If your house flooded tonight, could you tell your insurance company everything you own? Not just the couch and the TV, but the real list, down to the silverware and the tools in the garage.
Most people can't, and that's normal. A home inventory fixes that. It's a written or photographed record of what you own, what it's worth, and when you bought it, ready to hand your agent the day something goes wrong.
We've helped enough neighbors through claims to know this: the ones with an inventory ready got through the process faster and with fewer arguments about value.
Why do I need a home inventory?
It helps you and your agent figure out how much coverage you actually need. Add up everything you own and it might exceed your policy limit, and you won't know that gap exists until it's too late.
It also makes filing a claim less painful, since an adjuster with a detailed list can move quickly instead of asking you to reconstruct everything from memory. And it's handy outside insurance too, like claiming a tax deduction after a disaster or splitting up belongings during a move.
How do I create a home inventory?
Pick a method that works for you:
- A written list or spreadsheet. Note the item, brand and model, serial number if it has one, what you paid, and when you bought it.
- A home inventory app. Free options for iPhone and Android let you snap a photo and add details right from your phone.
- A video walk-through. Walk through each room narrating what you see. Fast, though it won't capture serial numbers.
The best inventory usually combines two of these: a spreadsheet for detail, photos or video for backup proof.
A few tips for getting through it without losing a weekend:
- Tackle one room, or one closet, at a time.
- Start with your most valuable items, like jewelry, electronics, and furniture.
- Don't skip storage: the attic, garage, shed, or that unit you're still paying for.
- Group clothing by type ("four winter coats, six pairs of jeans") instead of item by item.
- Log new purchases as you go rather than trying to remember them later.
If you own anything particularly valuable, like fine jewelry or firearms, give us a call. These items sometimes need to be scheduled separately, since standard limits often cap out lower than you'd expect.
Where should I story my home inventory?
Your inventory needs to survive the same disaster your house might not. A list in a desk drawer won't help if that desk burns too. Keep a copy somewhere separate: cloud storage, a fireproof safe, or a safety deposit box all work. It's also worth sending a copy to your agent, so we can flag it if you need more coverage than you currently have.
How often should I update my home inventory?
At least once a year. Set a reminder for the same weekend annually, maybe during spring cleaning, and spend twenty minutes updating it.
Beyond that, update it whenever you make a big purchase or move. Add new furniture, a new TV, or an engagement ring while it's fresh rather than waiting for the annual review.
Need help getting started?
You don't have to do this alone. Stop by our office or give us a call, and we'll walk you through a checklist that makes the process painless. Mountain Lakes Insurance can also review your current policy to make sure your coverage matches what you actually own.
