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Would you be able to remember all the possessions you’ve accumulated
over the years if they were destroyed by a fire? 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.
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 you have. For clothing,
count the items you own by category -- pants, coats, shoes, for example
–- making notes about those that are especially valuable. For major appliance
and electronic equipment, record their serial numbers usually found on the
back or bottom.
Don't be put off!
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, art work 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 and where you bought
it or the make. Don’t forget things that are in closets or drawers.
Videotape it
Walk through your house or apartment videotaping and describing the contents.
Or do the same thing using a tape recorder.
Use a personal computer
Use your PC to make your inventory list. Personal finance software packages
often include a homeowners room-by-room inventory program.
Storing the list, photos and tapes
Regardless of how you do it (written list, floppy disk, photos, videotape
or audio tape), keep your inventory along with receipts in your safe deposit
box or at a friend's or relative's home. 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.
Article
courtesy © Insurance Information Institute, Inc. - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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