In aftermath of California wildfires, state insurance council advises Nevada homeowners to check their coverage

In the wake of devastating wildfire losses in southern California, the Nevada Insurance Council has advised Nevada homeowners to check their coverage and plan for any emergency here.

"The California fires are a stark reminder that insurance is one of the first things people will need to consider when natural disasters strike," according to Council President Gary Bishop. But he warned residents not to wait until after a disaster.

"Now is the time to develop an evacuation plan, do an insurance checkup of your coverage and create a home inventory," he said in a statement issued Monday.

He said consumers can download free software to help create a home inventory from the council's Web site at www.nevadainsurancecouncil.com. The inventory download is near the top of the home page on the right hand side and is in blue.

Bishop said a home inventory should be stored in a safe place outside the home and should include not only lists of the home contents but photos or videotapes. He said those records are vital to settling loss claims fast and fairly.

He said homeowners should also make copies of important financial and personal documents - including insurance policies.

Bishop said homeowners also need to do an annual checkup on their policy to make sure they keep with local building costs and adjust coverage to include remodeling, improvements and additions.

Finally, he said the council advises people to create an evacuation plan in case of emergency.

The council is a nonprofit, nonlobbying organization representing the insurance industry in Nevada. Its purpose is to inform consumers about insurance issues and topics.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.