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A home inventory is simply proof of what you own. Walk room by room with your phone, capture video and photos, note major items with brand, model, and rough purchase date, and store the file somewhere off-site. It turns a stressful claim into a paperwork exercise.
What you need to know
Fast method that works
One continuous video per room, narrating as you go, plus close-ups of serial numbers and receipts you still have.
Prioritize the expensive and the specialized
Electronics, jewelry, tools, instruments, art, and collectibles are where claims get contested.
Store it off your property
Cloud storage or an emailed copy to yourself survives the event that destroys the house.
Common mistakes
- Insuring the home to market value or loan balance instead of today's rebuild cost.
- Leaving liability at the lowest available limit with no umbrella above it.
- Assuming flood and earthquake are included — both are separate in California.
- Never scheduling jewelry, art or other items that carry low special limits.
- Filing small claims that cost more in renewal pricing than they paid out.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent when your premium jumps, when you renovate or rent out the home, when you are told you are being non-renewed, or any time you cannot tell from the declarations page what your policy would actually pay.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.