This day and age, everyone seems to have a smart phone or iPhone, and everyone is using it daily to snap a photo or video for their Facebook page, or for Instagram, SnapChat, or whatever other social media outlet on which they like to post. However, how many of those people use their phone to do this simple task that may help them in the event of a 'loss'? The loss I'm talking about is related to something like a fire or burglary and the task is the simple act of walking through your home and garage, as well as around your property, taking a video or photos of your assets.
Since I work in this industry with BlueCircle Insurance Brokers, a lot of information comes my way in regard to insurance products and services, as well as statistics on accidents, losses, and claims. Too many people out there have no real record of what they own, which certainly adds complications to an event that is already traumatizing enough on it's own, such as the aforementioned burglary or fire.
So, take a few minutes and do a video and photo tour of your home ( or even your business), get a record of your assets and put it on 'The Cloud' or e-mail it to yourself or a family member so it's stored somewhere that can be accessed in the event of an incident resulting in a loss. That 10 minutes of your time may save you many hours of frustration and stress down the road.
Here's a bit of a guide to helping you get it organized, keeping in mind the purpose of this photographic inventory is to ensure that you are adequately compensated for any loss, and that proper documentation will also speed up your claim through the insurance process.
Also, client or not, to help you get everything properly recorded and valued check out the handy fill-able checklist located in the bottom right corner of the page through this link to "My Personal Items Checklist".
• Take a photo of every room, including the garage and storage shed.
• Take a photo of the exterior of your home (including landscaping).
• Take a new picture each time you renovate.
• Take individual photos of specific items, ie. TV, DVD, appliances, china cabinets and contents, clothes closets etc. Read the checklist in the link to help guide your inventory.
• Take photos of the contents of your fridge and freezer.
• Take close up pictures of antiques, artwork, collectibles etc.
• Get an appraisal for jewelry, furs, antiques and get additional coverage if necessary.
• Take a picture of your garage’s contents.
• Record make, model and serial numbers.
• Photograph or list the titles of your CD’s, DVD’s, videos and computer games.
• Print duplicate copies and store one set off-site.
• Keep major purchase receipts with inventory list.
• Keep inventory list current.
Some people engrave their possessions with an identifier, like their Drivers Licence Number
If you don't use the list we've provided, remember that The Home Photo Inventory Record for your home, contents, valuables and personal effects should include the following information…
Name:
Date:
Insurance Company:
Insurance Brokers:
Address:
Tel. Number:
Policy Number(s):
Take photos of exterior view of property
Property Address:
Legal Description:
Date Purchased:
Cost:
Appraised Value:
Date:
Appraised Value:
Repeat for additional properties
Outside Possessions
Take photos of items and landscaping and include this info for the items…
Description:
Value:
Year Purchased:
Household Contents, Personal Effects, Major Items
Take photos of home room by room, and photos of individual items, and include the following info for each item…
Description:
Value:
Year Purchased:
Vehicle Information (Auto/Trucks/RV/Boat etc.)
Take photos and include this info for each vehicle…
Description:
Value:
Year Purchased:
Miscellaneous Items
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