Build a Home Inventory Before You Need It
Every Florida homeowner intends to make a home inventory and almost nobody does. Then a storm takes the roof, water ruins the interior, and the adjuster asks for a list of what was inside. Reconstructing that from memory always costs the homeowner money.
The fast method
Walk each room with your phone recording video and narrate what you see: brand, approximate age, and anything unusual. Open closets, cabinets, and the garage. The whole house takes under an hour.
Then photograph serial numbers on electronics and appliances, plus receipts for anything major. Store all of it in cloud storage, not only on the phone.
Pay extra attention to sub-limits
Homeowners policies cap certain categories: jewelry, watches, firearms, silverware, collectibles, and business property kept at home. Those caps are often far below what people own.
Items above the cap should be scheduled individually, which usually removes the deductible and covers additional causes of loss such as mysterious disappearance. An appraisal makes that straightforward.
Update it on a schedule
Refresh the video once a year, and immediately after major purchases or holidays. Tie it to your annual policy review so both happen at the same time.
Bring your inventory to that review and we can confirm your personal property limit is actually adequate — most homes are insured for contents at a default percentage of the dwelling limit that nobody ever verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need a home inventory?
- It documents what you owned before a loss, which speeds up settlement and prevents the contents portion of your claim from being underpaid.
- What is the easiest way to make one?
- Record a narrated walkthrough video of every room, closet, and the garage, then photograph serial numbers and receipts and store it in the cloud.
- What are personal property sub-limits?
- Category caps for items like jewelry, firearms, and collectibles. Amounts above the cap need to be scheduled separately to be fully covered.
- How often should I update my inventory?
- At least annually, and after any significant purchase. Pairing it with your yearly policy review keeps it current with little effort.
Let's make sure your coverage matches your life
I'm Chaz Toomey, right here in Ruskin. Send me a few details and I'll review your policy or build a quote — no pressure.