Tips on Protecting Your Valuables

Inform your insurer.
Contact your insurance agent to find out the best way to provide them with information about your valuables.

Use a fireproof safe.
Storing your valuables in a fireproof safe protects them against more than just fire. It also shields them from such hazards as dust, magnetic fields, unauthorized access or theft, and damage from accidents.

Mark your valuables.
Using an electric engraving pen, inscribe your name or identifying numbers on items of value. They will be less likely to be taken since marked property is difficult for thieves to sell. Moreover, in the event that a thief is caught with your valuables, they can be easily traced—and returned—to you. Check with your local police for more information on engraving.

Take photographs.
Take digital pictures of your valuable items such as jewelry, silverware and other collections. You can store the images on a memory card, CD or DVD, which you should then place somewhere secure, like a safe deposit box at your bank.

Make a detailed list.
After you have marked and/or photographed all your valuables, make a detailed list of those items and their value and keep it in a safe place. When new items are acquired, add them to your list. As other valuables are sold or discarded, cross them off the list.

Update your policy.
Each time you add any item of value to your personal collection, it is important that you contact your insurance agent to let them know. Likewise, whenever you remove a valuable from your collection, you should notify your insurance agent. Any changes in your collection may affect your insurance coverage.