Home Inventory Checklist in Klamath Falls, OR

Keep a Home Inventory Checklist Just in Case

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Two Ways to Construct a List

Home Inventory Checklist in Klamath Falls, ORFor most of us, we won’t have to experience a disastrous home loss such as a flood, fire, earthquake or other disaster. That doesn’t mean any of us should be less prepared for such an event should one occur. Preparing a home inventory can be a large task, but taking the time to do so can make a difference of thousands of dollars when it comes to your claims settlement as well as simple ease of processing your claim.

For many of us, where we live symbolizes us and what is in that house symbolizes our lives. Our belongings represent our memories, personal style and even investments that hold significant value such as art.  When you add up how much all of your personal items are worth, it can be a substantial figure into the many 10s of thousands of dollars or more.

Home insurance claims from disasters such as flood or fire are traumatic. A home inventory checklist can help you remember quickly what items you had. Would you recall exactly how many pairs of jeans you had and what brand they were? Would you recall how many pairs of shoes you had or what brands they were? What about art? Could you recall the name of the artist and how much you paid for it?

Taking the time to inventory your home can be useful in the event of theft or damage to the contents of your home. Keep track of your items with this easy to use chart! You can even attach photos of your items and quickly send this chart to your insurance agent to help speed up the claims process. Another way to document is with a thorough video or video series. Be sure to store your home inventory checklist in a safe place like in the cloud.

The good news is your insurance agent likely gave you sufficient coverage for your personal property. If you feel like you need more, be sure to tell your agent. Home, renters and condo insurance policies typically come standard with this coverage.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Pacific Ridge Insurance. They write business across the state of Oregon from their home office in Klamath Falls, OR. Policies can easily be written over the phone by calling (888) 337-5882.  With years of insurance experience they can easily help you insure everything from your home to your auto or commercial auto insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

Storm Insurance in Klamath Falls, OR

Tornadoes, Hurricanes and Wind Damage

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Storm Insurance in Klamath Falls, ORDoes my Insurance Cover this?

Every state in our country can have a tornado, hurricane or suffer from a severe windstorm, so understanding that your home is protected with the right insurance to cover this type of loss is critical. Browse your policy or call your agent before an event is forecast because once a storm is coming, insurance companies will freeze new coverage from being bound in time for the event.

Your standard homeowners policy likely covers it (except in hurricane prone states like Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Hawaii)

While there are exceptions to every rule, the industry typically covers your home from certain perils such as windstorms, fire and theft. One of the common perils covered is wind damage which will include tornadoes, hurricanes and other high-wind events. So, typically you will be covered from these events, less your deductible, should such an event occur in your state.

What if it isn’t on my standard policy?

If Hurricane Insurance isn’t on your standard insurance policy, there are endorsements and other companies who you can get the coverage from. Same with states that have high likelihood of tornadoes. Be sure to check the fine print!

There is an exception to every rule

The best way to ensure you’re covered is to ask your insurance agent or company directly. There are policies that exist that will exclude this coverage, so be sure to check. Also, be sure that your internal contents are covered (personal property) and not just the home itself. If you own a home in the central part of the US (Tornado Alley) double check for coverage as it is common to have this loss be excluded.

There is always a company willing to give you this coverage

The beauty of shopping with an independent insurance agent is that they offer coverage from multiple insurance companies, not just one, so if one company doesn’t offer it, another one they sell will. Endorsing this coverage is potentially another possibility.

One last thing to note

Often large windstorms will trigger flooding events from either pushing in tides or be accompanied by heavy rains. It is important to understand that these events are not covered by a windstorm, tornado or hurricane coverage. You will need a separate flood insurance policy to cover you from water that damages a home even if the first event was the cause of the rising waters.

With anything insurance, the best answers that can be provided to your specific questions come from your local insurance agent. These agents are able to provide you with a certain, yes or no when it comes to coverage. Because they live where you do, they can help you assess the best coverage for your specific situation.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Pacific Ridge Insurance. They write business across the state of Oregon from their home office in Klamath Falls, OR. Policies can easily be written over the phone by calling (888) 337-5882.  With years of insurance experience they can easily help you insure everything from your home to your auto or commercial auto insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.

Prevent Rodents and Rodent Damage for your car in Klamath Falls, OR

Keep Your Home Free of Rodents and Rodent Damage

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Protecting your Home from Rodents and Rodent Damage

Prevent Rodents and Rodent Damage in Klamath Falls, ORYou’ve spent a lot of time making your house perfect and keeping it clean. Don’t let a rodent destroy the inner workings of your home!

A single rat can destroy insulation, chew through wires, weaken floor joists and even chew through brick! Not to mention they carry disease and leave droppings wherever they go. The droppings will soak into insulation and the odors can emanate into your home.

Pest control and crawl space cleaning is big business. Just check a search online and see all the companies that do it. With hundreds of thousands of homes damaged each year in the U.S., these companies keep busy removing and repairing homes damaged by pests. Don’t fall victim!

Rodent damage is not typically covered by your home insurance policy. For most losses to be considered, it needs to be “sudden and accidental.” A rodent making a home in the crawl space of your home may come overnight, but the damage they cause is caused over a period of months, or even years.

So, how do rodents get into your home? A rat, for instance, has a very soft skeleton and can squeeze through the smallest of gaps. It is important to look at all areas that enter your crawlspace.

Crawlspace areas to check:

  • Screens that cover vents (ensure there are no gaps or holes)
  • Gaps around brickwork (if gaps exist, use expanding foam, mortar or weather stripping to fill the space)
  • Access panels (ensure the access door fits tightly and gaps do not exist)

Other things to keep in mind:

  • Never store food in your garage or crawl space
  • Keep trash in tight containers
  • Keep weeds and other plants away from your home so they can’t hide near your home
  • Don’t keep pet food in a garage or other outdoor area
  • Don’t stack items near your home where they could hide (lumber piles, wood piles etc.)

If you suspect a rodent may be in your crawl space, look for hanging insulation and feces left near the walls. Consider calling a professional to come and take a look. Keeping your crawl space clean is important to the inner air in your home, so if your crawl space has been damaged get a quote to repair and replace the insulation.

If you have questions about your home, auto or commercial insurance, call the insurance agents at Pacific Ridge Insurance. They write business across the state of Oregon from their home office in Klamath Falls, OR. Policies can easily be written over the phone by calling (888) 337-5882.  With years of insurance experience they can easily help you insure everything from your home to your auto or commercial auto insurance. They live where you do and are an independent insurance agent, so they can help you find the right company to fit your needs. You can also check out their website, 24/7.