Do It Today!

Hopefully you'll never suffer a loss but if you ever do you'll wish you had taken the time to do this. Using a computer is an excellent way to keep an up-to-date inventory of your items. Make sure to include model and serial numbers of valuable items along with the vendor and date of purchase a note about the method of acquisition (purchased, inherited or received as a gift) and price or approximate value.. Then keep a folder of all the original invoices if possible. Remember to include furniture, appliances, carpeting, jewelry, artwork, electronic equipment, toys and the contents of your closets, cabinets and drawers. Contact your independent insurance agent with questions or concerns.

Provide Further Proof With Videotape

Videotaping each room of your house can make taking inventories easier. Photographs and a tape recorder can substitute for a video camera. A complete video inventory should contain verbal descriptions of major assets as well as their value. Remember your garage, attic, basement and the exterior of the house, plus your landscaping and fencing. If possible, make it a family project by having everyone take turns describing the objects in your home. Store the video or photographs along with this inventory in a safe-deposit box and send a copy to a friend or relative.

Do Not Forget Important Documents

Extremely important documents should be photocopied. Keep one copy in your home and the original, where possible, in a safe-deposit box. Important items include, but are not limited to, the following: