Why a Homeowner’s Contents Inventory List is Important

At The Morgan Law Group, our experienced homeowners’s insurance attorneys serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Puerto Rico, and Florida. We understand that insurance companies often look for any oversight by homeowners to minimize or deny the total value of claims.

Experiencing property damage from hurricanes, floods, or fires can be distressing. However, the lack of an inventory list, images, or proof of the contents damaged can lead insurance companies to deny coverage for those items. To prevent this, we recommend that homeowners maintain an updated household inventory of their property and its contents.

Maintaining a detailed home inventory list is more than just a record; it’s a strategy to streamline the claims process and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. This list allows you to precisely identify and verify the value of lost items, significantly expediting and potentially increasing your claim’s payout.

Here’s how you can effectively manage your home inventory checklist to maximize your insurance claim benefits.

Importance of a Homeowner Contents List for Insurance Claims

A home inventory for insurance refers to a comprehensive list that homeowners compile detailing all the items and possessions within their home. This inventory serves as a crucial document when filing homeowners’ insurance claims, providing proof of the property owned and its condition before any damage or loss occurred.

Creating a detailed homeowner contents list is essential for homeowners’ insurance claims. This list substantiates your claim, making it easier to verify losses and facilitate the claims process. Without this documentation, homeowners may face challenges in proving the extent of their losses, potentially leading to reduced or denied claims.

What Should Be Included in a Home Inventory?

A proper home inventory list is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring you receive the correct amount from your insurance in the event of a loss. 

To create a comprehensive household inventory checklist, you should include the following information:

• Descriptions and images of all items: Document every item in your home with detailed descriptions and clear photographs. This visual record helps in verifying the existence and condition of your belongings.
• Purchase dates and the stores where they were purchased: Keeping track of when and where items were bought can be crucial in establishing their value and replacement cost.
• The makes, models, and serial numbers: For electronics, appliances, and other valuable items, noting the make, model, and serial number is vital for identification and replacement purposes.
• Estimated values of the items: Include the estimated value of each item to ensure you receive adequate compensation from your home insurance inventory.
• Receipts: Whenever possible, attach receipts or proof of purchase to substantiate claims and validate the item’s value.

By maintaining an up-to-date household inventory checklist, you can safeguard your assets and ensure you have the necessary documentation to support any insurance claims. Regularly updating your home inventory list will provide peace of mind and protection for your valuable possessions.

Tips When Creating an Inventory List of Home Contents

Creating a home inventory list can be done in various ways. You can opt for a written list, take pictures or videos, use a Word or Excel document, or utilize an app specifically designed for this purpose.

• Start with recent purchases: New items are easier to document and remember.
• Use digital tools: Utilize apps or software designed for creating a home inventory checklist. These tools often come with features to store photos, receipts, and other details digitally. 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has recently launched a home inventory app that simplifies the process. This app can scan barcodes for accuracy, categorize possessions, and store images effortlessly, making your home insurance inventory both accurate and organized.

• Keep copies off-site: Ensure your household inventory checklist is saved in a secure, remote location or cloud storage to prevent loss in case the physical copy is damaged.
• Update regularly: As you acquire or dispose of items, keep your home inventory checklist current to reflect these changes accurately.

With these tips, homeowners can create a robust home inventory for insurance purposes, enhancing the efficiency and success of their homeowners’ insurance claims.

While an inventory list can help with your homeowner’s insurance claim, your provider is not simply going to write a blank check to reimburse you for your damages. Contact our experienced insurance claims attorneys to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the outcome you deserve from your insurance policy.