After a devastating storm or burglary, the fear and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Those emotions are further compounded by assessing the damage and determining what personal items are now missing. Home insurance agents strongly suggest creating a list of all your possessions before a disaster strikes. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind for documenting inventory.

Do:

Select a tracking method that works for you.

You can choose to manually write down items in each room of your house. Keep copies of the list and receipts in a folder. You can also take pictures with a mobile phone or camera. The key is to select a tracking method that works for you so that the list is accessible if you need to submit a home insurance claim.

Back up your inventory list in a digital format.

As a backup, keep your list of personal items and receipts in a PDF or other digital format. Home insurance providers say the additional, online copy is a must in case flood water or other damage destroys the hard copies. Make sure a trusted family member or friend has access to the list. Email the list to yourself and copy the designated person as another backup plan.

Don’t:

Wait until a disaster occurs to create the list.

In the midst of assessing the damages after a disaster or break-in, it may be difficult to remember all the items of value. If possessions are missing or were stolen and you don’t have receipts to verify purchases, it could slow down your home insurance claim process. Take the time to do an inventory when conditions and stress levels are normal.

Forget to periodically update your list.

As you buy items for your home or receive inherited pieces, update your inventory list, including receipts and warranties. Expensive items such as artwork and jewelry should be appraised and contain the appraiser’s reports. Double check your insurance policy to determine if coverage includes actual cash value, which is the depreciated value at the time of the item’s loss, or if you have replacement value, which is the amount it would take to replace an item with one of the same value in today’s market.

By taking a few proactive steps, you can be better prepared should you ever have to recover stolen or missing personal items. Phil Taylor Insurance Agency in Clarksville, AR, is your trusted firm for reliable and budget-friendly coverage. Their team specializes in offering home insurance designed to meet your unique needs and protect valuables. If you’re in the market for a new policy or would like an existing policy reviewed, call (479) 754-2616 for a free quote. Visit the company online to browse their complete lineup of insurance options.