Home Inventory Builder
Check off the items you own and adjust estimated replacement values to see if you have enough Personal Property coverage.
Estimated Personal Property Value
Living & Family Room
Why You Need a Home Inventory
Imagine your home burns to the ground. Tomorrow, the insurance adjuster asks you to list out everything you owned in the kitchen. Every pot, pan, spatula, appliance, and dish. Could you do it from memory?
Most people severely underestimate the value of their belongings. While a single t-shirt isn't worth much, a closet full of clothes, shoes, and coats often totals over $5,000. A home inventory ensures that if you suffer a total loss, you have a documented list to provide the claims adjuster, ensuring you get every dollar you're entitled to.
Pro-Tip: Use Video
In addition to this checklist, we highly recommend walking through your home slowly with your smartphone camera recording. Open closets, open drawers, and narrate what you see. Upload that video to a cloud service like Google Drive or iCloud so it survives even if your phone is destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Replacement Cost" vs "Actual Cash Value"?
Always insure your property for Replacement Cost. If your 5-year-old TV is stolen, Actual Cash Value pays what a used 5-year-old TV is worth on Craigslist ($100). Replacement Cost pays what it costs to buy a brand new TV of similar quality today ($500).
Do renters need an inventory?
Absolutely. Renters insurance specifically covers your personal property. The building owner's insurance does not cover your stuff. This checklist helps you decide if you need a $15,000 renters policy or a $50,000 one.
What is Scheduled Personal Property?
Standard policies have "sub-limits" for highly targeted theft items. For example, they might only pay a maximum of $1,500 total for stolen jewelry, regardless of your overall coverage limit. To cover a $5,000 engagement ring, you must "schedule" it specifically on the policy with an appraisal.
How often should I update this list?
We recommend updating your home inventory annually, perhaps around tax time or when you renew your insurance policy. You should also update it immediately after major purchases like new appliances, furniture, or expensive electronics.