Picture Of Proof Home Inventory Downloads Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs)

Q: What is a home inventory?

A Home Inventory is a professionally prepared list, including photographs, of the personal property located in and around your home which is filled with necessities plus life�s little luxuries. We all accumulate personal property but seldom take the time to account for all these possessions.
Think about how difficult it would be to list every lost item whether from a burglary or major natural disaster.
Don't forget to include in your Home Inventory the property stored elsewhere, perhaps in a storage area, garage or even a second home.

Q: Why is a Home Inventory Important?

For example, can you prove the existence and value of the vintage Gibson Les Paul guitar that you purchased 30 years ago? Even if a fire destroyed only one room in your home could you remember all the contents? This is a loss of personal property so a Home Inventory is equally important to a renter as well as a homeowner. You have spent a lot of time and money choosing household items that give you pleasure or make your life more comfortable. Accounting for a loss is only one reason a Home Inventory is important. You are also encouraged to include an inventory as part of your complete Estate Planning package. Also consider how important a home inventory would be if you relocated.

Q: How do I take a home inventory?

If you are just setting up a household, starting an inventory list can be relatively simple. If you�ve been living in the same house for many years, however, the task of creating a list can be daunting. Still, it�s better to have an incomplete inventory than nothing at all. Start with recent purchases and then try to remember what you can about older possessions.

Big ticket items
Valuable items like jewelry, art work and collectibles may have increased in value since you received them. Check with your agent to make sure that you have adequate insurance for these items. They may need to be insured separately.
Take a picture
Besides the list, you can take pictures of rooms and important individual items. On the back of the photos, note what is shown and where you bought it or the make. Don�t forget things that are in closets or drawers.
Videotape it
Walk through your house or apartment videotaping and describing the contents. Or do the same thing using a tape recorder.
Use a personal computer
Use your PC to make your inventory list. Personal finance software packages often include a homeowners room-by-room inventory program.
Storing the list, photos and tapes
Regardless of how you do it (written list, floppy disk, photos, videotape or audio tape), keep your inventory along with receipts in your safe deposit box or at a friend's or relative's home. That way you�ll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. When you make a significant purchase, add the information to your inventory while the details are fresh in your mind.