Financial & Records Preparedness
Create a Home Inventory
A room-by-room record of your belongings speeds up insurance claims.
After a disaster, trying to remember everything you owned from memory is nearly impossible — and insurance companies require proof to pay a claim. A home inventory is a detailed list of your belongings with photos and values. Creating one now makes filing a claim faster, easier, and far more accurate.
Photograph Every Room
Walk through your home with a phone or camera and take wide shots of each room, then close-ups of valuable items. Open closets, cabinets, and drawers to show contents.
Record Purchase Details
For each valuable item, note the brand, model, serial number, approximate purchase date, and price. Keep receipts or bank statements as proof of value.
Store the Inventory Securely
Save photos and your list to a password-protected USB drive or secure cloud service. Keep a printed copy with your important documents and a copy with a trusted contact outside your area.
Update Once a Year
Add new purchases and remove items you no longer own. A quick annual update keeps your inventory accurate and claim-ready.
Don't Forget These High-Value Items
- •Electronics: TVs, computers, tablets, phones, gaming systems
- •Jewelry, watches, and collectibles (may need separate coverage)
- •Furniture, mattresses, and large appliances
- •Tools, lawn equipment, and sporting goods
- •Clothing, shoes, and pantry staples (add up quickly)