Home inventory for insurance: a complete guide

After a fire, flood, burglary or storm, most people struggle to remember what they owned. Insurers usually ask for evidence of what you owned and what it was worth, and a detailed inventory makes that much easier to provide.

Claim decisions always rest with your insurer, and policy conditions and evidence requirements vary. An organised record cannot guarantee an outcome, but it means you are not reconstructing everything from memory at the worst possible moment.

1. 1

   Pick one room at a time

   Start with the room that holds your most valuable items. Work clockwise, opening drawers, cupboards and storage boxes. Capture everyday items too: small possessions are easy to forget when you list losses from memory.

2. 2

   Photograph and video everything

   Take wide shots of each room, then close-ups of serial numbers, model numbers and any damage or wear. A short walkthrough video of each room is another quick way to show what you owned and when.

3. 3

   Attach receipts and appraisals

   Receipts, invoices and professional valuations are among the most useful evidence of value. Keep digital copies linked to each item so the record is complete when you need it.

4. 4

   Review and update yearly

   Set a calendar reminder after birthdays, holidays, or major purchases. Update values, add new items, and remove things you've sold or donated so your inventory stays accurate.

Standard contents policies often cap payouts for individual items unless they are listed separately. These high-value items usually need explicit coverage and extra proof:

• Jewellery, watches and precious metals
• Art, antiques and collectibles
• Electronics, cameras and drones
• Bicycles and sporting equipment
• Designer handbags, clothing and accessories
• Firearms, tools and workshop equipment
• Musical instruments
• Medical devices

For these categories, photograph them against a plain background, capture any maker's marks, and attach certificates of authenticity or professional appraisals. If you bought second-hand, include a screenshot of the listing, the transaction record, and any expert valuation.

The more complete the record, the easier it is to support a claim. Aim to capture at least these details for anything worth more than a day's wages:

• Item name and brief description
• Make, model and serial number
• Year purchased or approximate age
• Purchase price and current estimated replacement value
• Where it was bought (retailer or marketplace)
• Receipt, appraisal or certificate of authenticity
• Photos from multiple angles
• Room or storage location

Insurers commonly ask for receipts, bank statements or valuations to support the value of what you claim for. Keep them organised by item and store them somewhere you can reach even if your home is damaged.

Best practices for receipts:

• Keep originals and backups. Physical receipts fade. Scan or photograph them immediately and store a digital copy linked to the item.
• Capture the full receipt. The item description, date, store, total, tax and payment method should all be visible.
• Add warranties and manuals. These prove when coverage applies and can support repairs or replacements under guarantee.
• Keep a copy you can reach after an emergency. A home inventory only helps if you can open it when your home is out of action.

A paper list is better than nothing, but it is vulnerable to the same disasters that damage your home. A digital inventory can be opened from any device and is far easier to search, sort and share.

Look for a tool that lets you attach photos and receipts to individual items, organise them by room and export a complete report when you need one.

• Inventory every room
• Photograph serial numbers and model numbers
• Attach receipts to high-value items
• Add appraisals for jewellery and art
• Store a copy outside your home
• Update after major purchases
• Review once a year
• Share access with a trusted adult