How to Create a Home Inventory List for Insurance Claims

1. Create a list of all major items in your home

Creating a home inventory list is an important step in protecting your belongings in case of a fire, theft, or other damage. Having a detailed list of all the major items in your home can help to make the process of filing an insurance claim much easier. To begin, make a list of all the items that are in your home, including furniture, electronics, appliances, artwork, jewelry, and other belongings. Be sure to include details such as the item’s make, model, serial number, and value. You may also want to take photos or videos of your belongings to help validate your claim. It is also a good idea to store a digital copy of your list in a secure location, such as a cloud storage service or a fireproof safe.

2. Take photos or videos of each item

Taking photos or videos of each item in your home inventory list for insurance claims is an important step in being prepared for potential damage or theft. Taking a visual record of your belongings is the best way to ensure that if something is lost or damaged, you’ll have proof when filing a claim with your insurance company. Photos and videos should be taken in the highest resolution possible and should include all angles of the item, as well as a picture of the serial number. Additionally, you should make sure to keep the photos or videos in an easily accessible place in case you need to reference them later.

3. Record any serial numbers

An important step in creating a home inventory list for insurance claims is to record any serial numbers from your possessions. Writing down serial numbers can help you prove ownership if you have to file an insurance claim. Make sure to include the serial numbers for any electronics, appliances, furniture, tools, and sporting goods that you own. Serial numbers can usually be found on the back or underside of the item, and you should make sure to record them somewhere secure. This could be on a computer document or in a notebook that you keep in a safe place.

4. Note the make, model, and approximate age of each item

When creating a home inventory list for insurance claims, it is important to take note of the make, model, and approximate age of each item. This information is essential to assessing the current value of the item and determining whether or not it should be covered. For example, if one of your items is a television, you'll need to make sure to include the make (e.g., Samsung), model (e.g., Q60T), and approximate age (e.g., three years old). This information will help you and your insurance provider better identify the item and ensure that your claim is properly processed.

5. Store the list and photos in a secure spot

When creating a home inventory list to file an insurance claim, it is important to store the list and photos in a secure spot. This will ensure that your information is safe and easily accessible in the event of a disaster or theft. The best way to store your documents is digitally. You can save the documents on your computer or an online cloud storage provider. If you prefer a hard copy, you can store the documents in a fireproof safe and even keep digital copies of the documents on a USB drive. In either case, it is important to back-up the data in case of a system failure.

6. Make sure to update the list regularly

Once you have created your home inventory list, it’s important to update it regularly. This is especially true if you make any large purchases, change your living space, or buy expensive items. It’s also important to review the list periodically to make sure all the items are still accurate. This will make it easier for you to provide accurate information to your insurance company in the event of a claim. Additionally, you should store your home inventory list in a secure place, such as a safe or safety deposit box, so that it’s not lost in the event of a disaster.

7. Make a copy of the list and keep it off-site

Once you have compiled your home inventory list, it’s important to make a copy and keep it off-site. This could be a copy stored with a family member or friend, or in a secure online storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Storing the list off-site ensures that you can access it if your home is damaged or destroyed. It also means that you can easily add to the list as you purchase new items and make sure all your possessions are accounted for when filing an insurance claim.

8. Give a copy of the list to a trusted family member or friend

After you’ve finished creating your comprehensive home inventory list, it’s important to share it with a trusted family member or friend. Having a copy of the list in a secure location off-site will ensure it is readily available should you need to make an insurance claim. This is particularly important if your list is stored digitally, as it will be inaccessible if your computer or hard drive is damaged. Providing a copy of your list to a loved one also ensures that you will have a record of your possessions should you ever need to make an insurance claim.

In conclusion, creating a home inventory list is an important part of properly insuring your home and belongings. Taking the time to create an accurate inventory list will help you when filing insurance claims and help ensure that you get the full value of your belongings. To ensure your inventory list is up to date, be sure to review it every year and update it whenever you acquire new items.