Keeping Records of Personal Property
As a preventative measure, it is best to make a complete assessment of your personal property and supply your insurance company/agent with a list of those items for safekeeping and record keeping purposes. Things such as jewelry, firearms, coins, etc., plus important documents such as wills, life insurance policies, a living will, trust, deeds and birth/baptismal records should be videotaped and recorded on a list of valuables.
A videotape of all property is a helpful item to give to your insurance company / agent.
You should also keep copies of your personal property list and videotape. It is recommended that you keep the list and/or videotape in a place other than your home, such as a safe deposit box at your bank or with a relative or friend. Homeowners may want to contact their insurance carrier for additional ideas.
The list and videotape should be updated at least annually.
Replacing Valuable Documents & Records
One of the biggest challenges to overcome after a fire loss is replacement of important documents and records. View a list of items that you may need to replace (PDF), and who to contact about replacing those items.
