Home inventory for insurance: a complete guide

After a fire, flood, burglary or storm, most people struggle to remember what they owned. Insurers need proof of both ownership and value before they can settle a claim. A detailed inventory turns a stressful guessing game into a quick, documented process.

Homes with a pre-loss inventory typically settle contents claims faster and recover more of their actual replacement cost. Without one, you may be paid only what the insurer estimates — often far less than the real cost to replace your belongings.

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 — insurance claims fail when small-ticket possessions are forgotten.

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 walkthrough video with narration is one of the fastest ways to prove what you owned and when.

3. 3

   Attach receipts and appraisals

   Receipts, invoices, and professional appraisals are the strongest proof of value. Keep digital copies linked to each item so you can hand an insurer a complete record in seconds.

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 stronger the 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 appraisals to verify value. Keep them organized by item and store them somewhere you can access 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.
• Use cloud storage with offline access. A home inventory only helps if you can reach it after an emergency.

A paper list is better than nothing, but it is vulnerable to the same disasters that destroy your home. A digital inventory stored securely in the cloud can be accessed from any device and is far easier to search, sort and share with an adjuster.

Look for a tool that lets you attach photos and receipts to individual items, search by room or category, and export a complete report. That combination is exactly what insurance adjusters find most useful.

• 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