Home and Business Inventory FAQs

1. What is a home inventory?

   A home inventory is a precise documentation of your personal belongings, all combined in a print portfolio and cd with descriptions, pictures, video (optional) and appraisals when appropriate.

   
   

   An inventory keeps your important information and documentation in one convenient report to help you in times of grief and despair due to a catastrophic event such as a fire, hurricane, flood, tornado, theft, or with helping those left behind after the death of a loved one.

2. Why do I need a home inventory?

   Just like having home owner's insurance, car insurance, health insurance and life insurance, it is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

   The reality is we live in a fallen world and bad things happen. We do not like to think about such things. We prefer to assume that a catastrophe or a disaster will not happen to us. However, depending on wishful thinking and luck is not the best strategy.

   Being prepared in the event of a disaster or catastrophe is the best defense.

   Q: What is the first thing you would do after a major catastrophe such as a fire, flood, tornado, or theft in your home?

   A: Call your insurance company. Your insurance company is going to ask you for an inventory of your belongings.

   Ask yourself the following questions:

   • Do you have a detailed inventory?

   • Right now could you name every item in your home and the value of each item?

   • Do you think under the stress of a catastrophic event you would be able to recall each and every item and its worth?

   • How would you prove ownership of all the items lost? A home inventory is vital for both claims processing, AND determining adequate insurance coverage prior to a catastrophic event.

3. Why do I need an inventory when I have home owner's insurance?

   "It is unwise to hope for the best without preparing for the worst."

                                                -Anonymous
   

   • Do you know specifically what your policy covers in detail?
     

   • Did you select a policy that has replacement costs or cash value at the time of loss?

   • Do you know the value of all of your belongings and personal property? In the event of a catastrophy such as a fire, under the stress of the event, will you be able to recall each and every item in your home as well as the value of each?

   • Do you know without a doubt you have adequate coverage?
     

   • Could you prove to your insurance adjuster specifically what you have lost and the value of your loss?

   First and foremost you should know and understand your home owner's insurance policy. Read over it carefully and contact your insurance agent to explain to you in detail anything that you do not understand.

   
   

   Most people assume they have everything covered by purchasing an insurance policy, only to find out when they actually need it, it does not cover what they assumed is included or are unprepared with the proof needed to maximize the claim payout. it is your responsibility to educate yourself, and look out for your best interest.

   
   

   At the time of loss, your insurance adjuster will need proof. They cannot go by your word alone. The sad reality is, insurance companies deal with fraudelent claims all the time. It would be in your best interest to be able to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt what loss occurred to be able to ensure maximum payout on your claim.

   
   

   This in turn will speed up the claims process and this is good news to all involved. The claims adjuster will be able to get your claim processed quickly and move on to the next claim. More importantly, you will be able to start over with less hassle and heartache at the time of loss.

   
   

   We have had clients that once their inventory was completed, they contacted their insurance company to find out if they had adequate coverage. They found they were actually underinsured and increased their insurance coverage. They were actually quite shocked at the total value of all that they owned.

   
   

   You may find out that you are actually overinsured and you are paying for more insurance than is needed for your personal situation. If this is the case, wouldn't you rather put that money to better use for the benefit of yourself and/or your family?

   
   

   The benefits of a home inventory will be priceless in the event of loss. The added protection and security by being prepared offers a peace of mind that cannot be calculated.

   
   

   Do not rely on hope or luck. Preparation is key. It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
   

   
   

4. What are the benefits of having a home inventory?

   • Insurance Claims - Speeds up the claims process. Simply hand them a copy of your portfolio/cd and the claims process will run more smoothly.
     

   • Insurance Coverage - Confirms you are not under insured.

   • Estate Planning - List your beneficiaries for each item. No added stress or bickering between family members.

   • Moving Out/In - Are you moving, get a moving or complete inventory before you pack and when you arrive at your new destination you can check items off the list.

   • Financial Advisors - Know your actual net worth with all assets being documented.

   • Legal Matters – Getting ready to go through a divorce? Divide your assets equally.

   • Property Management / Landlords – Document conditions before a tenant moves in and condition before they get their deposit back.

5. Why hire an inventory specialist when I could do this myself?

   Having a home inventory is a must whether or not you do it yourself or hire a professional.

   
   

   We have found that many people truly desire to have a home inventory, yet never get around to doing it, or attempt to do it themselves only to be overwhelmed and give up.

   
   

   By hiring an inventory specialist as a third party service provider, it offers more validity to your home and/or business inventory and helps prove your claim is accurate and not fraudulent.

   
   

   We believe in the importance of having your own home inventory. Should you want to take this on yourself, sign up for our newsletter here, and receive a free home inventory checklist to help you get started.

   
   

Scheduling a HSHI Speaking Engagement FAQs

1. Is there a fee for scheduling a speaking engagement?

   We do not charge for group presentations or speaking engagements. This service is free of charge, a way for us to give back to the community and educate others in safety and security issues.
   

2. What types of groups or organizations can schedule a speaking engagement?

   The short answer is any group or organization that involves people! Safety and security issues effect everyone, not just a select group of individuals.

   Groups and organizations include but not limited to:

   • Community watch groups
   • Church groups
   • Homeschool groups
   • Parenting groups
   • Senior citizen groups
   • Caregiver support groups
   • Insurance agencies
   • Real Estate Agencies
     
   • Business networking groups
     

3. What topics are covered in a presentation?

   Topics include but are not limited to:

   • Disaster and emergency preparedness
   • Emergency action plan
     
   • The importance of having a security alarm system
     
   • The importance of alarm monitoring (burglar/fire/medical)
   • The importance of being prepared with an inventory
   • Value and benefit of participating in a community watch program
   • Personal safety
     
   • Fire safety
   • First aid
   • Food safety
     
   • Baby, child and teen safety
   • Seasonal safety
   • Water safety
   • Senior Safety
     

HSHI Website and Advertising FAQs

1. I'm overwhelmed by the abundance of information. Is there an easier way to navigate the site?

   Yes. View our sitemap here and quickly find the information you need. The sitemap has all the information on our site organized in a simple and easy to navigate format.
   

2. How do I report a dead link or a typo?

   Please contact us via our contact page or email us at info@homesafehomeinventory.com.
   

3. Do you accept product review pitches or affiliate marketing via HSHI?

   This is a PR and Affiliate friendly website/blog.

   We will gladly consider pitches including the following but not limited to:

   • Home safety and security
   • Disaster preparedness
   • Fire safety
   • Personal safety
   • Child safety
   • Senior safety
   • Online safety
   • Seasonal safety
   • First aid
   • Food safety

   We will gladly publish product and service reviews for local businesses in Fayetteville, NC and surrounding counties.

   Please keep in mind:

   • We do not welcome pitches for any get rich quick schemes or "business opportunities".

   • We do not welcome any pitches that are not family friendly or those that are in direct conflict with beliefs of the Christian faith.

   • We do not welcome standard pitches that do not offer a personal approach. We like to know there is a caring human being behind the proposal. True personal connection and support is something we value.

   Submit your pitch information or affiliate opportunity to info@homesafehomeinventory.com, and please include all of the following:

   1. Your Full Name:

   2. Company Name:

   3. Company URL:

   4. Detailed pitch information:

4. Where can I find out more about advertising with HSHI?

   Please visit our advertising page here.
   

5. Why should I advertise with HSHI?

   • Steve Rogers, owner HSHI, has extensive experience in business networking within the Fayetteville, NC area. His wife Jennifer, Co-Owner and Director of Online Marketing and Social Media, owned and operated a successful online advertising and marketing organization for women, with over 1500 members nationwide. Her experience in using social media as a networking, advertising and marketing medium is extensive. She followed the Lord's lead and closed down her organization to partner with her husband as his helpmate with HSHI. There combined experience and dedication to help others take their businesses to the next level are unmatched.
     

   • Affordable advertising. In our current economy usually the first thing to go when having to cut back is the advertising budget. Businesses that continue to advertise during tough times are able to brand there business more effectively as there is not as much competition among businesses able to advertise. Our advertising options are more affordable than most avenues of advertising because we have a heart to serve others and to help others take their own businesses to the next level. Our options are so affordable that even in our current economy businesses, both large and small, are able to afford to advertise.

   • We offer both off line and online affordable advertising options.
     

   • We're neighbors and natives. We not only work here, we live and worship here. We are permanent members of your community. We care about you, your business and our community.

   For more information on advertising with HSHI, click here.