Do you know what you own?
Would you be able to give the insurance company a list of items you have in your home if something happened tomorrow? Chances are you would forget many items if you were listing them from memory.
Document possessions for insurance purposes.
While I can't physically record a video for you, I can guide you through the process and provide some tips on how to create an effective video walkthrough of your home for insurance purposes. No one wants to think about being in a situation where their home is destroyed, but being prepared is important.
Gather Equipment:
You'll need a smartphone or a camera to record the video.
Plan the Walkthrough:
Decide how you'll navigate through each room and what areas you want to focus on. Create a mental or written checklist of items you want to capture.
Start Recording:
Begin recording and start your walkthrough. As you walk through each room, focus on capturing the major items such as electronics, appliances, furniture, and valuable possessions. Open closets, cabinets, and drawers to document their contents. It might make sense to shoot one video per room.
Verbal Descriptions:
As you scan each item, provide verbal descriptions. Mention details like brand, model, and any other relevant information. This will help you remember and accurately document each item.
Valuable Collections:
If you have valuable collections like jewelry or coins, lay them out on a table and record each piece individually. Highlight any unique or high-value items.
Hobbies and Tools:
Don't forget to include tools and supplies for any hobbies you have. These items can also be valuable and should be documented.
Safe Storage:
Save a copy on your computer as well as somewhere other than your home. This could be cloud storage or a USB drive in a safety deposit box.
Update Regularly:
It's a good idea to update the video walkthrough every few years or whenever you make significant purchases or changes to your home's contents.
Remember, the goal is to have a comprehensive record of your possessions in case of an unfortunate event. By following these steps, you'll be better prepared to provide accurate information to your insurance company if the need arises.
Chadrack says
Great tips and wonderful insight. Instead of taking the time to write everything the idea of recording while giving the details of the items is really ingenious. At least with the video film every one can see the items unlike a list.
Melinda says
I think you tend to miss stuff with a list since you would focus on the big things. But smaller items do add up fast when it comes to replacing them.
Ileane says
Hey Melinda, great idea. Here’s another tip – my sister is an insurance claims adjuster and she specializes in valuing homes that have been destroyed. When it comes to clothing (like furs or expensive handbags) many items lose value after 3 years! So if you’re ever in a situation, tell your adjuster that you just brought a new wardrobe in the last 6 months due to all of the weight you just lost (or gained in my case).
Thanks!