Things You'll Need:
- Insurance policy (renters' or homeowners')
- Camera
- Photocopier
- Safe deposit or fireproof box
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Step 1
Getting insurance and making sure that all the information on your file is accurate is the best method toward starting an insurance inventory file. Also make note of special categories, as some insurance companies will limit the amount of jewelry or art you can insure in the event of a fire, flood or theft. If this is the case, consider covering these items with additional insurance before an accident occurs.
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Step 2
Saving original and copied receipts of purchases is key. If you've purchased any item over $500, you should keep the receipt in a safe place. Usually these are best kept in a fireproof box from a variety discounter or hardware store. A safe-deposit box at a bank is also a good method.
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Step 3
Take photos of all of your valuables and make copies. The photos should be kept with the receipts, with each photo attached. Just like the receipts, be sure to keep two sets of these in separate places in case one is destroyed.
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Step 4
Wait as long as you can before making a claim after an accident, but be careful because most have a time period you must make the claim within. This is important because if you make the claim too soon, you might forget a damaged item but if you make a claim too late, you might not receive any reimbursements.
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Step 5
Always refer to your photos and receipts before making claims and use them to verify ownership, date purchased and amount an item is worth.
