In an effort to make cataloging your valuables easier, Safeco created an app for iPhones and iPads that takes the guessing out of creating a home inventory. Simply take photos, scan bar codes, and log information in the easy-to-use app, and you’re done.
A comprehensive home inventory is critical for home owners and unit renters, because it gives your insurance agent a good starting place when working your claim on any disaster or theft. Take, for instance, the case of a home fire – you and your agent would already have a list of things to be replaced and their value saving time, frustration, and confusion in an already stressful situation. Surprisingly, people undervalue their personal property, and it is easy to miss things when disaster strikes, so having pictures and a list takes any guesswork out of creating your personal property claim.
While Safeco’s app is currently only available in the iTunes store, they are working to expand it to other platforms, and we will update this article when that happens. For iPhone users, the app could not be simpler to use – you choose which room or category you are cataloguing; take pictures of the items; record the value (many can be looked up in their extensive gallery); and save the log to their cloud storage or as an easily accessible PDF. Safeco will keep your cloud data safe in case the iPhone or iPad is lost or damaged.
When you enter the app, you can choose which room you want to log, or sort items by category (like electronics, jewelry, and appliances).
You can add items after selecting a room, or by using the ‘add item’ and selecting the room or category later. As you can see, if the item has a barcode, Safeco will automatically add the item details and estimated value for you.
You also have the option to add the receipt to the information, in case there would be any dispute to the value when making your claim:
When you finish logging the item, it will appear in the “My Stuff” tab, so you can browse what you have already inventoried.
After everything is logged, you have the choice to export your data in a variety of ways and backing up the data to Safeco’s cloud management service.
It is always advisable to have a home inventory of your personal belongings, if you don’t already, and Safeco’s app makes it easier than ever. Take advantage of this free program before you find yourself scrambling for information after a problem.
As always, give us a call and we can talk coverage for all of your personal property.
