Create a Simple Home Inventory Before a Claim
Why Is a Home Inventory Helpful?
After a loss, it can be difficult to remember every item you owned. A basic inventory gives you a record to reference and may help when describing damaged or missing property to the insurance company.
Remember What You Own
Walking through each room in advance can help create a more complete record than trying to remember belongings after a stressful loss.
Document Important Details
Model numbers, serial numbers, purchase information, photos, and other details may help identify higher-value or specialized property.
Review Your Coverage
Creating an inventory can also help you notice whether your personal property limit or coverage for valuable items may need to be reviewed.
What Should You Include in Your Home Inventory?
You do not need professional software or a complicated spreadsheet. Start with the information that is easiest to collect and update it over time.
Photos
Take clear photos of rooms and important belongings, including furniture, electronics, appliances, and personal items.
Video Walkthrough
Record a slow walkthrough of each room while briefly describing significant items and where they are located.
Receipts
Keep receipts or electronic purchase records for important items when available.
Serial Numbers
Record serial numbers for electronics, computers, cameras, appliances, and other property when practical.
Appraisals
Keep current appraisals or other documentation for eligible jewelry, artwork, collectibles, or other higher-value property.
Item Descriptions
Note the brand, model, approximate purchase date, and other details that may help identify important belongings.
Store Your Inventory Somewhere Safe
An inventory is most useful when you can still access it after a loss.
Avoid keeping your only copy on a device or in a location that could be damaged along with the rest of your belongings.
Consider secure cloud storage, email, or another protected location you can access away from home.
Add major purchases, remove items you no longer own, and update photos when your household changes.
Some categories of personal property may have special limits, so valuable items may deserve a separate coverage review.
Organize receipts, appraisals, photos, serial numbers, and policy information so they are easier to locate when needed.
Does Your Renters Policy Match What You Own?
Best Formula Insurance can help you review personal property limits, liability coverage, deductibles, and available renters insurance options.