HOUSEHOLD

and

Personal Property

Inventory

Book

Circular 1346

This publication was prepared by Holly Hunts, Extension specialist, consumer and family economics, and Brenda Cude, Extension specialist, consumer and family economics, Division of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Authors and publishers have granted permission for copies of this work or parts of this work to be reproduced, provided that (1) copies are distributed at or below the cost of reproduction; (2) the author, the publication, and the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the relevant division within the College are identified; and (3) proper notice of copyright is affixed to each copy.

Copyright © 1997 by University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

 

 

Here’s another great resource for putting crucial information where you need it–When you need it.

 

 

    HOUSEHOLD

And

Personal Property

Inventory

          Book

  

   In your mind’s eye, picture your bedroom. Now imagine that a fire has destroyed everything in it. How many of your possessions could you name and describe accurately when the insurance adjuster asked for a list? 

   No one likes to think about experiencing a household disaster, but taking stock of the items you own is wise protection. Should you face a theft, fire, flood, earthquake, tornado, or other natural disaster, having a complete and accurate accounting of your household furnishings and personal possessions will be quite useful in settling insurance claims and documenting losses for tax purposes. 

   Household inventories are important in other circumstances, too.  By listing the items you own, the dates you bought them, and their original prices or monetary values, you will create an inventory that can help you:

 

 

What’s a Net Worth Statement?

  A net worth statement gives a picture of a person’s or family’s financial well-being. The statement lists all assets (items owned plus savings and investments) and all liabilities (debts). A net worth statement is an important step in determining appropriate financial goals, both short-range and long-term. A household inventory contributes to the net worth statement as a tool for evaluating personal assets.

 

Other Reasons for Having an Inventory

  Few newlyweds actively prepare for a divorce, but divorce has become a fact of life for many. A household inventory can be created before a marriage and used as part of a prenuptial agreement, or it can be compiled later and used in the legal settlement process. An inventory can also be useful when an estate is being settled after someone’s death. Accurate records of the worth of items make equitable distribution more feasible.

 

Homeowners Insurance

  Most homeowners insurance policies cover two independent aspects of coverage: property protection and liability protection. Property protection pays for actual damage to a home or other structures (like a free-standing garage or storage area), damage to personal property, and costs associated with the loss of a home (such as increased food or lodging expenses if you cannot live in your house).  Liability protection pays when you are legally responsible for another person’s bodily injury or property damage.

   When you talk to a homeowners insurance agent, you will be given a choice of policies, from very basic to deluxe. The more “deluxe” a policy, the more protection it provides (and the more it costs). For example, a very basic policy may not protect you if your pipes freeze and burst in the winter. A more expensive, deluxe policy would probably cover these occurrences.  Sometimes a deluxe policy is called an “all-risk” policy, but this does not mean that it protects you in every case of damage. It means that you are protected from all risks except those specifically excluded.  In Illinois, some of a homeowner’s most pertinent risks are excluded from all-risk policies, including flooding, sewage back-up, earth- quakes, and mine subsidence. Ask your insurance agent exactly what is covered and  to explain the details of special policies, or “endorsements,” to cover risks that are not covered.

   Renters insurance (for consumers who rent rather than own their living quarters) is a form of homeowners insurance; it too has both property and liability coveages. Homeowners with mortgages are generally required to own insurance, but renters are not.

  Some renters believe that the landlord’s insurance will cover their personal property in case of a loss. It does not! The landlord’s insurance is for the structure only,  not the personal belongings inside.  Only about one in four renters protects himself with renters insurance.

   All renters, however, need to consider the financial loss they will face without insurance in the event of a theft, fire, or other disaster, or if their negligence causes bodily injury to another person or damage to another person’s property.

 

How Much Insurance Do I Need?

Most homeowners insurance policies automatically cover personal property for up to 50 percent of the coverage on the home. For example, if your homeowners policy has $80,000 worth of coverage for your building, you automatically have an additional $40,000 to cover the cost of replacing your personal property. Will your coverage be enough to actually replace your damaged possessions with new ones?  Without a complete household inventory, it is nearly impossible to know. Your inventory lets you sum up the value of all your household goods and helps you make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for them.

 

Text Box: How to Make Your Inventory - Making a list of all your belongings may seem a monumental task, which is what keeps many people from ever getting started. But it need not be overwhelming. The tips here can make the job more manageable: - Inventory one room at a time. List every item in the room, its purchase price, the date of purchase (as close as you can remember), and where you purchased it (if you don’t have an actual record of the purchase, the store might). Use any accounts of your expenditures on file (old checks, receipts, or similar records) to help refresh your memory. If the item isn’t on that room’s list, either write it in at the bottom or look through the other pages in the inventory until you find it. - Use the forms provided in this publication as reminders of your belongings. Add any items not listed. Use the special inventory section (which begins on page 32) to individually describe items you merely counted in your room-by-room inventory. When there’s space in the special inventory section for more details, the item is marked by an asterisk followed by the page number. You should also use the special inventory section to keep records for objects that may require special insurance (see page 4). - Use a camera or video camera to record what you own. Photograph your home systematically: Start with one wall of a room and take as many pictures as necessary to record everything along that wall, overlapping slightly. Move around the room clockwise. Remember to open closets and drawers and photograph what’s inside. Record the purchase prices and purchase dates of the items on the back of each photograph or on the forms in this book. - List all brand names, model numbers, and serial numbers for items that have them to help verify purchase dates and approximate replacement costs. - If you use a personal computer, you might want to investigate the various software packages on the market for compiling a household inventory. As you’re doing your inventory, think about items you own that may be in a temporary residence (like a college dormitory) or in your vehicle. Do include these items in your inventory list — they are covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Your personal property is covered anywhere in the world under your normal policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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So What Are My Goods Worth?

  You need to be familiar with several important insurance terms when calculating the value of your household items. In the inventory worksheets (starting on page 6), there are three columns related to price: original cost,  replacement cost, and actual cash value. 

  Let’s look at an example to help bring the three terms to life:

  Say you bought a new sofa four years ago for $1,000. Its expected life is 10 years. This year you had a fire, and the sofa was destroyed. The depreciation is how long you had the item (4 years) compared to its expected life (10 years): 4 years divided by 10 years is .4, or 40% depreciation. A new sofa now costs $1,200, so 40% depreciation is $480 (depreciation is calculated as a percentage of the replacement cost, not the purchase price).

  So in this example:

  A term that can cause confusion is market value, which is really a real estate term and not an insurance term at all. If the term market value does come up, it is likely to be used as the “garage-sale value” or the original cost minus the amount of depreciation, which for the sofa would yield $600 ($1,000 minus $400).

  Market value, however, is not included on the inventory worksheets because you cannot purchase insurance for market value of personal property. Most insurance companies let you insure your property either for its replacement cost or for its actual cash value. It is more expensive to insure property for its replacement cost, but in the event of a loss you will have enough coverage to replace all of the items that you owned.

 

 

 

Text Box: Special Items = Special Insurance Some categories of belongings require that owners purchase extra insurance (sometimes called an “endorsement”) to protect them. For example, antiques, silver, collections (such as baseball card collections), personal computers, jewelry, furs, art, and guns may require special endorsements to cover their full value. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about your policy’s limits for these items and purchase additional coverage if necessary. Instead of merely listing the items in your household inventory, you may want to have them appraised and attach their appraised values to the inventory. Special Risks = Special Insurance A common disaster in the U.S. is flooding. Did you know that your homeowners policy probably does not cover flood damage? Coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program to residents living in “participating communities.” If you are concerned about flood coverage in your area, call the National Flood Insurance Program (800-638-6620) or your insurance agent. Earthquake insurance is readily available in most areas. It can be inexpensive — or quite costly — depending on the level of risk you are exposed to. Talk to your insurance agent about this important coverage. Where there is or was mining, there can be mine subsidence (when surface earth collapses over a mine shaft). In some states, mine subsidence insurance is mandatory. Discuss the risk with your agent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping Your Inventory Safe

Once you have completed your inventory, keep it, receipts, and any photos or videos you have produced in a safe place outside of your house (so it doesn’t disappear if you face a loss!). A safe deposit box is one good spot. Make a photocopy of your inventory to keep at home so that you can update it as you buy new items. Make sure you have enough insurance to cover these new items.

 

After A Loss

Now, do these three things before you do anything else.

Don’t dispose of anything until your insurance representative gives you the okay.

 

The Claim Process

  If you have suffered a loss from theft, fire, or natural disaster, you are probably experiencing some degree of trauma. This section should help you take the necessary steps to get back on your feet.

  Contact your insurance agent first. Eventually, you may be working with a claims adjuster or other insurance representative, but your agent is your first and best link to your insurance company. If you can’t reach your insurance agent, call the insurance company directly and ask to speak to someone in the claims department. If your property is unlivable, post a forwarding phone number so your insurance company knows where to reach you.

  You will probably need to fill out a claim report (sometimes called a proof-of-loss form). Because this inventory was designed to be very similar to the claim reports used by major insurance companies, filling out these forms should be a breeze with the use of this completed book. The company representative assigned to your case may examine your damaged items and prepare a report for the company. Check the report to make sure it is accurate.

 

The Settlement

Your insurance company will probably divide your claim payments into three distinct parts:

(1)     for the dwelling structure itself,

(2)     for your personal property, and

(3)     for additional living expenses you incur because you cannot live in your home.

  You will probably need to hire a contractor to repair the damage to the house. Be sure to choose a reputable person and be wary! Con artists come out of the woodwork after a major disaster. Your State Attorney General’s office and your local Cooperative Extension office have tips on how to choose a reputable contractor.

  The settlement for your personal property will be based on either the actual cash value or the replacement cost of your lost or damaged property. If you bought replacement cost coverage, you may receive a check for the actual cash value first. As you replace the damaged property, show the insurance company representative your receipts. The company will then reimburse you for the difference between the actual cash value and the replacement cost.

  If you have additional living expense coverage as part of your policy, be sure to keep receipts of extra living costs you are incurring due to the loss of your home (for example, a hotel room). Ask your company for details on the amount they will reimburse you and where and how long you can stay.

  For an excellent source of information about insurance claim procedures, call the Illinois Department of Insurance at (217)782-4515 or (312)814-2420. Ask for their free fact sheet, When Disaster Strikes: What to Do After an Insured Homeowners Loss. Or look for the text of this fact sheet on the Department of Insurance Internet home page:

http://www.state.il.us/ins/

 

If You Are Uninsured

It’s still a good idea to fill out a household inventory list. It can help you secure grants or loans and be  helpful in claiming casualty losses on your income tax returns. There are a variety of services available to uninsured victims. So be sure to do your homework and find out what’s available to you. Clearly, though, the best way to protect yourself is by buying insurance before a disaster occurs.

References

Bauer, R.A., B. A. Trent, and P.B. DuMontelle. 1993. Mine Subsidence in Illinois: Facts for Homeowners.

Environmental Geology 144. Illinois State Geological Survey. Cham-paign, Illinois.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. 1992. FIA -2. Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Washington, D.C.

Garman, T., and R. Forgue. 1994.

Personal Finance. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Illinois Department of Insurance. 1995. When Disaster Strikes: What to Do After an Insured Homeowners Loss. Springfield, Illinois.

This inventory is an adaptation of the household inventory developed by Barbara Rowe and Holly Hunts in response to the Great Flood of 1993.

 


 

REGIONAL REFERENCES

Important Insurance Information for Illinois and other midwestern states

 

Illinois

Floods. In the 20 years between 1969 and 1995, Illinois had 23 presidentially declared disasters! One of the most common disasters in Illinois is flooding. During this time, 72 of the 102 counties experienced major flooding. For this reason, it is wise to discuss flood insurance with your insurance agent.

The National Flood Insurance Program makes coverage available to residents living in “participating communities.” If you are concerned about flood coverage in your area, call the Illinois number for the National Flood Insurance Program (217-782-3862), the National Flood Insurance Program (800-638-6620), or the Illinois Department of Insurance (217-782-4515). Or call your insurance agent.

Earthquakes. Earthquake insurance is readily available in most areas of Illinois. You have probably heard of the renowned New Madrid seismic zone in southern Illinois. You may not be aware, though, that the state has several other earthquake faults.

Mine subsidence. Illinois leads the nation in coal production. An unfortunate result is a correspondingly high prevalence of mine subsidence, which occurs when surface earth collapses over a mine shaft. In fact, an estimated 320,000 housing units in the state are built over or adjacent to underground mines. The Mine Subsidence Insurance Act, passed in Illinois in 1979, provides subsidence insurance for homeowners. Your insurance agent should be able to answer any questions you have about your need for such insurance, but you may also contact the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund. For general information about the prevalence and risk of mine subsidence in Illinois, call or write:

Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund (800-433-6743)

Two Prudential Plaza

180 N. Stetson Ave., Suite 1410 Chicago, IL 60601-6710

Illinois Department of Insurance (312)814-2420

James R. Thompson Building, Suite 15-100 100 W. Randolph Chicago, IL 60601

or

Illinois Department of Insurance

(217)782-4515

320 W. Washington

Springfield, IL 62767

The Illinois Department of Insurance is the state government agency regulating insurance companies and agencies licensed to do business in Illinois. The department enforces Illinois insurance laws and regulations and protects Illinois citizens by educating them about insurance, investigating their problems, overseeing the market conduct of insurance companies and agents, and monitoring the financial stability of insurance companies.

 

 

State Associations

 

Illinois Insurance Information Service

(217)789-1010

217 E. Monroe

Springfield, IL 62701

 

This service is a consumer program funded by the insurance industry in Illinois. Their “helpline” staff answer questions about all types of insurance, assist persons who are having a problem with an insurance company, provide factual public information on insurance companies, and distribute free educational literature. The helpline is operated by the Illinois Insurance Information Service, a nonprofit public service organization.  For more information, see State Help lines, below.

 

Professional Independent Insurance

Agents of Illinois

(217)793-6660

2205 Wabash Ave., Suite 206

Springfield, IL 62704-5356

 

Illinois Life Underwriters Association

(217)529-0126

60 Adloff Lane

Springfield, IL 62703-4402

 

 

 

State Helplines

Illinois Insurance Department

Consumer Helpline

(217)782-4515 or (312)814-2420

 

Illinois Insurance Hotline

(800)444-3338

217 E. Monroe

Springfield, IL 62701

The Illinois Insurance Hotline is a tollfree helpline managed by the Illinois Insurance Information Service. It provides general consumer information, handles consumer complaints, and distributes free brochures on all lines of insurance. It operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

 

 

Indiana

 

Indiana Department of Insurance

(317)232-2395

311 W. Washington Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2787

 

State Associations

Insurance Institute of Indiana, Inc.

(317)464-2457

2450 One American Square

Indianapolis, IN 46282

 

Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana, Inc.

(317)824-3780

3435 W. 96th St.

Indianapolis, IN 46268-1102

 

Professional Insurance Agents of Indiana, Inc.

(317)875-6700

P.O. Box 68580

Indianapolis, IN 46268

 

Indiana State Association of Life Underwriters

(317)844-6268

3009 E. 96th St.

Indianapolis, IN 46240

 

 

 

State Helplines

Indiana Insurance Department

Consumer Helpline

(800)622-4461 (in state) or (317)232-2395

 

 

 

Iowa

Iowa Department of Insurance

 (515)281-5705

Lucas State Office Building, 6th floor

Des Moines, IA 50319

State Associations

Iowa Insurance Institute

(515)283-2147

729 Insurance Exchange Building

Des Moines, IA 50309

 

Iowa Life and Health Insurance Association

 (515)243-7611

100 Court Ave., Suite 600

 Des Moines, IA 50309-2231

 

Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa

(515)223-6060

4000 Westown Parkway West

Des Moines, IA 50265

Professional Insurance Agents of Iowa (515)223-4831

1025 Ashworth Rd., Suite 307 West Des Moines, IA 50265

Iowa State Association of Life Underwriters (515)243-1436

431 East Locust St., Suite 202 Des Moines, IA 50309-1999

State Helplines

Iowa Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

(515)281-5705

Kansas

Kansas Department of Insurance

(913)296-7829

420 South W. Ninth St.

 Topeka, KS 66612-1678

State Associations

Kansas Association of Property/Casualty Insurance Companies

 (913)232-0545

P.O. Box 1280

Topeka, KS 66601

 

Kansas Life Insurance Association

(913)232-0545

900 Merchants National Tower

Topeka, KS 66612

 

Professional Insurance Agents of Kansas

(913)266-7071

3811 SE 34th Terrace

P.O. Box 5513

Topeka, KS 66605

 

Kansas Association of Insurance Agents

(913)232-0561

815 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

Topeka, KS 66612

 

Kansas Association of Life Underwriters

(913)832-1921

4840 W. 15th Street, Suite 1000

Lawrence, KS 66049-3876

 

 

State Helplines

Kansas Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

(800)432-2484 (in state) or

 (913)296-3071

 

 

 

Michigan

 

Michigan Department of Insurance

(517)373-0240

611 W. Ottawa St., 2nd floor

North Lansing, MI 48933

 

 

State Associations

Michigan Association of Insurance Companies

(517)482-1643

404 Kalamazoo Plaza, Suite 100

Lansing, MI 48933

 

Michigan Insurance Federation

(517)371-2880

313 Washington Square, Suite 301

Lansing, MI 48933

 

Life Insurance Association of Michigan

(517)482-7058

230 N. Washington Square, Suite 306

Lansing, MI 48933

 

Michigan Association of Professional Insurance Agents

(616)792-8049

133 E. Superior St.

P.O. Box 7406

Grand Rapids, MI 49348

 

Michigan Association of Life Underwriters

(517)484-8494

1700 Michigan National Tower

Lansing, MI 48933

 

 

State Helplines

Michigan State Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

(517)373-0240

 

Michigan Association of Insurance Companies Helpline

(800)777-8005 (in state) or (517)482-1643

400 Kalamazoo Plaza

Lansing, MI 48933

 

The Michigan Association of Insurance Companies

 operates a tollfree helpline.

Established in 1979, it provides information and handles complaints on life, health, and property/casualty insurance.

 

 

Minnesota

 

Minnesota Department of Insurance

(612)296-2488

133 E. 7th St.

St. Paul, MN 55101

 

 

State Associations

Insurance Federation of Minnesota

(612)292-1099

750 Norwest Center Tower, Suite 750

55 Fifth St. East

St. Paul, MN 55101-1764

 

Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents

(800)864-3846

7300 Metro Blvd., Suite 605

Edina, MN 55439

 

Minnesota Association of Professional Insurance Agents

(612)546-1605

1809 S. Plymouth Road, Suite 310

P.O. Box 367

Minnetonka, MN 55305

 

Minnesota State Association of Life Underwriters

(612)544-8087

1405 Lilac Dr. North, Suite 121

Minneapolis, MN 55422-4528

 

 

State Helplines

Minnesota State Insurance Department Helpline

(537)751-2640

 

Minnesota Insurance Information Center

(800)642-6121 or (612)222-3800

750 Norwest Center Tower

55 Fifth St. East

St. Paul, MN 55101

 

 

Missouri

 

Missouri Department of Insurance

(573)751-2640

P.O. Box 690

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0690

 

 

State Associations

Missouri Insurance Coalition

 (573)893-4241

220 Madison St., 3rd floor

 Jefferson City, MO 65101

 

Missouri Association of Independent Insurance Agents

 (573)893-4301

2701 Industrial Dr. P.O. Box 1785

 Jefferson City, MO 65102

 

Missouri Association of Life Underwriters

 (573)634-5202

P.O. Box 1729

Jefferson City, MO 65102-1729

State Helplines

Missouri Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

(800)726-7390 (in state) or

 (573)751-2640

 

Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Insurance

 (402)471-2201

Terminal Bldg., 941 O St., Suite 400

 Lincoln, NE 68508

State Associations

Nebraska Insurance Information Service

 (402)474-5334

P.O. Box 81529 1220 Lincoln Mall

 Lincoln, NE 68501

 

Insurance Federation of Nebraska

(402)476-7621

c/o Pierson, Fitchett, Hunzeker, Blake & Loftis

 P.O. Box 95109

Lincoln, NE 68509

 

Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska

(402)476-2951 or (402)476-1586

300 N. 27th St. P.O. Box 30716

Lincoln, NE 68503

 

Professional Insurance Agents of Nebraska

(402)392-1611

10730 Pacific St., Suite 239

Omaha, NE 68114

 

Nebraska State Association of Life Underwriters

 (402)474-7723

201 N. 8th St., Suite 400

 Lincoln, NE 68508

 

 

State Helplines

Nebraska Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

(402)471-2201

 

North Dakota

North Dakota Department of Insurance

 (701)328-2440

600 East Blvd.

Bismarck, ND 58505-0320

State Associations

North Dakota Domestic Insurance Companies

 (701)223-2711

c/o Zuger, Kirmis & Smith 316 N. Fifth St., 6th floor

Bismarck, ND 58501

 

Independent Insurance Agents of North Dakota

(701)258-4000

Professional Building 418 E. Rosser Ave.

 Bismarck, ND 58501-4085

 

Professional Insurance Agents of North Dakota

 (701)223-5025

Holiday Park Office, Suite 6 1211 Memorial Highway

Bismarck, ND 58504

 

North Dakota State Association of Life Underwriters

(701)258-9525

P.O. Box 5010

Bismarck, ND 58502-5010

 

State Helplines

North Dakota Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

(800)247-0560 (in state) or (701)328-2440

 

 

 

Ohio

Ohio Department of Insurance

(614)644-2658

2100 Stella Court

Columbus, OH 43215-1067

State Associations

Ohio Insurance Institute

(614)228-1593

P.O. Box 816

172 E. State St., Suite 201

Columbus, OH 43216

 

Association of Ohio Life Insurance Companies

(614)227-2331 c/o Bricker & Eckler 100 S. 3rd St.

Columbus, OH 43215

 

The Independent Insurance Agents Association of Ohio, Inc.

(614)464-3100

1330 Dublin Rd. P.O. Box 758

Columbus, OH 43216

 

Professional Insurance Agents Association of Ohio, Inc.

 (614)239-1387

867 S. James Rd. P.O. Box 27548

 Columbus, OH 43227

 

Ohio State Association of Life Underwriters

 (614)221-1900

17 S. High St., Suite 1200

 Columbus, OH 43215-3413

 

State Helplines

Ohio Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

 (800)522-0071 or (614)644-2658

 

South Dakota

South Dakota Department of Insurance

(605)773-3563

500 E. Capitol

 Pierre, SD 57501-3940

State Associations

 

Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota

 (605)224-6234

P.O. Box 327 222 E. Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

 

Professional Insurance Agents of South Dakota

 (605)995-0223

P.O. Box 896

Mitchell, SD 57301-0896

 

South Dakota State Association of Life Underwriters

 (605)224-1330

P.O. Box 1037

 Pierre, SD 57501

 

State Helplines

South Dakota Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

 (605)773-3563

 

 

 

Wisconsin

 

Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance

(608)266-0103

121 E. Wilson

Madison, WI 53702

 

 

State Associations

Wisconsin Insurance Alliance

(608)255-1749

44 E. Mifflin St., Suite 205

Madison, WI 53703-2800

 

Community Insurance Information Center

(414)291-5360

744 N. 4th St., Suite 626

Milwaukee, WI 53203

 

Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin

(608)256-4429

725 John Nolen Dr.

Madison, WI 53713

 

Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin, Inc.

(608)274-8188

6401 Odana Rd.

Madison, WI 53719

 

Wisconsin State Association of Life Underwriters

(608)233-7085

4513 Vernon Blvd., Room 12

Madison, WI 53705-4964

 

 

State Helplines

Wisconsin Insurance Department Consumer Helpline

(800)236-8517 (in state) or (608)266-0103

 

Community Insurance Information Center

(414)291-5360

744 N. Fourth St., Suite 626

Milwaukee, WI 53203

The Consumer Insurance Information Center operates a helpline for consumers in the Milwaukee area. This helpline is unique because it serves consumers in only the metropolitan region of the state.  The rest of Wisconsin is rural and has different   insurance problems. The Center is also committed to finding coverage for rural consumers.

 

 

NATIONAL REFERENCES

Alliance of American Insurers National Office

(708)330-8500

1501 Woodfield Rd., Suite 400 West

Schaumburg, IL 60173-4980

 

American Insurance Association National Office

(202)828-7100

1130 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 1000

Washington, DC 20036

 

American Council of Life Insurance

(202)624-2000

1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 500

Washington, DC 20004-2599

 

Health Insurance Association of America

(202)223-7780

1025 Connecticut NW, Suite 1200

Washington, DC 20036

 

Independent Insurance Agents of America

(703)683-4422

127 S. Peyton St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

 

Insurance Information Institute, Inc.

(212)669-9200

110 William St.

New York, NY 10038

 

Insurance Services Office, Inc.

(212)898-6000

7 World Trade Center

New York, NY 10048-1199

 

National Association of Health Underwriters

(202)223-5533

1000 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 810

Washington, DC 20036

 

National Association of Independent Insurers

(847)297-7800

2600 River Rd.

Des Plaines, IL 60018

 

National Association of Insurance Brokers

(202)628-6700

1300 I St. NW, Suite 900E

Washington, DC 20005

 

National Association of Life Underwriters

(202)331-6000

1922 F St. NW

Washington, DC 20006-4387

 

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

(317)875-5250

3601 Vincennes Road

P.O. Box 68700

Indianapolis, IN 46268

 

National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Ltd.

(816)741-3910

6405 N. Cosby Ave., Suite 201

Kansas City, MO 64151

 

National Council on  Compensation Insurance, Inc.

 (407)997-1000

750 Park of Commerce Dr.

 Boca Raton, FL 33487

 

Professional Insurance Agents

 (703)836-9340

400 N. Washington Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

 

For general information or inquiries about the laws, regulations, or administrative policies related to the National Flood Insurance Program:

National Flood Insurance Program

 (800)638-6620

Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Insurance Administration

 500 C St. SW

Washington, DC 20472

National Industry-Sponsored Helplines

National Insurance Crime Bureau

 (800)TEL-NICB

10330 S. Roberts Rd. 3A Palos Hills, IL 60465

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is a not-for-profit organization supported by approximately 1,000 property-casualty insurers and self-insured companies dedicated to combating insurance crime. The NICB helpline gives people the opportunity to help stop insurance crime by reporting suspected fraud.

 

National Insurance Consumer Helpline

 (800)942-4242 c/o

 

 Insurance Information Institute

 110 William St.

 New York, NY 10038

 

The National Insurance Consumer Helpline

 (NICH) is a tollfree consumer information telephone service sponsored by the Insurance Information Institute, American Council of Life Insurance, and the Health Information Institute.

 

 

GUIDE TO OTHER INSURANCE PUBLICATIONS

Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program

Publication FIA-2 (March 1992)

ATTN: Publications

Federal Emergency Management Agency

P.O. Box 70274

Washington, DC 20024

 

Guide to Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance

Publication HUD-1235-H (k) February 1994

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

7th & D St. SW

Washington, DC 204010-3000

 

Homeowner’s Curriculum

Homeowners Insurance for Home Purchase Counselors and Homeowners

Illinois Department of Insurance

320 W. Washington

Springfield, IL 62767

 

How Mortgage Insurance Works

Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation

Marketing Department

P.O. Box 488

MGIC Plaza

250 E. Kilbourn Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

How to File an Insurance Claim Publication

February 1992/25M/CP

Insurance Information Institute

110 William St.

New York, NY 10038

 

Insurance for Your House and Personal Possessions: Deciding How Much You Need

Insurance Information Institute

110 William St.

New York, NY 10038

 

Insuring Your Home

Building Research Council

College of Fine and Applied Arts

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

1 E. St. Mary’s Rd.

Champaign, IL 61820

 

Mine Subsidence in Illinois: Facts for Homeowners

Publication: Environmental Geology 144

Illinois State Geological Survey

Natural Resources Building

615 E. Peabody Dr.

Champaign, IL 61820-6964

 

Private Mortgage Insurance: Questions and Answers

Private Mortgage Insurance Company

601 Montgomery St.

San Francisco, CA 94111

 

Settling Insurance Claims After a Disaster

Insurance Information Institute

110 William St.

New York, NY 10038

 

Some Questions to Consider in Choosing an Insurance Company

National Association of Insurance Commissioners

120 W. 12th St., Suite 1100

Kansas City, MO 64105-1925

 

Taking Inventory

Publication: March 1994/25M/CG

Insurance Information Institute

110 William St.

New York, NY 10038

 

Title Insurance: What Is It and Why Get It?

Community Development Legal Assistance Center

99 Hudson St.

New York, NY 10013

 

When Disaster Strikes: What to Do After an Insured Homeowners Loss

(also available in Spanish)

Illinois Department of Insurance

320 W. Washington St., 4th floor

Springfield, IL 62767

 

 

 

 

Guide to Related Publications

Home Buyer’s Guide

(a comprehensive guide for prepurchase counselors)

Cornell University

Media Services Resource Center

7-8 Business and Technology Park

Ithaca, NY 14850

 

Home Buyer’s Vocabulary

Publication: HUD-383-H(8)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development

Washington, DC 20401

 

 

Software Guide

Home Owner$hip: Can You Afford It?

University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service

Office of Computer Coordination

548 Bevier Hall

905 S. Goodwin Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801

 

Premium Comparison Guide for Auto and Homeowners Insurance

http://www.state.il.us/ins/shopping.htm

or contact:

Illinois Department of Insurance

320 W. Washington, 4th floor

Springfield, Il 62767

(217)782-4515

 

 

INSURANCE INFORMATION ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

General Insurance Information by State

Illinois =                http://www.insure.com/states/il/index.html

 Indiana =              http://www.insure.com/states/in/index.html

 Iowa =                   http://www.insure.com/states/ia/index.html           

Kansas =                http://www.insure.com/states/ks/index.html          

Michigan =            http://www.insure.com/states/mi/index.html         

Minnesota =          http://www.insure.com/states/mn/index.html        

Missouri =             http://www.insure.com/states/mo/index.html        

Nebraska =           http://www.insure.com/states/ne/index.html

 North Dakota =   http://www.insure.com/states/nd/index.html  

Ohio =                    http://www.insure.com/states/oh/index.html          

South Dakota =    http://www.insure.com/states/sd/index.html          

Wisconsin =          http://www.insure.com/states/wi/index.html

 

 

 

Insurance Information Institute

http://www.iii.org/consumer.htm

This Web site has a large amount of information related to:

·          how to save money on auto insurance

·          how to select homeowners insurance

·          home security

·          how to prepare for a hurricane

·          how to file a claim

·           

Insurance News Network (INN)

http://www.insure.com

This Web site provides information on auto, life, and health insurance, including insurance company ratings.

 

Consumer Information Catalog

 http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/        

 or

 http://ww.yahoo.com/   

 Follow these links:

1  Business and Economy

2  Consumer Economy

3  Consumer Information Center

This Web site covers the following consumer-related information catalogs:

• cars

• health

• children

• food and nutrition

• employment

• housing

• federal programs

• money

• travel and hobbies

• small business

 

National Institute for Consumer Education (NICE)

http://www.emich.edu/public/coe/nice/nice.html 

This Web site has a large collection of information about issues related to credit (for example, home mortgages and fraud), consumer competency, consumer education for high school and elementary school students, personal finance (for example,  software and videos), and FTT’s consumer publications.