As temperatures drop, the risk to your home rises. Winter storms, fires, and burst pipes create unexpected damage every year. While insurance may help cover repairs, many homeowners still struggle to get paid in full. Why? Because they didn’t document what they had, before the damage occurred.
Here are five essential things to document before the weather turns, so you’re prepared no matter what the season brings.
1. The Contents of Each Room
Go beyond photos and spreadsheets. AVI’s 3D HomeScan creates a complete, timestamped video walkthrough of every room in your home. This scan becomes a visual inventory you can use to validate any claim.
2. High-Value Assets
Items like artwork, designer furniture, collectibles, and antiques often exceed coverage limits. Without a certified appraisal, insurance companies may underpay or exclude these items.
AVI offers optional, insurance-approved appraisals for specific assets tagged in your scan. These reports meet legal and policy documentation standards.
3. Rare or Hard-to-Replace Items
Monetary value isn’t always obvious. Some of the most challenging claims are associated with items that are rare, custom-made, or no longer manufactured. These pieces may not seem high-end at first glance, but replacing them would be costly or impossible without documentation.
Examples include:
- Custom furnishings
- Limited-edition collectibles
- Vintage electronics or instruments
- Imported décor or textiles
4. Property Architecture and Features
Winter can cause structural damage from snow load, frozen gutters, or tree limbs. AVI’s 3D HomeScan also captures architectural features, inside and out, weather permitting. This helps insurers understand the full scope of any future claim.
5. Sentimental Items That Carry Financial Value
Many families own heirlooms or keepsakes that are both sentimental and valuable. Documenting them ensures their worth is recognized and preserved, in case a claim ever becomes necessary.
Get Ahead of Winter, Not Behind It
Damage from winter weather is often sudden and severe. With AVI, documentation is fast, accurate, and affordable. Whether you are insuring your home or preparing your estate, now is the time to act.
Get your Instant 3D HomeScan Estimate and schedule your scan today!