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Insurance Tip: Take Photos of Your Home and Belongings – Before Disaster Strikes

Personal Insurance

If a fire, theft, storm, or other disaster destroyed your home tomorrow, would you be able to remember every item you owned — from electronics to clothing to kitchenware? Most of us think we could, but in the middle of a stressful loss, even the most basic things are easy to forget.

That’s why creating a home inventory with photos and documentation is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner or renter. In the event of a total loss, having clear records makes it much easier to work with your insurance adjuster and recover what you’re owed.

Why Documentation Matters: take photos of your home and belongings
When you file a homeowners or renters insurance claim, your insurer will ask for a list of everything that was damaged or lost — and they’ll need details. That includes:
  • What it was
  • When you bought it
  • How much it cost
  • Proof of ownership
Without documentation, adjusters can only estimate what was in your home. That often leads to delays, disagreements, and potentially smaller claim settlements. A well-documented home inventory gives adjusters something concrete to work with, speeding up the process and helping ensure a fair payout.
Start with Photos (or Video)

You don’t need fancy equipment or an expensive app to create your inventory. Your phone is more than enough.

Here’s a simple way to do it:

  1. Walk through your home and take wide shots of each room. Don’t forget closets, attics, basements, garages, and storage areas.
  2. Zoom in on high-value items like electronics, jewelry, collectibles, musical instruments, designer bags, or appliances.
  3. Open drawers, cabinets, and closets to show what’s inside — this is especially useful for clothing, tools, and kitchen items.
  4. Take photos of serial numbers, receipts, or product labels where possible. These help validate the value and existence of your items.
  5. Consider a narrated video walkthrough. Talk about each item as you film — “This is a 65-inch Samsung TV, purchased in 2023 for $1,200” — so there’s a verbal record of what you owned.
Make a List of High-Value Items

While photos are great, a written list adds an extra layer of clarity, especially for expensive or rare belongings. Include:

  • A description of the item
  • Brand and model
  • Purchase date and price (attach receipts if you have them)
  • Where you bought it
  • Estimated current value
You can do this in a spreadsheet, a home inventory app, or even a notebook — just be sure it’s organized and accessible.
Store It Safely

Taking the time to document your home won’t help if that documentation is lost in the same disaster. Make sure to store your inventory in a secure, offsite, or cloud-based location:

  • Email it to yourself
  • Save it to a cloud service like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox
  • Keep a backup on an external hard drive or USB drive in a fireproof safe or at a trusted friend’s house
Bonus Tip: Update It Regularly

Try to update your inventory once a year, or any time you make a major purchase. That way, your records stay current, and you won’t have to start from scratch in an emergency.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to put off documenting your home until “later” — but when disaster strikes, it’s already too late. A simple photo walkthrough and a few notes can make a world of difference when you’re trying to piece your life back together.

Taking 30 minutes now could save you weeks of stress, arguments, and financial loss later. Think of it as one of the easiest ways to protect your peace of mind and your belongings.

Having the right coverage means you’re prepared for the unexpected. Not sure if you’re fully protected? Contact us today to review your policy options!

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