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If a disaster were to strike your home, such as a weather storm, fire, or theft, would you be able to recall all your possessions from memory? Although it’s something we hope never to experience, multiple scenarios could result in filing a claim through your residential insurance to replace your belongings. Creating a home inventory is a simple way to keep track of your personal property, but how should you start?

What is a Home Inventory and Why is It Important? 

Whether you own a home or rent, your residential insurance should include personal property coverage to cover your belongings. A home inventory is a way of keeping a record of your property inside your home.

Major appliances, jewelry, furniture, office supplies, and collectibles can—and should—be a part of your home’s inventory list. The more detailed you are, the better. In the event of a disaster, having this list will be extremely valuable for you during the claims process to get you back on your feet.

A home inventory list will also ensure you have the right amount of coverage with your residential insurance. For example, if you list your items and discover your home inventory is worth $100,000, then you know your personal property coverage should be at least that much. You don’t want to be covered for a certain amount only to discover after an emergency that your valuables are worth much more. Plus, evaluating your belongings will help you determine if you need to add additional coverage through an insurance rider where you list out high-value items such as jewelry or fine art. Most policies typically have sub-limits for these items, but scheduling them will ensure you have proper coverage.

Tips to Follow When Creating a Home Inventory

As mentioned, your home inventory should be as detailed as possible. Paper and pen will do fine, but consider creating a digital file or using an online app to protect your home inventory from physical damage if you can. Most online apps will allow you to take pictures and add important item information, such as its date of purchase and serial number.

Here are a few tips to follow when creating a home inventory list.

1. One Room at a Time

Combing through all your belongings may sound like a big task, but dividing your list into sections will help keep everything organized. Instead of going back and forth from room to room, begin with one room at a time.

If you cannot review a room in one sitting thoroughly, start with the most expensive items in each room first. That way, you’ll at least have big-ticket items recorded even if you don’t finish a complete list.

2. Don’t Forget the Details 

Sure, you can simply write down “washer” on your list and call it a day, but that won’t be helpful should you need further information later. Consider adding basic information for each item, such as a brief description, price point, model number, and purchase date if you have it.

3. Group Smaller Items Together

Grouping smaller items will help you save time while creating your home inventory. For example, you don’t have to list each pair of jeans or sneakers you have individually. Instead, writing down “10 pairs of jeans and 3 pairs of sneakers” will suffice. However, if any items in these general categories are especially valuable, be sure to list those separately.

4. Check Coverage Limits on Expensive Items

As mentioned, some insurers may have sub-limits on valuables over a certain dollar amount. To avoid any issues after an accident, review your policy or speak with your agent about any items that may require additional coverage.

5. Keep Receipts 

Adding receipts to your home inventory is always a great idea, especially for larger purchases. If you don’t want to keep the physical copies, scan and store them in an online storage account.

6. Utilize Video

Taking a video tour with commentary of your home can be a more straightforward way of documenting your possessions. Plus, even if you don’t list everything, you’ll still have video evidence of any items you may have forgotten about.

7. Create a Backup

No matter how you create your inventory list, make sure to have a copy that you can access outside your home. Utilizing online storage accounts is ideal for this so you can access your list from any device using a login.

8. Begin Listing Recent Purchases

After compiling your list, make it a habit to record recent purchases right away while you have receipts and details handy. That way, you’ll stay current and won’t need to spend time going back later to add new items.

Prepare for the Unexpected 

Having proper residential insurance is crucial whether you own property or rent. Standard residential insurance policies will cover various stressful situations or accidents that happen to or at your home, such as natural disasters, robbery, or fire. However, as with most insurance policies, you must review your coverage periodically to ensure you’re adequately covered.

When creating your home inventory, you may realize you need higher limits for your personal property. At AIS, we can help you compare homeowners insurance, condo insurance, or renters insurance quotes from our network of insurance providers to find you the best rates available. To learn more about your options, call us today at (888) 772-4247 to get started.

The information in this article is obtained from various sources and is offered for educational purposes. Furthermore, it should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

Your car’s windshield plays a critical role in keeping you safe from outside elements and debris when driving. Although durable, windshields are made of glass, which can eventually break or crack. Not only is driving with a cracked windshield a hazard, but it may also be illegal in some situations. If you have a damaged windshield, you may ask yourself, does my insurance cover windshield replacement? Let’s explore different coverage options and how they relate to windshield repairs and replacements.

Will My Car Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement? 

You’ll need comprehensive or collision coverage to replace a damaged windshield in most cases. 

Comprehensive coverage will apply if your windshield is damaged due to accidents that do not involve a collision, such as falling debris, weather incidents, or vandalism. 

Collision coverage will apply if your windshield is damaged following a car crash, regardless of fault. 

Remember that depending on your state, you’ll typically need to pay a deductible before your insurer handles any repairs through your comprehensive and collision coverage. 

If you were involved in an accident and the other driver was found at fault, you could also file a claim against their insurance to cover the cost of your vehicle’s repairs, including your windshield.

States with Zero Dollar Glass Deductibles 

You must typically pay a deductible before you file a claim through your comprehensive insurance. However, some states impose restrictions on insurance companies that prevent them from charging a deductible on repairs involving glass. This is a zero-dollar glass deductible. 

The following states have insurance laws that either mandate or give insurers the option to offer glass coverage without a deductible for drivers with comprehensive insurance. 

• Arizona: Arizona law requires any insurance company writing private auto insurance policies with comprehensive coverage to provide (at the option of the insured) complete coverage for the “repair or replacement of all damaged safety equipment without regard to any deductible.” Arizona defines “safety equipment” as glass used on windshields, doors, and windows and the glass, plastic, or other materials used on lights.

• Connecticut: Connecticut insurance companies can offer comprehensive coverage plans with no glass deductible for an extra premium. 

• Florida: Florida insurance providers cannot apply a deductible to windshield glass repair or replacement.

• Kentucky: In Kentucky, any insurance policy with comprehensive coverage must provide complete “repair or replacement of damaged safety equipment, without regard to any deductible.” Kentucky defines “safety equipment” as glass used on windshields, doors, and windows, plus the glass, plastic, or other materials used on lights. 

• Massachusetts: Although not required, Massachusetts allows insurance companies to sell comprehensive coverage with no glass deductible. A policy with a glass deductible may be less expensive than a zero-dollar glass deductible policy.

• Minnesota: Minnesota law requires insurance providers to offer (at the option of the insured) complete coverage for repair or replacement of all damaged safety glass “without regard to any deductible or minimum amount.”

• New York: New York law requires insurance providers to charge a minimum deductible for physical damage. However, providers may sell window glass coverage “without a deductible.” 

• South Carolina: South Carolina waves deductibles for glass coverage if the insured has comprehensive coverage on their auto policy.

It’s important to note that although glass repair/replacement may not be subject to a deductible in your state, you’ll still have to pay your comprehensive coverage premium as usual. Additionally, some states that offer zero-dollar glass deductible require you to opt-in, which may be an additional cost.

What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Glass Repairs?

You should still replace a damaged windshield even if you don’t have collision or comprehensive coverage. Not only is it dangerous to drive with a damaged windshield, but many states also have laws against doing so. That’s because it is harder to see objects in front of you with a cracked windshield. Plus, it also increases the likelihood of your windshield shattering if another object hits it. 

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Windshield? 

The amount you pay to replace a broken windshield will depend on multiple factors. Examples of potential factors include your vehicle’s make and model and the type of glass used. On average, it can cost about $400 to replace a windshield on most car models. Suppose your windshield has a small crack or minimal damage. In that case, repairing the crack may be possible rather than replacing the entire component. By catching a chip early, you could save yourself from an expensive full windshield replacement if it worsens over time. A general rule of thumb is that you can typically repair chips smaller than a quarter. If a crack is over 3.5 inches, you’ll likely have to get a new windshield.

Depending on your deductible amount, filing a claim may or may not be worth it. Generally, filing a claim is worth it if the cost to repair the damage is higher than your car insurance deductible. If repair costs are below your deductible amount, filing a claim may not be worth it.  

How Do I File a Claim for My Damaged Windshield?

It is important that you fix a cracked windshield or file a claim with your auto insurance provider right away. A small crack may not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly spread and affect a greater area. Plus, a cracked windshield is more likely to break than one without any damage. Here are the steps for filing a windshield claim: 

1. First, photograph and assess the damage to determine if you need a repair or replacement.
2. File a claim online, over the phone, or in person through your insurance company. 
3. Provide photographs and details of the damage to your claims adjuster. 
4. Choose from a list of service options your insurance company provides that can repair or replace your windshield. 

If you use your comprehensive coverage to repair your windshield, it’s unlikely that your rate will increase. However, all policies differ, so be sure to speak with your insurance agent for further details. Although your rate won’t increase by filing a comprehensive claim, you may lose access to claims-free discounts that are available through your insurer. 

Learn More About Your Coverage Options

No matter where you live, carrying sufficient car insurance will help protect you financially against car damage. Although a requirement in most states, liability insurance does not cover windshield replacement or damage to your car. In these situations, you’ll need comprehensive and collision coverage. At AIS, our specialists can help you compare quotes from our network of insurance providers to find you the best rates available. Begin your quote online or call us today at (888) 772-4247.

The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.