Home Inventory Checklist

Creating a home inventory checklist is the best way to ensure you have adequate rental insurance coverage in the event of a fire, theft or other insured incident that results in property loss. Without an inventory of your possessions it will be very difficult to collect the full claim amount from your insurance company. Follow the steps in this guide and be as thorough as possible when documenting the items you wish to insure.

Documenting Property

Documenting the property that you wish to cover with a rental insurance policy should be done in several different ways.

Start by printing the home inventory checklist provided here and at the bottom of this guide. Then you will want to go room by room writing down the items you wish to cover. Begin the process in your home’s front room and work your way back. Document each item by writing down its brand, product name and serial number. Take a picture of each and collect any receipts you may have of that purchase. Another great way to document your possessions is to take a video of your home walk through. This alone can be your inventory. For the best chance of being fully reimbursed in the event of a fire destroying everything, combine the video with images, receipts and written inventory checklist.

Choosing What to Cover

Focus on your most valuable possessions first. These will most likely be the first items a burglar will steal. These types of items include, among others, jewelry and electronics. Since rental insurance also covers property in the event of fire, water damage and weather related damages it is prudent to include things like appliances, clothing and furniture on your inventory checklist. A basic rental insurance policy may not cover your most valuable possessions such as jewelry and antiques. You will want to explore additional coverage such as a rider for these items.

Ensure Claim Payment

The most common way that renters lose their home inventory checklist and therefore lose the only proof they have of assets is to keep the only copy of their inventory checklist in their home. Make copies of your inventory checklist. Keep one in your home, one in a safety deposit box and one at a relative’s home.

Inventory Checklist

RentalInsurance.org has created a downloadable home inventory checklist for you to print out and use to document all of your insurable possessions. You should also have a digital copy of your home inventory checklist. For smart phone users, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a mobile home inventory app. Keep copies of your home inventory checklist in a safe deposit box or relatives house. Don’t be left negotiating with the insurance company when the unthinkable happens. Be prepared and document everything!