Your home is your castle, but since most houses don’t come with moats or knights, you need to do whatever you can to protect it from unauthorized visitors.
Our GET HELP and GET PREPARED sections tell you what to do to keep your home protected and how to handle it should a break-in occur.
Here are some tips for dealing with home and car theft, gathered from police officers across the country: Stolen Car? Talk Cracks and Dents When reporting a stolen car, be sure to mention your car’s unique characteristics – the location of dents, cracks, bumper stickers, detailing and so on. These details help your car stand […]
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Your house has been broken into and you’ve called the police. Once they’ve arrived, be prepared to answer questions. These help the officers gather information about the event. WHN TIP – Make Some Notes: While you’re waiting, make some notes based on the following questions so you can give them as many details as possible. […]
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If you are in the market for a home security system, here are some starter questions: What is included in a basic security system? Most basic security systems include exterior door sensors, window sensors and an alarm control panel with a touchpad. If you’re worried about break-ins, this might be sufficient for your needs. At […]
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WHN TIP – Advice from Experts: If your home is broken into, the police will ask you questions to try to ascertain who might have done it. If you witnessed someone suspicious, this podcast has tips for describing a suspect. If You Suspect a Burglar Be safe, be smart. Do NOT go into your home. […]
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Practice Intruder Smarts Teach your family about home security. Explain your security precautions and emphasize the role they play in keeping your home secure. Ask them to remember always to lock the door and keep a careful watch on their keys. Show them where the keys to internal locks are located in case they have […]
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Here are some smart “insider tips” from industry professionals and everyday travelers we interviewed that cover the preparation of your home while you are on vacation. The House: Main Rooms Have a friend, family member or trusted neighbor check on your house. Give the person your house keys and security codes (if necessary). WHN TIP […]
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Knowing these terms helps to understand the process insurance agencies and relief organizations use to determine the value of your loss. Your tax accountant can also help you when claiming your losses. Valuation of Goods It is very difficult to measure your personal loss of goods. This is because many items have a sentimental value to […]
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A few tips on how to file a claim after a natural disaster, fire or theft. Tip 1: Read Your Insurance Policy If you don’t have it, ask your insurance agent to send or bring a copy for you. Check your policy for specifics and document every action you take. WHN TIP – Two Lists/Two Folders: Start […]
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By Stephen Hadhazi, our guest insurance blogger, public insurance adjuster, and publisher of DocuDamage.com You pay your homeowners premiums on time so you feel reasonably comfortable that you are well covered should disaster ever strike, right? Wrong. Even if you think you have adequate coverage, you could be drastically underinsured. The typical homeowner’s insurance policy includes the basics […]
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By William S. Coffman, Jr., WHN’s Guest Columnist, public adjuster and the president of Strategic Adjustment Services, Inc., based in Miami Beach, Florida. Homeowner’s insurance can be a bit complicated. Here are some common myths about insurance and insights into the realities of insurance and the claims process: My insurance company insures my home. Reality: […]
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