Are you Underinsured??

United Policyholders is a consumer advocacy non-profit that educates the public about insurance issues. Their Feb-2026 newsletter reminds us that 2/3 (67%) of homeowners are underinsured in a disaster, and they tell you what to tackle. For example, homeowners should check their declarations page and consider increasing their coverages for replacement cost and building code upgrades.

In addition, ask your insurer if there is a 360Value Replacement Cost Estimate for your home, which itemizes everything insurers know it’s structure. I found out my 360Value report had probably been generated 20-30 years ago. Not only was it missing a bedroom, but it didn’t include upgrades I had done, such as adding solar panels. It was a small relief to know that, should anything happen, I don’t have to argue with a claims adjuster about how many bedrooms I have.

And lastly, as a minimum, take photos of every room in your house, the garage, and the exterior. Store those photos in the cloud. Should disaster strike, those photos will jog your memory and help you detail the personal property you lost. Many disaster survivors say that the money from their personal property claim was instrumental in funding reconstruction of their home or paying for rent. If you have the time, you can use these resources to inventory each room.

• United Policyholders spreadsheet
• CDI Home Inventory Information Guide
• Insurance Information Institute tips on creating a home inventory

Please subscribe to Portola Valley eNotices from the WPC and eNotifications from WFPD.  

San Mateo County Alert System SMC Alert is our primary emergency notification system. Encourage all adult members (18 and older) of your family to subscribe.

All the Wildfire Preparedness tips are on the committee’s page. To rate this tip or submit questions or concerns, please fill out this Google Form.