Importance of a Houshold Inventory Record

If your home or possessions were damaged or destroyed  by a tornado or fire, would you be able to provide an accurate list of your belongings to your claim adjuster? If you rely on your memory alone, many items will be overlooked at a difficult and stressful time.

The adjuster will ask you if you have any of the following:

• value of the articles lost
• serial numbers wherever possible
• photos or video of the items

A household inventory record can be invaluable at a time of catastrophic loss. Inventory records are available free from insurance agents, and provide you with a place to record room by room each of your items, it's original price and year of purchase. There's usually a separate section with a place to record serial numbers for items that have them. Even though you have this record completed, it's a good idea to take photos or a video of items to support the inventory record.

When you're finished, keep the record and photos in a safe place other than your home if possible. It's also a good idea to review it from time to time, adding new items and removing items you no longer have in your home. You'll probably never need it, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for whatever may come along.