David Colmans	- Download MP3-

The Georgia Insurance Information Service reports that homeowner’s insurance claims in the U.S. topped $3.35 billion during the first quarter of 2008.

Claims totaling more than $610 million were filed in Georgia, while $535 million were filed in Tennessee.

That’s why David J. Colmans, executive director of the Georgia Insurance Information Service, recommends using the free home inventory program offered on his organization’s Web site.

“This is an extremely important thing that is too often overlooked,” Mr. Colmans said. “God forbid, if anything happens you have a way to document to the insurance adjuster what you had.”

Anyone, regardless of whether you live in Georgia, Tennessee or anywhere else, may download the free program to their computer and input descriptions, value estimates and even pictures of the items to ease the process of filing an insurance claim should they lose their home to fire, tornado or other natural disaster.

Clint Adam, an Allstate insurance agent with Adam & Associates in Hixson, knows firsthand the importance of keeping an updated inventory of your home and office. He lost both in Hurricane Katrina when he was located in Gulfport, Miss.

“I think that is one of the most important things someone can do,” he said.

Mr. Adam said a home inventory is more important for older people, who have likely collected more items during their lives.

“Baby boomers are a big part of our business, and we want to let them know that we have their best interest at heart,” he said. “It is impossible for someone in their 50s or 60s to remember everything that they have.”

Allstate offers a home inventory guide and Mr. Adam suggests that clients put pictures of their items on a disc and send them to his office, where they will be kept in a fire-proof safe. He also said they should update it every couple of years.

Vickie Trice, director of Consumer Insurance Services with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, said her department does not offer a home inventory program, but one would make filing a claim easier.

“The (Department of Commerce and Insurance) does recommend a detailed home inventory, and there are several agencies in Tennessee that offer this service for a fee,” she said.

Mr. Colmans said he recommends printing out a copy of the inventory and keeping it somewhere other than at house so it is not lost should there be a disaster. The inventory also can be e-mailed to another location,” he said.

“This is the easiest way possible to settle with your insurance company and at a fair price,” Mr. Colmans said.