HOME THEATER FACTS:   

• Approximately 22 percent of U.S. residents have a home theater system in their homes (cedia.net).
• New homes are built with home theaters in mind - 34 percent of builders now offer structured wiring packages as standard or optional amenities (cedia.net).
• While standard homeowners and renters insurance policies cover high-end electronic systems, in many cases there is a coverage limit that is less than the cost of replacement.  

St. Louis, Mo - Nearly one in four Americans has a home theater system in their home, making it easier than ever to enjoy their favorite films. But if disaster strikes, many of these theaters may not be adequately covered. Homeowners should schedule an appointment with their insurance company to review their coverage.

Allstate Insurance and the Insurance Information Institute recommends the following steps to ensure your home theater and electronic systems are adequately protected:

Let your agent know: Call your insurance agent as soon as possible after a large electronics purchase. This is a great time to schedule time a meeting with your agent to review your coverage.

• Keep your receipts: Make copies of your receipt and store a copy with your home inventory and forward a copy to your insurance agent.
• Update the value: Electronics can go up and down in value. Continue the conversation with your agent. While you don't want to underinsure your valuable electronic equipment, you don't want to over insure it either.
• Take a picture: In the event of a disaster, a visual home inventory is the best way to document your loss and can help speed up the claims process.
• Add the item to your home inventory: Everyone should have an up-to-date inventory of their personal possessions. You can create a home inventory online at KnowYourStuff.org and include digital photographs and scanned receipts.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate^®" slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate^®. Encompass^® and Deerbrook^® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.