When trying to pick up the pieces after a calamity, you'll be
asked by your
insurance company to provide an inventory of lost or damaged items.
Recalling the exact contents of your home under any condition would be
challenging, but perhaps more so under the stress of a fire or theft.
However, creating an inventory before disaster strikes can make it much
easier to make a claim.
It's
wise to generate a detailed list of your possessions. Making a video or
photographic record of your possessions is advisable, as well. You may want
to consider storing your inventory in a safe-deposit box off your property,
or at least in a lockable fireproof storage box in your home. Not only will
a record of your possessions take most of the guesswork out of filing a
claim, police say such documentation can help you prove ownership in case
your belongings are recovered from a thief. Also, you may want to video or
photograph the mess after a disaster and before you begin the clean up. This
can help you prove the extent of damage without having to wait to get your
life back in order.
Remember
to list items not in your house, because they may be covered
against loss as well. For example, the contents of your tool shed or
personal property that might be in storage or with a child at college. A
good rule of thumb is to list anything you would take with you if you moved
- everything but the floor, walls and ceiling. This includes certain
appliances, window coverings, rugs and pictures. Clothing should be listed,
too. If you don't want to catalog every T-shirt and pair of socks, make a
list that gives a numerical breakdown of your wardrobe (i.e., 5 pairs of
blue jeans, 3 pairs of athletic shoes).
The
list should include a description, quantity, and purchase price or
estimated value. Describe size, color, brand name, and any other relative
information. Receipts, bills, and other documents should be provided when
possible to help justify your figures. Purchase price and date of purchase
will also help when determining the value of each object. Where applicable,
list serial numbers.
It
is also important to update your list regularly. Revise it periodically
to include newly acquired items. Updating it about every six months or
whenever you move should be often enough.
Some other
tips:
• Organize your list by rooms. Go
through each room and list everything in it from the contents of drawers
to the ceiling fan.
• Engrave your driver's
license number on everything you can. This can help police find you if
an item is recovered.
• If you are documenting
with video, describe each item as it is shown on camera.
© 2003
Emerald Publications
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