A home inventory is the first step in purchasing homeowners insurance. This document catalogs your possessions. If you are forced to make a claim, a home inventory will speed up the process and help increase your pay out.

That’s why West Texas Insurance Agency encourages its clients to start here. Serving Amarillo, TX, these professionals share seven steps for creating a comprehensive home inventory.

Organize by room or area

Break down your home into sections. Avoid getting overwhelmed by starting with smaller areas. Find a process that makes the most sense for you.

Record basic information

Write down descriptions of each item. At a minimum, this includes purchase dates and approximate prices. Jot down the makes, models, and serial numbers of electronics and appliances as well.

Group similar items

There’s no need to list everything individually. Lump low-cost goods, like clothes, together. Assign a total value for the entire group.

Take pictures and video

It pays to have some visuals. These will speed up any claims. In addition to being a reminder of what you own, these pictures and video document belongings before they’ve been damaged.

List expensive items separately

Jewelry, collectibles, and other high-end items often require additional coverage. Make a note of these items and then consult an agent.

Incorporate technology

Work smarter, not harder. Home inventory apps, like Sortly or Nest Egg, make this process easier. Users can organize info, scan barcodes, and upload images.

Update often

Review your inventory regularly. While it’s great to keep digital records, print out hard copies as a backup. Store these somewhere other than your home just in case.

Contact an agent serving Amarillo, TX

After completing your home inventory, reach out to West Texas Insurance Agency. Using this information, these agents will find a personalized homeowners policy that’s right for you.