Home Inventory For Insurance

Most homeowners don’t realize how much they actually have until a disaster strikes – loss of valuables from a burglary or damage from a fire. Showing your homeowner’s insurance agent documentation of your belongings can speed up the claims process and ensure you’re fairly compensated. Technology has made this even easier- just a few minutes with your smartphone is all most people need for a home inventory.

1. Short, sweet, simple – you don’t need the history of each item. Simply walk through your home, opening drawers to show your possessions. If there’s anything special about an item, feel free to talk, but silent is fine.
2. Don’t keep your video in your house. Store it in the Cloud, or ask your home insurance company to keep a flash drive of your inventory with your records in the office. If you store your video on your laptop, and it’s stolen, you’re out of luck.
3. Focus on your high dollar items – you may love your reclining lounger, but things such as electronics, antiques, and jewelry are the ones most targeted by thieves. Don’t forget to get a shot of any serial numbers, antique provenances, or unique details of your jewelry, like engravings.
4. There’s an app for that! There are several helpful apps for home inventory – Belongings, Encircle and Stuffanizer are the most popular, and all are available for Android and iOS. Working with the camera function of the app, allow it to guide you through the inventory process. There are also helpful tips on shooting useable video, as well as reminders to include certain items.
5. Don’t procrastinate. Most people may never need their home inventory, but if a natural disaster, fire, or home invasion occur, it’s not something you’re prepared for. Take preventative measures to mitigate your loss with a timely home inventory. And don’t forget to update it periodically, especially if you move, or acquire new, expensive items.