Before the visit

How does SureClaim define a room?

A room is any area that our photographer can photograph without moving his camera. Sometimes you will get 2 rooms for the price of one, such as an entry way that merges into a living room. Other times a divided room such as a master bedroom and a walk in closet, will count as 2 separate rooms.

What makes your photos different than one’s I could take using my camera?

3 features differentiate our photos from those you might take yourself. First, we use extremely high end cameras and lenses. This camera system allows for unparalleled detail and zooming of your images, making it much easier to recall all the details in a large room. Second, our photographs are professionally lit and calibrated allowing more detail and light in the images than you might see when you stand in the room. Third, we use a detailed stitching process that allows us to join multiple high-resolution images into a single file. That way you can easily and accurately recreate your room and belongings when it comes time to make an insurance claim.

What do I need to do to be prepared for SureClaim’s visit?

First, be sure you have set aside time to meet the photographer, tour him through your home, taking time to identify each room, and those items inside each room that you would like to photograph in detail.

Second, once the photographs have been finished you will need to spend about 10 minutes accepting and signing for your images, paying for the service, and watching your photos get deleted.

Since I will be letting the photographer into my home, how do I know it is safe?

We at SureClaim are aware of the trust you will be putting in us, and we have implemented several safeguards to protect your privacy.

• All of our photographers have undergone a detailed background check. Some of our photographers have even passed a Secret Service background check before being hired to take photographs of the President of the United States.
• We show you the deletion of your images from both the camera and computer before we leave your home. Competitors may take your images home to process them and then return them to you. We believe that is a safety risk and do all of our work in front of you.
• We don’t start walking around your home until you’ve given us permission in writing, and we have you accompany us for the walk-around.
• All of our photographers have signed a non-disclosure agreements. As we routinely work in highly-sensitve homes and businesses, your privacy is always in our best interest as well as yours.

During the visit

If each room is photographed, why do I need additional detail photos?

The room photos are a great tool to refresh your memory and show the insurance company the general level of quality, fit and finishings in your home. But it is often those out of sight items that you only remember when you go to use them, and won’t recall on-demand when trying to fill out an insurance claim form. And these are the items that can be of the most value and require the MOST documentation when trying to get reimbursed.

What payment methods do you accept?

SureClaim accepts credit cards ONLY. No cash or checks. We accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Payment must be received before the photographer leaves your home as we do not send invoices after the visit.

Why should I purchase the offsite storage option?

Just as SureClaim completes your insurance policy, we believe that the offsite storage option completes your SureClaim experience. If you have been so diligent as to insure your belongings and hire SureClaim to document your possessions, then you should finish that last step by securing all your hard work and investment against the worst case scenario--destruction of your possessions AND your SureClaim images.

If I get 1 DVD for free, why should I buy extra DVDs or USB Drives?

Extra copies of your data offer many advantages. First, you can keep one copy at home, one copy at your office or at your accountant or attorneys office, and send another copy to a friend or relative living in another state for true security and peace of mind. Having several backups of your images is a small price to pay for securing the ability to claim all that you’ve lost.

Should I put my images on DVD, USB Drive, or both?

DVDs are fine for short to medium term storage. One never knows how technology will change over the coming decade(s). Just as floppy drives and VHS tapes have become all but museum relics, the DVD could be next. A day could come where finding a DVD drive will be as tough as finding a floppy drive is today. By diversifying yourself with a second method of storage, USB, you are greatly increasing the likelihood that it will be easy and painless to access your images.

After the visit

How do I know my data is protected after SureClaim is finished?

When our photographer has finished documenting your home and has given you your images, you will be shown the live deletion of your images. Both from the camera and the computer. We use a Secure Erase function on the computer to prevent any chance of image recovery. And the camera memory card is deleted and reformatted.

And should you prefer, you can even purchase the cameras memory card, thereby giving you the raw original files that went into creating the wrap-around images.

I’ve selected the offsite storage option, how do I get my photos from SureClaim should I lose my copies?

If you have suffered a loss and your copy of the images were lost or destroyed--and you’ve selected our offsite backup service--you can make a phone call or send an email to our office, requesting your data drive. We will verify your personal information, and then either deliver or ship you your data with 2 business days.

I have already made a home-video recording of my possessions, is that enough?

We don’t think so, and here’s why. Videotape footage cannot be zoomed in to get crucial make, model or other identifying designations. An expensive home furnishing can look just like a cheap home furnishing on video tape. But with SureClaim’s ultra-high resolution images, you will be able zoom in for detail and prove the claim from the much more expensive item. And our photographers make sure your images are well lit, sharp, and cover the entire room.