When filing a claim for destroyed or stolen items, pre-recorded documentation will make a claim easier and more credible. Be sure that all your items are covered under your current policy. You might be surprised at the list of exceptions that some insurance companies have listed. However, most insurance companies do suggest a documented record of your belongings. The format is not the same across the various insurance companies but the expectation is!
Here are a few insurance company quotes regarding the value of a home inventory:

Travelers Insurance

"Conducting a Personal Property Inventory" literature states: "Take the time to compile an inventory of your home now, and it will save you precious time and frustration later." "Benefits of having a personal property inventory include:

1. Helps to ensure you have the coverage you need.
2. In the event of a loss, it makes it easier for you to file a complete and prompt claim, supported by accurate documentation.
3. Helps determine the replacement cost of your lost or damaged possessions to settle your claim quickly."

Farmers Insurance Group

The following can be found on the back of their "Household Contents Inventory Record Book" - "This record can be worth thousands of dollars to you. Keep it in a safe place outside your home."

State Farm Insurance

They offer the following under their "Home Inventory Tips" - "The threat of loss of property from fire, theft, or other causes is always present. An accurate inventory and proof of ownership at the same time of a loss can make claim settlement easier and faster."

Allstate Insurance

Under their "Your Property" section, they ask you to ask yourself, "Do I have an inventory and photographs?"

Please review our helpful tips to ensure an efficient inventory process:

• Computers, printers, appliances, televisions and other electronics should be ready to pull out in order to photograph and document serial/model numbers. Receipts showing serial/model numbers of these items is also sufficient for documentation.
• Smaller kitchen appliances in cupboards, such as, mixers, blenders, choppers, skillets, etc, should be removed in order for us to accurately document and photograph.
• Closets should be accessible with clothing and linens ready for pictures. In regard to clothing, we respect your privacy and will only inventory items you wish to include. We encourage you to include any expensive suits, dresses, coats, etc..., as insurance companies prefer to have full documentation.
• If you opt to inventory everything in your garage, basement, attic, and storage rooms, they must be neat and fairly organized in order for us to photograph and accurately inventory items. Items in boxes will not be removed by us therefore, they will not be documented.
• We will record all vehicles, trailers, riding & push mowers, etc. on the property. Any items you have off-site will not be included but we can arrange to add off-site items at a later date.
• Special collections will be photographed and documented as a group unless otherwise specified. Please have any special collections out and ready.
• Fine china/silverware will be photographed in a single place setting. Each peace will then be counted individually and entered into the quantity fields of our software. Please have a single place setting out and ready.
• Your homeowner insurance information, such as company name, contact info, policy number, etc., can optionally be included in your reports. Please have those documents available for review.