In the event of a total loss what document can best help replace your
belongings?
1. Your resume
2. The Declaration
of Independence
3. A complete home inventory
If all of your belongings are lost, a detailed home inventory can help ensure
their replacement, verify losses for the police and insurance adjuster,
substantiate a tax credit, and help you get your life back to normal as quickly
as possible.
Don't think your belongings are worth enough to insure? Even the tiniest
studio apartment can hold thousands of dollar's worth of personal property.
Completing a home inventory can help you determine the overall value of your
belongings and assist you in assessing their insurable value.
Taking the time now to document your belongings can save you time and worry
later, and ensure proper reimbursement for all your losses. The more area you
occupy and personal property you have, the longer it will take to complete an
inventory. The most effective inventory combines a detailed written list with
one of the following:
1. Videotape with audio narration
2. Photographs of valuable, or unique items
3. Audiotape with photographs of valuable or unique items
There are also good inventory software packages available to help you
organize, store and keep your list updated.
No matter what method(s) you choose, make sure to approach this project
systematically so you don't miss anything. Keep a copy of your completed
inventory off premises in a safety deposit box, or with a relative or
friend.
Here are some project tips:
- Begin in one room and cover its contents thoroughly before moving on.
- Remember hallways, attic, basement, garage, porch, pool, patio and garden.
- Open closets and drawers.
- Group like-items together when possible. For example, clothing can be
grouped by category, quantity and overall cost. Note anything of special value.
- Document unique information about valuable items, such as model, age, where
purchased, unusual qualities, etc.
- Record serial numbers of major appliances and electronic equipment.
- Attach sales receipts and/or appraisals to the inventory list.
- Photocopy important documents and attach to the inventory list. Keep
originals in a safety deposit box.
- Photograph valuable items against a plain background, next to a ruler. Turn
items over to show any hallmark, manufacturer or pattern information.
- Keep your inventory list updated by documenting any new items acquired.
- Complete separate inventories for any other home, boat or recreational
vehicle you own.
- Collections and/or specialty items, such as jewelry and art, should be
professionally appraised to establish their value. Attach appraisals to the
inventory list.
A good home inventory that is part of a homeowners, renters or condominium
owners insurance plan is designed to restore your lifestyle to normal quickly
and with minimal additional cost. There are two types of policies designed for
this purpose: actual cash value and replacement cost.
Actual cash value policies pay the cost to replace an item after
depreciation. Your 10-year old bedroom set might still look good, but it's
unlikely you could replace it today for what you paid a decade ago. With an
actual cash value policy, you will have to make up the difference.
A replacement cost policy takes into consideration what it would cost to
replace the bedroom set at today's prices. You can expect to pay a slightly
higher premium for replacement cost coverage.
Read your policy carefully because most homeowners policies have strict
limits on certain valuable items, such as jewelry, furs, silver, art, antiques,
electronics, guns and other collectibles. You may need to purchase additional
insurance, called a rider or floater, to make sure those items are covered
properly.
The inventory form that follows is a good starting point and lists many of
the common items most people have in their homes. Don't be surprised if you need
to attach an additional sheet marked other for each room you inventory. A
lifetime of collecting belongings, even if you've just rented your first
apartment, can yield a wealth of unique items that express who you are.
To create a consistent other items page use the following format on as many
sheets as you need.
Number of items
Description of items
Year Purchased
Cost
New
Estimated
Current Value
Number of items
Description of items
Year Purchased
Cost
New
Estimated
Current Value
Bookcases
Books
Carpets/rugs
CDs, DVDs, records, audiotapes
Chairs
Coffee tables
Collectibles/Knick-knacks
End/Side tables
Entertainment unit
Game units
Games
Lamps/fans/fixtures
Musical instruments
Ottoman
Planters/Plants
Sofas
Sound system
Television/VCR
Videotapes
Wall artwork/Mirrors
Window treatments
Other
Arm chairs
Buffet
Carpets/Rugs
China
China cabinet
Clocks
Collectibles/Knick-knacks
Crystal
Dining table
Glassware
Lamps/Fans/Fixtures
Planters/Plants
Serving pieces
Serving table/Cart
Side chairs
Sideboard
Silverware
Table linens
Wall artwork/Mirrors
Window treatments
Other
Bake ware
Cabinets
Carpets/Rugs
Chairs
Clocks
Collectibles/Knick-knacks
Cutlery
Dishes
Dishwasher
Dryer
Flatware
Food supplies
Freezer
Garbage disposal
Lights/Fans/Fixtures
Linens
Microwave
Planters/Plants
Pots/Pans
Refrigerator
Small appliances
Sound system
Step stool
Stove
Tables
Trash compacter
TV/VCR
Utensils
Wall artwork/Mirrors
Washer
Window treatments
Other
Accessories
Armoire and contents
Bed frames
Bookcases
Books
Carpets/Rugs
Cedar chest
Chairs
Clothing
Collectibles/Knick-knacks
Computer system and software
Desk and contents
Dressers and contents
Dressing table and contents
Game system and games
Games
Lights/Fans/Fixtures
Linens
Mattress/box spring set
Night tables and contents
Planters/Plants
Radio's/sound system
Sewing machine
Shoes
Toiletries
Toys
TV/VCR/DVD
Wall artwork/mirrors
Window treatments
Other
Cabinets
Carpets/Rugs
Chairs
Clock
Hampers
Linens
Radio
Scale
Shelving
Shower curtains and hooks
Small electronics
Tables
Toiletries
Wall artwork/mirrors
Window treatments
Other
Carpentry tools/supplies
Carpets/rugs
Furniture
Garden tools/Supplies
Indoor games
Lawn mower
Outdoor games
Pantry food items
Pantry housewares
Pantry pet supplies
Pantry storage units
Playroom bookshelves and contents
Playroom electronics
Playroom game tables
Shovels
Snow blower
Sprinkler/Hose
Toys
Wheel barrow
Window treatments
Workbench
Other
Carpets/Rugs
Chairs
Lounge/Hammock
Ornamental lawn items
Outdoor cooking equipment
Plants/Planters
Playscapes
Pool equipment/Toys/Supplies
Tables
Umbrella
Other
