National Home Disaster Facts

- The NAIC survey also found that 43 percent of U.S. adults with homeowners or renter's insurance owned policies that provided a replacement cost payout. Of the remaining consumers, 27 percent indicated their policies insured their homes for the actual cash value, while another 28 percent did not know which type of coverage they purchased. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to a home and its contents after depreciation. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild a home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation.

- The NAIC survey also found that 43 percent of U.S. adults with homeowners or renter's insurance owned policies that provided a replacement cost payout. Of the remaining consumers, 27 percent indicated their policies insured their homes for the actual cash value, while another 28 percent did not know which type of coverage they purchased. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to a home and its contents after depreciation. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild a home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation.

- The NAIC's national survey revealed a significant lack of preparedness among consumers in documenting their belongings. Nearly half - 48 percent - said they did not have an inventory of their possessions. Of those consumers who reported having a checklist, 32 percent had not taken any pictures and 58 percent had no receipts validating the cost of their possessions. In addition, 44 percent of respondents acknowledged that they had not stored their inventory in a remote location.

Announcement: CTi Home Disaster Story Contest

Share this announcement with anyone who meet the qualifications!

Thank you!

Press Release: Home Disaster Story Contest

For Immediate Release

September 1, 2013

CTi Home Disaster Story Contest

Author Turns Devastating Home Disasters Into Inspirational Stories

Eagan, Minnesota - Author Phillip S. Porter announces the online Home Disaster Story Contest.  This contest is for homeowners who have experienced a loss of personal property as a result of tornado, hurricane, fire, burglary, etc. and filed an insurance claim and/or police report.  The stories will share personal experience and lessons learned from these tragic events.  Stories, experience and lessons for other homeowners to learn and avoid if possible in an effort to pay it forward.  The homeowners will be sharing their unique home disaster stories and competing with other homeowners from around the country.

The Grand Prize Winner will have their story published as the first chapter in Phillip S. Porters book “Home, Estate & Property Inventory Management” 2nd edition scheduled to be released in 2014.  They will receive one FREE autographed copy of the book from author Phillip Porter.  In addition, they will win a 3 year subscription of HomeZada's Premium version of its online home management software which gives homeowners the ability to manage home inventory, home maintenance and home improvement projects.

Other runner-up winners will have their home disaster story published in the book as well.  All other homeowners who qualify and successfully enter the contest will have their names listed on the “Thank You” page in the book.  

Mr. Porter says “I am excited about incorporating true home disaster stories from ordinary people in the 2nd edition of my book.  This version of my book will contain the challenges people overcame after experiencing a loss of their personal property and tips on what they've learned.”

If you have experienced a loss of personal property as a result of storm damage, tornado, fire, burglary, etc., consider this your official invitation.  Submit your story as follows:

1. Starting September 1, 2013, go to our “Home Disaster Contest” blog at http://homedisastercontest.blogspot.com click on the "Home Disaster Story Contest Application" and download and print the "Home Disaster Story Contest Application" (PDF Format) from Scribd.com.  Complete the "Home Disaster Story Contest Application".  Submit your completed application to homedisastercontest@gmail.com.
2. Create a video of your home disaster story and post it on your YouTube Channel.  Then email the link to your video to homedisastercontest@gmail.com
3. Contest ends November 30, 2013
4. For more information visit our blog www.homedisastercontest.blogspot.com.

 In the Home, Estate & Property Inventory Management book, you will learn:

• How to implement a home disaster emergency preparedness plan(s) and the supplies to include in your disaster supply kit for your family.
• Nineteen reasons to inventory your home.
• The most effective method for inventorying, managing and tracking the contents of your home.
• What the insurance industry and local law enforcement agency requires when you file a claim after experiencing a loss.  With this knowledge, you should be able to file a more accurate insurance claim and police report.

 About The Author: Phillip Sebastian Porter is author of the book titled “Home, Estate & Property Inventory Management” which is sold on Amazon. Phillip has been the President, Chairman and Elite Home Inventory Professional for almost 8 years with Crystal Treasures, Inc. (CTi).  Phillip received his M.B.A. in Management from the University of St. Thomas in 1987 (Minnesota).  He has held Property & Casualty Insurance, Life/Health Insurance and Real Estate Limited Brokers Licenses.  In 2010, Phillip wrote an article entitled "Track Your Treasures Before Disaster Strikes" that was published in the HUB International Insurance Perspectives e-Newsletter.  

Sponsored by:

HomeZada (www.homezada.com) is an innovative online and mobile software application that organizes and manages your home by tracking home improvement projects, maintenance calendar checklists, and a home inventory. The cloud based solution helps people save money improving and maintaining their home while being better organized and prepared.

Crystal Treasures, Inc. is a Minnesota based company that has provided Premier Home Inventory Management services since 2005.  In the event of a loss, such as a fire, storm damage, burglary, etc., the burden of proof always falls on the homeowner.  Crystal Treasures specializes in property inventory management services for residential properties, country estates, yachts, private aircrafts, ranches, farms, recreational vehicles and much more.   To learn more, visit our website at http://www.crystaltreasuresinc.com.

Contact Information:

Phillip S. Porter, MBA, CEO, Author

Eagan, MN 55122

651-485-4344          

crystaltreasures@charter.net

www.linkedin.com/in/phillipporter/

Application: Home Disaster Contest

Contest Registration:
- Step 1: Contest Begins September 1, 2013
- Step 2: Download Home Disaster Contest Application
- Step 3: Complete the Application
- Step 4: Email Your Completed Application to homedisastercontest@gmail.com
- Step 5: Contest Ends November 30, 2013

Thank You For Entering Our Home Disaster Contest

   Home Disaster Story Contest Application by Phillip Porter

Home Disaster Story Contest Official Rules

Official Contest Rules

This contest is intended for the United States only and is governed by U.S. Law.  Do not submit an application unless you are eligible and located in the United States at the time of submission.

1. ELIGIBILITY:  The Crystal Treasures, Inc. Home Disaster Story Contest is open to homeowners in the United States that have experienced an actual loss of personal property resulting from storm damage, tornado, fire, burglary, fire, etc. and filed an insurance claim and/or police report.  Employees, directors and officers as well as the members of their immediate families (spouses, parents, children, siblings, and in-laws) and persons residing in the same household as such individuals are not eligible to apply.

2. HOW TO APPLY - PART I APPLICATION:  The contest begins at or about 12:00:00 am CST on 8/15/2013 and ends at 11:59:59 pm CST on 9/30/13 (the’ “Contest Period”).  To apply, visit www.homedisastercontest.blogspot.com during the Contest Period and follow the instructions to complete the application.  Submit completed Application to homedisastercontest@gmail.com. After submitting a completed written Application, then create a video of your home disaster story.

3. HOW TO APPLY - PART II VIDEO: During the Contest Period, upload a video of your home disaster story to our “Home Disaster Story Contest 2013” YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/homedisastercontest.

Video Requirements

• Share your home disaster story within 7 minutes (Note: If the contestant’s video is more than 7 minutes, the Sponsor may choose to disqualify your Application.)
• At the end of your story, include several things you’ve learned from the experience.

 Have Internet access and a valid email address. Limit one (1) Application per person per household.  If more than one (1) Application is received from the same household, only the first Application received will be considered valid and sponsors may choose to disqualify all Applications submitted by the person.

Entrants must fully complete and submit all required data on the Application to be eligible; incomplete Applications are null and void.  All materials submitted become the sole property of the authors and sponsors and will not be returned.  Applications generated by a robotic, programmed, script, macro or other automated means are prohibited and will be disqualified; any use of automated methods of Application may result in disqualification.

4. JUDGING PANEL: The contest will be judged by Crystal Treasures, Inc.  The winners will be notified by phone and email.  Decisions by the judging panel shall be binding, final and cannot be appealed.  The winners will be posted on the blog at www.homedisastercontest.blogspot.com.

5. PRIZES: One (1) Grand Prize: The winner will work with the author to have their “Home Disaster Story” featured in the first chapter of his book, "Home, Estate & Property Inventory Management".  They will receive one FREE signed copy of the book from the author Phillip Porter.  One (1) Second - Fifth Place Prize:  The second - fifth place Home Disaster Story winners, will be in the book.  Each will receive one FREE signed copy of the book from the author.   All Non-Winners will have their names in the book on the "Thank You" page for submitting a video of their story.  

6. PRIZE TERMS: Prizes are not transferable.  Federal, state, and local taxes on prize and any expenses related to the acceptance of and use of prize not specified herein are the responsibility of the winning person.

7. ADDITIONAL TERMS:  The Sponsor is not responsible for any technical problems, malfunctions of any telephone service, computer systems, servers, providers, hardware/software, lost of unavailable network connections, or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmission that may affect the ability of the consumer to participate, or for any damage to any participant’s computer system/software related to or resulting from participation in this contest.  Potential winners may be required to provide Sponsor with proof of your home disaster and insurance claim and/or police report associated with the winning Application.

Sponsor: Crystal Treasures, Inc. Eagan, MN 55122  Email: crystaltreasures@charter.com