Create a thorough home inventory to ensure you are properly insured. Room-by-room checklist with tips for documenting your possessions for insurance claims.
Why You Need a Home Inventory
A home inventory is a detailed record of your personal possessions, including descriptions, estimated values, and photos or video. Without one, you may significantly under-claim after a loss. Studies show that people without inventories recover only 30-40% of their losses because they simply cannot remember everything they owned. An inventory also helps you determine if you have enough personal property coverage and speeds up the claims process after a disaster.
Room-by-Room Checklist
Living Room: furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, shelves), electronics (TV, speakers, gaming systems), decor (artwork, rugs, lamps, curtains), books and media. Kitchen: appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, mixer), cookware and bakeware, dishes, glassware, silverware, small appliances. Bedrooms: bed frames, mattresses, dressers, nightstands, clothing, jewelry, personal electronics. Bathrooms: toiletries, towels, small appliances (hair dryer, electric razor). Home Office: computer, monitor, printer, desk, chair, software, files. Garage/Storage: tools, lawn equipment, bicycles, sports equipment, seasonal items, holiday decorations.
How to Document Your Inventory
Take photos or video of every room, opening drawers and closets to capture contents. Record serial numbers for electronics and appliances. Keep receipts for major purchases. Note the approximate purchase date and price paid. Store your inventory in a safe location outside your home: cloud storage, a safe deposit box, or with a trusted friend or family member. Update your inventory annually or whenever you make major purchases. Free apps like Sortly, Encircle, and your insurance company's own tools can make the process easier.
High-Value Items and Scheduling
Standard personal property coverage has per-item and per-category limits. Jewelry is typically limited to $1,500-$2,500 per claim regardless of your total coverage. Firearms, silverware, artwork, and collectibles also have sublimits. If you own items that exceed these limits, you need a scheduled personal property endorsement (also called a floater or rider) that specifically lists and covers each valuable item at its appraised value. Get professional appraisals for jewelry, artwork, antiques, and collectibles.