Close your eyes and try to list all the items in your living room. You have probably left out a few! And would you know how much the items in that room are worth? What about the other rooms in your house? Not that simple, is it?
Imagine after a loss: do you think you’d be able to list all of the items stolen or destroyed? And did you keep the proof of purchase?
The property inventory is a practical tool that can help you out. It is also an essential tool, both when you purchase your home insurance policy and when you make a claim.
When you purchase your insurance policy
Making an inventory of your belongings lets you know the total value of the property you own. Thus, you can choose the coverage amount that corresponds to your belongings.
After a loss
Your inventory will also help you and your insurer out when you make a claim. You will have a list of items that you possessed in each room of your home and proof of ownership.
Make an inventory
In each room of your home, list the items: furniture, computers and electronic equipment, clothing, tools, etc. Write down what they are worth or their purchase price. Enhance the list with photos, descriptions, invoices or instruction manuals and serial numbers.
Keep your inventory in a safe place. Ideally, don’t keep it at home. For example, keep a copy on iCloud, or leave a copy at the office or in a safety deposit box at the bank.
Don’t forget to update it regularly, when you renew your home insurance coverage or purchase a valuable object.
Information on the Personal Property Inventory Form
The property inventory form has been designed to make things easy for you. A list of items has been suggested for each room. You can either complete the list or delete the suggested content to enter your belongings. The total number of possessions is automatically calculated at the end of the page as well as in the recap page at the very end.
Note: It is suggested that you append invoices, photographs and video footage of your possessions to the property inventory. Receipts, warranties and instruction manuals can also be used as supporting documents when making a claim.
Complete this form and save it on your hard drive. Keep your inventory in a safe place away from your home (at the office, with a friend or on iCloud).
