person holding a model of a houseBefore catastrophe strikes and you’re faced with a loss, create a home inventory that includes lists, pictures, or a videotape of the contents of your home. After all, would you be able to remember all the possessions you’ve accumulated over the years if they were destroyed by a fire, tornado, storm, or other natural disaster? Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.

According to a survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), more than half of Americans don’t have a home inventory of their possessions, putting them at risk for inadequate home insurance coverage, should severe weather strike.

A great time to take inventory of your household possessions is right after getting settled into your new house. Of course, even if you have lived in your home for years, don’t delay. Set aside a free afternoon and go room by room.

upscale master bedroomTaking Inventory

Start by making a list of your possessions, describing each item, and noting where you bought it and its make and model. Clip to your list any sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals. Photos and videos offer easy ways to document your stuff.

  • For major appliances and electronic equipment, record their serial numbers usually found on the back or bottom.
  • For clothing, count the items you own by category pants, coats, shoes, for example – making notes about those that are especially valuable.

Don’t be overwhelmed! If you are just setting up a household, starting an inventory list can be relatively simple. If you’ve been living in the same house for many years, however, the task of creating a list can be daunting. Still, it’s better to have an incomplete inventory than nothing at all. Start with recent purchases and then try to remember what you can about older possessions.

Big-ticket items: Valuable items like jewelry, artwork and collectibles may have increased in value since you received them. Check with your agent to make sure that you have adequate insurance for these items. They may need to be insured separately.

Take a picture: Besides the list, you can take pictures of rooms and important individual items. On the back of the photos note what is shown, where you bought each item, and the make. Don’t forget things that are in closets or drawers.

Videotape it: Walk through your house or apartment recording a video and describing the contents.

Use technology: Use apps or your computer to make your inventory list. Personal finance software packages often include a homeowners room-by-room inventory program. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a general inventory checklist and My Home App. https://www.insureuonline.org/home_inventory_checklist.pdf https://itunes.apple.com/app/myhome-scr-app-book/id414273863?mt=8

Storing the list, photos, and tapes: Regardless of how you do it (written list, photos, video, Apps, or computer software), keep your inventory along with receipts in a safe place off-premises, Cloud, back-up or email it to family or friends. That way you’ll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. When you make a significant purchase, add the information to your inventory while the details are fresh in your mind.

Contact us for more guidance with creating a home inventory.