High-Tech Parent

There was a fire down the street from us on Friday. The young couple lost all of their possessions and a fireman lost his life. It got me thinking about what we would lose in a fire.

I am asking all my readers to make a home insurance video in the coming weeks. I spoke to my renter’s insurance company and they said videos of personal property loss are very helpful after a fire. He said that people are usually in shock and confused after a fire, but they only get one chance to write down everything that was lost. The list cannot be changed later and all compensation will be based on that list.

This video is useful for homeowners and renters alike. Furthermore, a home insurance video is good for thefts too, not just fires. I’m sure that after you finish your video you will realize that you have greatly underestimated your homeowner’s/renter’s insurance coverage.

An insurance video is easy to make. Here’s how:

1. Set aside a time to make the video

Depending on your schedule and how much stuff you have, you can do it all in an hour, a day, or spread it out over a month or two.

2. Film your Possessions

Walk through your house and film everything. Some might start with the most important/expensive items first and work their way down. I prefer to simply walk around the room in a systematic manner to make sure I don’t miss anything.

Tip: For electronics, try to get their serial/model numbers. For large televisions, you can have a family member read the serial number out loud if it is impossible to get the camera in a position to film the information.

3. Don’t forget anything

If things are in drawers, pull the drawers out so you can see inside. If there is stuff hidden a closet, take it out and put it all on the floor or on a table. If you are worried that you might not be able to get everything back in, just stand in the doorway and do a slow pan of everything from top to bottom.

Tip: Move your camera in a “Z” pattern to make sure you get everything.

4. Put the recording in a safe place

Make copies of the recordings and put them where they would be safe in the event of a fire or where you could grab them on the way out the door. Great places include: a fireproof box, safe deposit box at a bank, or send them to a trusted relative.

Tip: Put the film on DVD. DVDs are easier to distribute and you don’t need specialized equipment to view them. Tapes will require a camera or tape deck that reads that specific kind of tape.

5. Reward yourself for a job well done

You just saved your family a lot of headache during a potentially stressful time. Go buy yourself some ice cream, cookies, or a new movie on DVD.