Taking Inventory

Taking inventory and documenting all items in your home will go a long way in helping replacing those items in the event of a total loss. When a total loss happens your carrier will have you make a list of personal items that were destroyed or damage in the loss. A total loss meaning the home is entirely destroyed, or destroyed beyond repair. Once that happens the last thing on your mind is going to be remembering the entirety of contents in your home.

The easiest way to begin taking inventory is by taking photographs. Going room to room and taking photos will go a long way in the event of a total loss, to remind you what items were where. Taking the photos and keeping them safe is the easiest thing you can do to protect the contents of your phone. Some people keep them in a safe deposit box, some people keep them on a jump drive and some people just keep them in a separate folder on their cell phones.

The next part after taking photos would be making a list of things listed in the photos. If you’re taking a picture of your kitchen for example, write down make of appliances; write down type of dining room table, and the cost of those items. If you’re taking photos of your bedroom, write down what type of bed you have, mattress, and open drawers and closets to get photos and lists of clothing items.

Keep in mind that replacing contents in your home varies based on what type of policy you have, and what type of items you’re going to want replaced. Most carriers have to schedule guns, jewelry and things of that nature. Meaning they must be individually named, a value assigned, and a premium paid on them, to have them on your policy.

As always, speak with your agent about what specific type of policy you have, if you have your contents insured for a good amount, or if you have your contents insured at all. Also ask about what type of items must be scheduled separately onto your policy. Your agent is there to help you, always speak with them when you have any questions or concerns.

-Jordan Newcomer

Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent