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What is a home inventory?
Why do I need your service?
Why can't I just do this myself?
Do you do appraisals or insurance estimates
?
What items should I have documented?
How will you document my personal property?
What do I need to have available for my appointment?
How long will it take?
What do we do with your inventory data?
Is there a charge to update my information?
- Q. What is a home inventory?
A. A home or business inventory is a detailed list of the personal property located in your home or business. You should also include property that you have stored elsewhere, perhaps in a storage area, warehouse or a garage on the premises.
Personal property is loosely defined in the insurance industry as anything you own which is not a permanent part of your dwelling, out buildings or land.
For a home your list should include: furniture, jewelry, artwork, antiques, appliances, kitchen contents, clothes, carpets, drapes, computer equipment, television sets, audio or audiovisual equipment, musical instruments, clocks, mirrors, linens, lawn mowers, snow removal equipment, tools, sports equipment, and any other items of value.
For a business or church your list should include: all merchandise in stock and storage areas, front shelves, cold storage, tables, chairs, vending equipment, cash registers, video security equipment, office equipment and any other items of value.
- Q. Why do I need your service?
A. Our service helps to ensure that you receive the proper settlement from your insurance company at the time of a claim. The digital photos will help to identify your property to the police department, in the event of theft or natural disaster. In addition, it is of great value for estate purposes, secondary or vacation homes, or if you plan to move or place your property in storage.
The most likely answer to that question is because you haven't done it yet. Creating an inventory of your home is one of those "good ideas" you just haven't been able to get to. We have developed an efficient, professional method to complete your documentation with a minimum of hassle and in the least amount of time possible.
- Q. Why can't I just do this myself?
A. There is no reason that you cannot perform your own inventory. We encourage you to do so. Unfortunately even with the best intentions an inventory often gets put off or uncompleted until it’s too late. Our service is fast, complete, and affordable. And we use high quality 10 mega pixel digital images that provide the highest detail when blown up for a detailed view. Also having a third party do your inventory also adds credibility to the documentation and may require less additional proof during claims processing or estate discussions.
- Q. Do you do appraisals or insurance
estimates?
A. MI Home Inventory Services does not do appraisals or insurance estimates. We provide inventory documentation only. If these services are needed, there are professional appraisers in most cities. We will review your policy with you and make suggestions on what you should discuss with an insurance professional. We will also make recommendations on what items you may have that should be appraised by a licensed professional.
- Q. What items should I have documented?
A. In addition to the contents of your home, we suggest special documentation of all non-standard and/or appraised items, including fine furniture, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, art, extensive wine collections, musical instruments, imported carpets or wall coverings, power tools, etc.
- Q. How will you document my personal
property?
A. We'll complete an itemized spreadsheet including description, make, model, serial numbers, and/or other pertinent information to better identify your property. In addition, we'll make a digital video of the contents of your entire home and take digital photos of all non-standard items as needed for proper documentation.
- Q. What do I need to have available
for my appointment?
A. We suggest you note all your personal property in your home but especially items such as fine furniture and antiques, collectibles, art, musical instruments, imported carpets or wall coverings, etc., plus any appraised property already listed on your present policy. It would be beneficial to have your homeowners’ policy available so we can properly document any item that is appraised and listed on your policy and any pertinent receipts. This will help you to determine if an item should be added to your policy that isn't listed on it now.
- Q. How long will it take?
A. An average home or office, 1,800 to 2,000 square feet, can be inventoried in just a few hours. Larger properties, extensive collections, garages, and basements depending on their contents would require additional time. Because we are prepared to document your belongings quickly and efficiently, our services are surprisingly affordable. In addition, you can customize your service to meet your particular requirements. Please Contact Us for a no obligation estimate.
- Q. What do we do with your inventory
data?
A. We download the information onto our secured database using a numbering system to ensure your privacy. We then transfer the data onto two non-rewriteable DVDs (80-year shelf life). Both of the DVDs are supplied to you. Having the two identical DVDs in different locations will provide a secure system to prevent the loss of pertinent information required to process and maximize a claim or identify your property in the event of theft.
- Q. Is there a charge to update
my information?
A. There are no additional charges on written inventory updates for one year from the date of your initial home inventory. Updates can be sent to us via mail, drop off, or by UPS. If you would like us to make additional visits to your home to update your file, a separate fee will be charged.