The Importance Of A Home Inventory

When a disaster strikes your home, many things will go through your mind. Where to stay, who to call, and how will my insurance company take care of me will likely be in the front of your mind in the immediate aftermath of a severe loss to your property. One thing you will not necessarily be considering is how to account for your possessions that may have been lost or damaged. To counter this, we recommend a full household inventory, to be updated once annually.

While most people are able to recall the major items in their home-what kind of television or computer they have, the brand of appliance or where they bought their couch-the majority of the items you have in your home may not be simple to recall. Books, CD's, DVD's and clothing tend to be major line items that can add up to large amounts of money, and are not as easily remembered as larger items. Other items like kitchenware and decor can also be expensive to replace.

During a home inventory, it's best to go room-by-room with a legal pad and a digital camera. You can go room by room, taking pictures of the larger items and writing down basic information on the smaller items. You can assign a basic value for media items like books, DVD's and CD's, which can serve as a basis for settling out a loss. If you like, you can also list titles, which can determine exactly how much value you have in these items. For the larger items, along with the photo, you may want to write down model and serial numbers.

Once completed, you can call your agent to discuss how best to proceed. After determining the appropriate amount of coverage for your personal property, your agent should be able to keep a copy of your photos and inventory in your file at the office, meaning in case of loss, your records will be kept safely and soundly where they can be sent to the adjuster when necessary.

Taking the time to inventory your personal property can save you time and headache at a time where you may have a lot on your plate. Don't delay-take the time today!