Home Inventory
One of the most important aspects of insuring your personal property is a complete and accurate home inventory. In the event of a claim, it will be extremely important to show evidence of your property and it’s value so you can receive payment.
Here are the steps to compile a complete home inventory:
You will need:
- Filing system- This can be an Excel worksheet on your computer, a printed form you fill out, or by using computer software made specially for home inventories.
- Receipts for goods- you will want to gather all receipts for purchases
- Digital camera- Recommended for visual proof of ownership
- Video camera- Another method of visually recording property
- Start with larger items like artwork, electronics, appliances, furniture, and antiques. The more details the better. Take individual photos of each item, record all information in your spreadsheet/form/software, and attach any available receipts. If receipts are printed on thermal paper, a scanned copy of the receipt is a good idea (due to deterioration over time of thermal printing).
- Work your way towards smaller, more abundant items like clothing. If you do not have receipts for each be sure to take photos or video so you have visual proof.
- For video evidence of ownership, open cabinets and closet doors and proceed to slowly videotape all areas of each room. Make sure there is adequate lighting, use the highest quality setting on the camera, and take very slow panning shots. If needed, you will be able to “freeze-frame” shots of the video and prove ownership of property.
- When you have gathered all information, receipts, photos, or videotape, you need to store it somewhere safe. Make a copy of everything and store it off-site, preferably in a safe deposit box.
- Be sure to update your inventory when you purchase new items.
A complete and thorough home inventory is a tedious process, but the more detailed you are the more protection you will have in the event of a claim. Below, you can download our home inventory form.