May is
Wildfire Awareness Month in Nevada and the Nevada Division of Insurance (NDOI)
encourages everyone to take this time to do a “checkup” on their homeowner
policy.
The theme is a call to action: Improve your Odds-Prepare for Wildfire. This
year is especially important to bring awareness to this issue, as Nevada is
currently facing its fourth year in drought, increasing the odds for wildfires
in the region. While reducing the fuel will reduce the risk of fire to your
home, it is also important to protect your home with adequate insurance.
“It is important to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure
your home is protected in case of an event like wildfires damaging your homes,”
said Commissioner Scott J. Kipper.
The Nevada Division of Insurance
recommends that you conduct a checkup that includes completing a home inventory
and reviewing the provisions of your homeowner’s policy. This inventory and review will ensure appropriate and adequate
coverage is in place to protect your home and belongings.
The first step-
is to make a home inventory. Document all of your belongings, and be sure to
include home improvement items, electronics and other specialty items like
jewelry. It is helpful to take photos or make a video of all your belongings and
set up a file to store receipts for purchased items.
The Division has resources available on its website to help
homeowners and renters, such as “Insure U” by the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This includes a home inventory checklist for
download, as well as a free myHOME Scr.APP.book app for iPhone and Android. The
app guides the user through making an inventory, and storing it electronically
for safekeeping.
Before calling-
your insurance agent or insurance company read your insurance policy and
declarations page which shows your coverage levels. When you call, ask for an
“annual policy review.” During the review disclose the contents of your home
inventory, and ask if the current insurance coverage is adequate.
Other questions to ask during your policy review:
- Have any changes been made to the coverage levels since
the last renewal; if so, by whom and why?
- Is the coverage for replacement cost or actual cash value?
Replacement cost is the amount it would take to repair or replace your home or
possessions. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace
damage to your home or possessions after deducting for depreciation.
- Some valuables require special coverage. Tell your agent
about any big ticket items such as electronics, jewelry, fine art or off
highway vehicles and ask if you need special coverage.
Be aware- your
home insurance does not pay for any damage to your car even if it is parked in
your garage when it sustains damage. Damage to your car will only be covered by
the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy.
If you are a renter-
and you do have renters insurance, you should also conduct a home inventory and
policy review.
However, if you don’t have renters insurance you should
consider purchasing it. Your landlord's insurance will generally protect the
structure but not your belongings. Renters insurance is inexpensive and
typically protects your possessions from all the perils that traditional home
insurance would.
Wild fire awareness month is a time to recognize the
wildfire threat and to promote action with events taking place throughout
Nevada. The week will kick off May 1 at Eureka Fire House in Eureka, Nevada.
For a full list of scheduled events throughout Nevada visit
http://www.livingwithfire.info/wildfire-awareness-month.
Insurance can be confusing. To help consumers better
understand their coverage, the Nevada Division of Insurance has written three
guides regarding home insurance to assist consumers: the Nevada Consumer’s
Guide to Home Insurance, Nevada Consumer’s Guide to Flood Insurance and the
Nevada Consumer’s Guide to Earthquake Insurance. These guides can be found
online at doi.nv.gov/consumer.aspx.
About the Nevada
Division of Insurance
The State of Nevada Division of Insurance is a division of
the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. It is the state agency that
protects the rights of Nevada consumers and regulates Nevada’s $11.9 billion
insurance industry. It has offices in Carson City and Las Vegas. In 2014, the
Division investigated more than 2,800 consumer
complaints and recovered nearly $4 million on behalf of consumers. For more
information about the Division of Insurance, visit DOI.NV.GOV or Download the
Division’s smartphone app NDOI Connect today in the Apple App Store and Google
Play.
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