Answer:  Did you know that if you have a loss, in most cases you will be required to provide a list of what you lost before receiving any reimbursement?  What if you can’t remember?  Would you be able to recall from memory everything you own in your home or business?  Relying solely on your memory can be an expensive mistake.  A home inventory can help streamline the insurance claim process in the event of damaged, stolen, or lost property.  With a complete, accurate home inventory, Insurance companies are able to accurately assess the value of your property, making it more likely for you to receive fair compensation.  Police can also use the inventory when filling out a police report.  The home inventory report will aid the police in locating and identifying your stolen property.  Home inventories can also be used for estate planning, relocation preparation, divorces, and your taxes.

Q. What is a home inventory?

Answer:  A home inventory is a comprehensive record of your personal property.  At its basic level, the inventory should contain photos, serial numbers and receipts.  A more detailed inventory should include a physical description, serial numbers, make and model, cost to replace, where and when items were purchased.

Q. Is the cost of a Home Inventory Tax Deductable?

Answer:  In some cases, the cost of a home inventory is tax deductable.  Check with your tax advisor to make sure it is in your particular case.

Q. I have homeowner’s insurance, isn’t that enough?

Answer:  You may have your personal property insurance valued at a specific dollar amount, but that does not mean your insurance company is required to give you that amount without proof of ownership.  Documentation is the key factor in determining compensation from an insurance claim.  Generalizations can result in a lesser amount paid to you.  Your insurance company may “assume” you have a color TV in your family room. Without proof, they may also “assume” it is a “standard” 27" worth around $300.  The reality may be that you own a 42" plasma screen TV valued at over $3,000. A Safe Keepers inventory gives you the proof you need!

Q. What should be documented?

Answer:  All property of value. Homeowners should be sure to have inventoried all high value items such as furniture, tools, yard equipment, electronic equipment, china, etc. Businesses should consider documenting office furniture, electronic equipment, and machinery.

Q. Can I do my own inventory?

Answer: There is no reason you can’t. But unfortunately, even with the best intentions, do-it-yourself inventories often gets put off or not completed until it’s too late. It is a tedious and time-consuming process. Having an objective third party do your inventory allows you to quickly provide thorough, credible documentation.

Q. What if I forget to have something inventoried?

Answer:  If, within the first year of your inventory, you realize there are items you forgot to have us include, give us a call and we will add those items for free.
 
Q. How can I update my information?

Answer:  Every year we replace or add new things to our home.  Generally a complete inventory should be done each year.  Safe Keepers offers to update your inventory, free for the first year.  We will also preserve your inventory at the end of every year, for a $12.00 fee.  For an annual fee of $75 we will visit you and re-inventory any changes you have made after the first year and give you a new CD and inserts for your documentation book.

Q. What areas do you serve?

Answer:  We serve Western Michigan from Traverse City to South Haven. But, because we are one of very few such services in the area, we are willing to cover all of Michigan.  We also serve Central Florida surrounding the Orlando Area. 

Q. What makes Safe Keepers special?

Answer:  Not only does Safe Keepers provide you with a vital catalog of your property, we include many extras. You also receive:

Know What You Own Have Safe Keepers Document Your Home.