Insurance Contents Checklist

List All Contents

• The first thing that needs to be done when making an insurance contents checklist is to go room by room listing everything in the home. This list needs to be as detailed as possible and organized by items, such as large items, furniture, electronics and personal items. Also make sure to note make, model and serial numbers of as many items as possible. The best way to do this is to list each room on a separate sheet of paper by going through every drawer, cabinet and closet.

  Items to include under electronics should be desktop computer, monitor, printer, laptop computer, televisions, stereo and speakers, DVD and VHS players, answering machines, camera and video cameras.

  The appliance list should include refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, microwave, toaster, blender, food processor, coffee maker and vacuum. Kitchen items such as dishes, glassware, silverware, pots, pans and food can be included with the appliance list.

  Personal clothing items to have listed include clothing, accessories, shoes, cosmetics, glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Jewelry items to include are watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, cufflinks, pins, earrings and other jewels.

  Household linens including sheets, towels, duvets, comforters, blankets and pillows should be added to the list. Furniture such as sofas, loveseats, chairs, coffee tables, end tables, dining room table and chairs, nightstands, bed and mattress, bookshelves, entertainment centers, rugs, wardrobes, dressers, curtains, shades, blinds and lamps. Books, CDs, records, music tapes, video tapes, artwork, wall hangings and picture frames can be categorized with furniture.

  Other items to include on the contents list are golf clubs, skis, snowboards, rollerblades, bicycles, sportswear, other sporting gear, hobby equipment, toys, tools and holiday decorations.

Documentation

• When going through the house making an inventory list of all items make sure to also collect documentation of where the items were located in your house. Take down all serial numbers on electronics, gather all warranties and receipts for items and take photo and/or video proof of the items.

Value Items

• Once the list of items in the house has been completed place a value on all the items inventoried. Values can be placed in a column next to the item description on the inventory list. If the value of an item is unknown or receipt of purchase is missing, check with your insurance provider for a list of values or assistance in placing a value on personal items.

Securely Store

• Once the inventory list has been finalized with values and all documentation has been completed, make sure to properly and securely store the checklist. This can either be done in a fireproof, waterproof safe in the home or in a safe deposit box at a local bank. Securely storing insurance documentation like this will ensure its survival during a disaster or home invasion.