Tips for Getting a Personal Property Appraisal

Try out these suggestions to help you with your appraisal.

One important aspect of your homeowners insurance is understanding the value of your personal possessions. However, how do you determine the value of items that were passed down to you, or the items that are antiques or family heirlooms? Normally, if you want to accurately determine the value of these types of items, you need to get them professionally appraised. Never had a personal property appraisal before? Here are some suggestions to help your appraisal go smoothly.

• Gather Information

Before you schedule your appraisal, you should collect information about the personal belonging you are getting appraised. If possible, find out how much the item originally cost, when you got the item, the current condition of the item, and who manufactured the item. Having these details on hand will help your appraiser create an accurate report for the items you want checked out.

• Choose the Right Appraiser

While you can get items appraised by simply supplying photos of the item, you also have the option of bringing someone in to examine the item in person. When looking for the right appraiser, make sure you do the necessary research. Ask for recommendations, check online reviews, and request references. Before choosing an appraiser, itâ's also important to check to see if your insurer has specific guidelines regarding how the appraisal process should be conducted. This can also help you narrow down your prospects.

• Get a Copy of the Report

Finally, after the appraisal is completed, make sure you get a copy of the report. Keep in mind that the report should include a detailed description of the item, the itemâ's value, how this value was determined, and the appraiserâ's name. Once you have this report, make sure you share them with your insurer so you have proof of the itemâ's worth. Try out these suggestions to help you with your personal property appraisal.  Do you have more questions regarding appraisals or your homeowners insurance?  For help finding the right policies, contact the professionals at Cook, Disharoon & Greathouse, Inc.  Located in Oakland & Pleasant Hill, California, we serve all your personal and commercial insurance needs.