CL Butcher Insurance BlogView CL Butcher Insurance's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@2e298368-b210-4a65-9885-27be5e48233c.insurancewebsitebuilder.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:1f577765-28c9-4c52-8150-6e7ca8ea6fc7urn:uuid:3e14e1dd-8b8b-46ab-8e95-61e0f07eeb04the_importance_of_uninsured_motorist_coverage.aspxThe Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage<img src='' align='left' /> Car accidents are never fun, in fact, they can be a huge headache. Just imagine... you’re on your way to the lake, the park, out to eat, or perhaps somewhere like work or home, and all of a sudden BAM! Either because of your own fault or someo...Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:31:49 -0700<div class="entry entry-content">
<p>Car accidents are never fun, in fact, they can be a huge headache. Just imagine... you’re on your way to the lake, the park, out to eat, or perhaps somewhere like work or home, and all of a sudden BAM! Either because of your own fault or someone else’s, your day just got interrupted.</p>
<p>It’s safe to say that the situation is more frustrating when the accident is the fault of the other driver. Because, of course, you were doing what you were supposed to be doing and since someone else wasn’t you are now being inconvenienced. But, you try to stay positive. This is what you have insurance for, right? As you start to calm yourself down, you hear the other driver say, <strong>“I don’t have insurance.”</strong></p>
<p>Yes, something that once was considering driving no-no is now becoming more and more common. With the rate of unemployment and the troubled economy more people are driving uninsured. A recent study concluded that each time the unemployment rate goes up 1 percent, the <a href="" target="_blank">number of uninsured motorists also increases by an estimated 1 percent.</a> In Tennessee, it is estimated that <a href="" target="_blank">1 in 5 drivers</a> are uninsured or underinsured! <br />
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<img style="margin: 10px; vertical-align: middle;" alt="Uninsured Motorist - Tennessee" src="/img/~www.clbutcher.com/Uninsured%20Motorist%20in%20Tennessee.jpg" /></p>
<p><a href=""></a></p>
<p>So if you ever looked at your policy and thought — <em>“Uninsured motorist coverage? Why would I need that, insurance is required and I don't want to be responsible for someone else? What a waste of money!” </em>Hopefully you now see the light. Clearly, there are ways of getting around the required proof of insurance protocol. And the Uninsured Motorist coverage is what can help you sleep at night when there are so many irresponsible people out there! <br />
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An important thing to know about <strong>underinsured </strong>is that the other driver does carry insurance; they are just carrying less insurance that you have. For example, they might be carrying the <strong>state minimums of 25,000/50,000</strong>, so by you carrying higher limits of Uninsured Motorist, you are better protected from the difference!<br />
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<a href="/default.aspx"><strong>CL Butcher Insurance Agency </strong></a>has two dedicated agents who can answer all of your insurance questions and concerns. Not only that, we’re the best at saving you money! Our agents will shop your policy through a supermarket of insurance carriers in order to find you the best coverage for the best price.<br />
For questions or a quote <strong><a href="/locations.aspx"><strong>stop by our office</strong></a>, <a href="" target="_blank">visit our website</a>,</strong> or give us a call at <strong>(865) 689-5482</strong></p>
</div>Claim Prevention, Auto Insurance, Tips, Mythsurn:uuid:bb10efb2-3821-4936-8b09-6b3e0637f1c0do_you_have_an_emergency_kit.aspxDo You Have An Emergency Kit?<img src='' align='left' /> Let’s face it; there is always a possibility of an emergency. Whether it is a fire, earthquake or some other natural disaster it is important to be prepared and have an emergency kit. At CL Butcher, we want you and your family to be...Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:17:06 -0700<img style="margin: 20px; float: left;" alt="Emergency Kit" src="" /><br />
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Let’s face it; there is always a possibility of an emergency. Whether it is a fire, earthquake or some other natural disaster it is important to be prepared and have an emergency kit. At CL Butcher, we want you and your family to be as prepared as possible!
<p>When disaster hits, you will most likely not have access to services such as electricity, gas and water. Relief workers and aid will be on the scene immediately after a disaster; however they can’t get to everyone right away. This means you could go hours or even days without help.</p>
<p>According to FEMA you should have an emergency kit for your home, work and car as you do not know exactly where you will be when disaster strikes. They recommend you plan for at least 3 days; however it’s always a good idea to be over prepared.<br />
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FEMA’s recommends you include the following in your basic disaster kit:</p>
<ul>
<li>Three-day supply of non-perishable food</li>
<li>Three-day supply of water – one gallon of water per person, per day</li>
<li>Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries</li>
<li>Flashlight and extra batteries</li>
<li>First aid kit and manual</li>
<li>Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)</li>
<li>Matches and waterproof container</li>
<li>Whistle</li>
<li>Extra clothing</li>
<li>Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener</li>
<li>Photocopies of credit and identification cards</li>
<li>Cash and coins</li>
<li>Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries</li>
<li>Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers</li>
<li>Other items to meet your unique family needs</li>
</ul>
<p>If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Jacket or coat</li>
<li>Long pants</li>
<li>Long sleeve shirt</li>
<li>Sturdy shoes</li>
<li>Hat, mittens, and scarf</li>
<li>Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)</li>
</ul>
<div>You can find more detailed information on the FEMA website by clicking <a href="" target="_blank" jQuery16109833668080272414="7">here.</a></div>
<p>Have you ever thought about putting together an emergency kit? Do you currently have one?</p>Inventory, Tipsurn:uuid:b89c63d0-0985-4caa-8b72-0f08df7e4839tips_for_teen_drivers_and_their_parents.aspxTips For Teen Drivers And Their Parents<img src='' align='left' />At CL Butcher, we understand that when you child turns 16 there are a multitude of thoughts that go through your mind. We want to make the process as simple as possible for you, so you can focus on more important matters! According to the GMAC Natio...Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:11:16 -0700<p style="line-height: 12.75pt;"><img style="margin: 40px 20px 20px; width: 319px; float: right; height: 187px;" alt="Teenage Driving" src="/img/~www.clbutcher.com/teen%20driver.bmp" />At CL Butcher, we understand that when you child turns 16 there are a multitude of thoughts that go through your mind. We want to make the process as simple as possible for you, so you can focus on more important matters!<br />
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According to the GMAC National Drivers Test, there are some restrictions that parents put on their teenage drivers that help them drive safer. </p>
<ul>
<li>Sixty-four percent of parents impose the "no mobile devices operated while driving" rule. </li>
<li>About 50% of parents implement a driving curfew. </li>
<li>About 35% of parents allow their teenagers to drive only locally and restrict them from driving on highways. </li>
<li>Thirty-two percent of parents allow their teenagers to drive only if a parent or guardian is with them. </li>
<li>Only nine percent of parents don't impost any driving restrictions on their teen drivers. </li>
</ul>
<p>Many of our companies offer great assets, like <a href="" target="_blank">Parent-Teen Driving Contracts</a>, Good Student Discounts, Driver's Education Discounts, <a href="" target="_blank">Teensurance Program with Safeco</a>, etc. </p>
It's also worth noting that the "Top Five Distracted Driving Habits" are:<br />
<ol>
<li>Using a Smartphone </li>
<li>Eating </li>
<li>Adjusting the GPS </li>
<li>Selecting Songs on an iPod or mp3 Player </li>
<li>Driving Barefoot </li>
</ol>
<p>At CL Butcher Insurance, we want to make sure you and your child are safe. And remember, you can encourage safe driving by setting a good example and following safety rules yourself.</p>Auto Insurance, Tips, Claim Prevention, Teen Drivingurn:uuid:f2ab62a4-07f8-4b1c-8d16-21974becbabfgps_and_home_security.aspxGPS and Home Security<img src='' align='left' />If you're like many people, you might have a portable GPS in your vehicle. A new trend with thieves is to break in to your vehicle, steal your GPS and your Garage Door Opener. Then if your GPS is like most, you have your Home address progr...Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:40:06 -0700<p><img style="width: 243px; margin-bottom: 20px; float: left; height: 187px; margin-right: 20px;" alt="GPS" src="/img/~www.clbutcher.com/GPS.bmp" />If you're like many people, you might have a portable GPS in your vehicle. A new trend with thieves is to break in to your vehicle, steal your GPS and your Garage Door Opener. Then if your GPS is like most, you have your Home address programed into the GPS, so the thief selects home, drives to your house, uses your garage door opener to gain access to your home, and then proceeds to steal from you.</p>
<p><a href="" rel="attachment wp-att-996"></a>What can you do to protect yourself? Make sure that you do not have your GPS on your dash/windshield when you are not in your vehicle. Lock it in your glove box, your trunk, or take it with you. If you are out of town on vacation, be sure and hide your garage door opener by either locking it in your glove box/trunk. A thief doesn’t want to spend a lot of time, so they will look for the vehicles that present the quickest and easiest opportunities. Don’t invite them to your vehicle. Keep your glove box locked so they can’t get an insurance card that has your home address & remove any papers from your vehicle that would have that kind of personal data.</p>
<p>If you happen to be a victim of this type of crime, here are the steps that I feel you should take.</p>
<ol>
<li>Call the police to notify them and ask that they drive by your house.</li>
<li>If possible, have someone go to your home and unplug your garage door opener.</li>
<li>If you have comprehensive coverage, you can report the damage to your vehicle to your insurance company. Your contents in your car would fall under your homeowner or renter policy.</li>
<li>When you get home, get a new garage door opener or change the code so your old opener does not work.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Do you have a portable GPS in your vehicle? </strong><strong>If so, is it programed with your home address? </strong></p>Home Insurance, Auto Insurance, Tips, Claim Prevention, Claim Assistanceurn:uuid:faab6c4a-b0d3-4625-b095-71e3af025524my_tree_fell_on_my_neighbors_property_my_insurance_will_cover_that_right.aspxMy tree fell on my neighbor’s property. My insurance will cover that, right?<img src='' align='left' />Unfortunately, most of the time, if your tree falls on your neighbor's property, then your insurance will not cover their damages. The reason is that, most of the time, you are not held responsible for a falling tree. So, who will pay for the dam...Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:28:21 -0700<img width="363" height="245" style="margin: 20px; width: 313px; float: left; height: 216px;" alt="CL Butcher Insurance Agency" src="" />Unfortunately, most of the time, if your tree falls on your neighbor's property, then your insurance will not cover their damages. <br />
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<p>The reason is that, most of the time, you are not held responsible for a falling tree. <br />
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<strong>So, who will pay for the damages?</strong></p>
<p>Your neighbor's homeowners' insurance will need to pay the claim and not the property owner of the tree. </p>
<p>There are situations that could turn out differently than the above. Such as, if your neighbor had warned you about a potential problem with your tree. Like, if they had told you that your tree was overhanging, dead, dying, etc. If this is the case, then you could be held liable for the damages. <br />
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One of the <a href="" target="_blank">most common causes of a "Neighbor War"</a> is a result of this unpredictable tree issue, according to Consumer Reports. <br />
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At CL Butcher, we try to encourage our customers to maintain their property to the best of their ability. If you have an issue with an overgrown or dying tree, please have this taken care of to avoid a potential claim. If you choose to do nothing, the insurance company could possibly deny your claim because of negligence. <br />
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Now if you are on the other side of the fence and you have a neighbor that has a problem tree the best thing to do is to write them a certified letter that you are concerned about their tree and you feel that it is a potential threat to you and your property, then ask them to take action. If they they choose to not take care of their property, then you have documentation that you send notice and you have a better chance of recovering the damages from their insurance company. <br />
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As always, if you have questions about this issue or any other issue relating to insurance, please <a href="/contact.aspx">contact us</a>!</p>Claim Assistance, Home Insurance, Tips, Claim Preventionurn:uuid:dd7e4c83-c945-4ab3-935f-3cc6ab3e2e18boating_season_is_almost_upon_us_are_you_ready.aspxBoating Season is Almost Upon Us, Are You Ready?<img src='' align='left' />Whether you are cleaning up your jet skis for a ride across Norris Lake, getting ready for a great season of bass fishing, or planning your summer weekends on the water, there is a great feeling knowing that winter is ending and boatin...Thu, 26 May 2011 09:21:42 -0700<p><img style="margin: 0px 20px 20px; width: 277px; float: left; height: 219px;" alt="Boat Insurance" src="/img/~www.clbutcher.com/Carriers/boating.jpg" />Whether you are cleaning up your jet skis for a ride across Norris Lake, getting ready for a great season of bass fishing, or planning your summer weekends on the water, there is a great feeling knowing that winter is ending and boating season is getting ready to hit the East Tennessee area. With all of the regular preperation and maintenance for the boat, here are a suggestions to make sure you are ready to get your boat on the water! <br />
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Refresh your memory on Boating Laws and Safety Guidelines:</strong> Make sure you are following the boating regulations for our area. This will help to make your time on the water the best possible experience. </p>
<ul>
<li> Tennessee Boating Regulations - <a href=""></a><br />
<strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Review your Watercraft Insurance Coverage:</strong> Before you take your boat out of storage, you should make sure you have the proper coverage to help keep you, your family, your friends, and your boat covered during the water fun.<br />
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At CL Butcher Insurance, we have watercraft policies that will provide coverage for sailboat insurance, jet boat insurance, pontoon boat insurance, jet ski or personal watercraft insurance. We even have yacht and house boat insurance. No matter if your boat is used for fishing, weekend getaways or just Saturday Fun Days, at CL Butcher Insurance Agency we will help keep you covered!<br />
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Be safe and enjoy your adventures on the water this summer!<br />
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<p> </p>Boat Insurance, Tipsurn:uuid:acf1ff7f-0663-4726-8301-ea02cc482df05_common_myths_with_car_insurance.aspx5 Common Myths with Car Insurance....<img src='' align='left' />Five Common Auto Insurance Myths When searching for affordable, dependable Tennessee auto insruance, it's vital that you really know the facts. Unfortunately, may drivers have fallen into the trap of some pretty crazy insurance myths. Here are...Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:48:18 -0700<p><span style="font-size: 24px;">Five Common Auto Insurance Myths<img alt="" style="float: right;" src="" /><br />
</span><br />
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When searching for affordable, dependable Tennessee auto insruance, it's vital that you really know the facts. Unfortunately, may drivers have fallen into the trap of some pretty crazy insurance myths. Here are a few of our favorites....<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">1. “No-fault accident means it’s not my fault”<br />
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<em>A “no-fault” accident means that there was no one charged as guilty or innocent. Your insurance company will typically still pay for medical expenses and lost wages for injuries due to a car accident. It allows for faster payment for immediate medical needs while the respective insurance agencies, for the parties involved, determine amongst themselves which company will pay for the accident. </em></p>
<p ><span style="font-size: 16px;">2. Don't Buy a RED car or your car insurance will be too expensive!<br />
</span><br />
<em>The color of your car does not impact your car insurance rates. Some factors about the car that do affect the rate: year, make, model, body type, and engine size. Other factors on the rate of car insurance could be how much it would cost to repair or replace the vehicle. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">3. If I lend my car to a friend and they are in an accident their insurance will cover it. </span></p>
<p><em>Sorry, if it’s your car then it’s your responsibility. And guess what, even if you weren't there during the accident, it could go on your claim record and your premium could go up! So, be careful who you allow to drive your vehicle! <br />
**Disclaimer: Typically in the state of Tennessee this is accurate, however check your policy jacket to be sure***<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">4. My credit score has no affect on my insurance rates.</span></p>
<p><em>Your credit score really does matter! Most insurance companies use your credit score for rating when you purchase, change or even when you renew your policies. Some other factors you may not think of: marital status, where you live, and, of course, your driving record.</em></p>
<p ><span style="font-size: 16px;">5. I only need the bare minimum for car insurance coverage.</span></p>
<p><em>All states have minimum limits legally required. But many of the required limits are not enough to cover all of your costs in an accident. If you cause an accident that results in a lawsuit and your limits don’t cover all of the damages you are responsible for the costs. Even if that means garnishing your wages or future wages. </em></p>
<p>Don’t allow yourself to walk around misinformed, it’s crucial that you completely understand what your auto policy does and does not cover.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 16px;">Have further questions about <strong>Tennessee Auto Insurance</strong>? Interested in a </span><a href="" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;">free auto quote </span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;">or complete evaluation of your current coverage? </span><a href=""><span style="font-size: 16px;">Contact CL Butcher Insurance Agency</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;">…we’d be happy to help!</span></p>
<br />Auto Insurance, Tips, Claim Prevention, Mythsurn:uuid:d6c99d55-161f-4e2d-aae1-b3c00bf4dbactips_for_spring_allergy_time.aspxTips for Spring Allergy time!Summer is almost here, but so many people are in the war against spring allergies. Experts are now saying that this allergy season may last two weeks longer this year! Have you ever been visiting a friend and noticed that your allergies got better?&...Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:29:46 -0700Summer is almost here, but so many people are in the war against spring allergies. Experts are now saying that this allergy season may last two weeks longer this year!<br />
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Have you ever been visiting a friend and noticed that your allergies got better? Well, each city has its own allergy level. And little did we know that our very own Knoxville, TN is the worst city in the U.S. for allergies! <br />
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Below are the Top Ten Worst Cities for Allergies in the U.S., according to www.WebMD.com.<br />
<img id="il_fi" style="padding-bottom: 8px; margin: 20px 20px 10px; width: 276px; padding-right: 8px; float: right; height: 205px; padding-top: 8px;" alt="Knoxville Allergy" src="" /><br />
<ol>
<li>Knoxville, Tennessee </li>
<li>Louisville, Kentucky </li>
<li>Charlotte, North Carolina </li>
<li>Jackson, Mississippi </li>
<li>Chattanooga, Tennessee </li>
<li>Birmingham, Alabama </li>
<li>Dayton, Ohio </li>
<li>Richmond, Virginia </li>
<li>McAllen, Texas </li>
<li>Madison, Wisconsin </li>
</ol>
<p>Here are some tips for winning the war against your allergies this year.</p>
<li>During high pollen seasons, try to keep the windows closed and rely on your air conditioner, especially if it also has a HEPA filter. Only open your windows when the sun goes down and the pollen count is lower. </li>
<li>Encasing your mattress and box spring is dust-mite proof covers will help with year-round allergies. Make sure to wash your bedding once a week to help get rid of the allergens trapped in the fibers. </li>
<li>Another way to help with yearlong allergies is changing your flooring. Carpet harbors all of the kinds of allergens that can set off your allergies or keep them there. It’s ideal to have a hard floor surface making it easy to dust and clean. If hardwood, linoleum or tile, are not options, make sure to get a HEPA filter for your vacuum and vacuum regularly. Also, shampooing the carpet will help and you should try to do that regularly as well.
<p>Are there any Knoxvillians who have won in the battle against allergies and care to share their tips?!</p>
</li>Home Insurance, Allergies, Tipsurn:uuid:4fa01c03-8e8d-43d8-921e-c3c3d49466eagetting_ready_for_storm_season.aspxGetting Ready for Storm Season<img src='' align='left' /> One of the best insurance companies available came up with a storm guide for their customers. The phone numbers and email addresses may not work for those people who don't have Grange. But their advice is great and worth reading! Check it out... A...Wed, 13 Apr 2011 07:40:16 -0700<p style="text-align: left;"><img style="width: 239px; float: right; height: 179px;" alt="Storm" src="" /><br />
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One of the best insurance companies available came up with a storm guide for their customers. The phone numbers and email addresses may not work for those people who don't have Grange. But their advice is great and worth reading! <br />
Check it out... And <a href="/contact.aspx">contact us</a> if you have any questions! <br />
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<a href="" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: garamond; font-size: 24px;"><strong>Grange Storm Guide</strong></span></a></p>Home Insurance, Auto Insurance, Claim Prevention, Claim Assistanceurn:uuid:8693a13b-5c54-4da9-8ccd-d42918dd61d8spring_cleaning_is_the_perfect_time_to_do_a_home_inventory.aspxSpring Cleaning is the perfect time to do a home inventory<img src='' align='left' /> It feels like we are almost to summer! But as the weather is warming up and the flowers are blooming, everyone seems to working on those outdoor projects and spring cleaning. These projects on the outside and the inside of the house make you feel b...Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:12:42 -0700<br />
<br />
<img width="309" height="211" style="width: 331px; float: left; height: 289px;" alt="Home Insurance Inventory" src="" />It feels like we are almost to summer! But as the weather is warming up and the flowers are blooming, everyone seems to working on those outdoor projects and spring cleaning. These projects on the outside and the inside of the house make you feel better and are a great opportunity to make or update you home inventory list. These lists are a great asset to have to track your belongings and figure the value of your home and your possessions. Most importantly, if there were to be an emergency that your possessions were damaged or stolen, having a home inventory list will help alleviate some of the stress of filing an insurance claim and determining what is missing. <br />
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Here are some simple home inventory basics:<br />
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o <strong>Where to keep your inventory list:</strong> Home inventory lists can be kept on computers or on an online database. If you have chosen your computer to keep your list, it's best to keep an additional copy in a waterproof/fireproof safe or at a location away from your home, such as an office or friend's house. The Insurance Information Institute offers a Great FREE <a href="" target="_blank">Inventory List </a>. <br />
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o <strong>Organize inventory based on rooms: </strong>Keep lists for all groups of rooms, such as: kitchen, bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms. By keeping them organized in that way, it will keep the lists easier to reconcile and update if items are sold or added. <br />
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o <strong>Photos:</strong> The easiest and often the most useful tool is to take clear concise pictures of each room. Be sure you take the photos from various angles capturing the valuable items in the room. If needed, open cabinets and closets!<br />
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o <strong>Include appraisals, receipts and values for any large items:</strong> Appraisals, receipts and valuations kept on larger items are especially important if the item is listed on an endorsement on your insurance policy. Large items such as jewelry or valuable collections may require additional coverage on your homeowners policy and many companies will require an appraisal and photos be included with the policy information.Home Insurance, Claim Prevention, Inventoryurn:uuid:806d5975-7617-48d8-8a28-59e8563e591bare_you_prepared_for_flooding.aspxAre You Prepared for Flooding? We all know that the Spring 2011 season has been a little unpredictable so far. Are you prepared for flooding? Call CL Butcher Insurance for your flooding needs or get a Free Flood Quote Now! Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:33:49 -0700<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br />
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We all know that the Spring 2011 season has been a little unpredictable so far. Are you prepared for flooding? Call </span><a href="/contact.aspx"><span style="font-size: 16px;">CL Butcher Insurance</span></a><span style="font-size: 16px;"> for your flooding needs or get a Free <a href="/flood/insurance_quote.aspx"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Flood Quote</span> </a>Now!<br />
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