safe place. Consider lining them with plastic to prevent any potential water damage while also keeping them in a safe. Keep this in a secure location. You also don’t want robbers waltzing into your home to easily steal your identity. So even though your important documents may not be sentimentally valuable items, they’re worth protecting.