If your home was destroyed or severely damaged by fire or other catastrophe, would you have an accurate record of its contents and their value? A home inventory could help you receive an insurance settlement faster and avoid an insurance nightmare.
Start by listing each major item with as much detail as possible. For appliances and electronic equipment, record the brand, manufacturer, model, serial number, plus the price and date of purchase.
Itemize big ticket items like jewelry, art or collectibles – and always save their sales receipts or appraisals. Don’t overlook things like china, crystal, silver, and other valuables.
To document the rest of your belongings, use a camera or camcorder. Go from room to room to quickly capture everything. Then save these pictures or videos in a safe place other than your home.
A thorough inventory will be invaluable if you ever have a claim. It will also help you make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage to protect your family’s belongings.
