As a homeowner in Vermont, protecting your property means more than just locking your doors or installing a security system. One of the most overlooked but critical aspects of safeguarding your investment is keeping an up-to-date home inventory. At T.S. Peck Insurance, we understand that navigating Homeowners Insurance can be complex, but having a home inventory can make the process easier and more efficient if you ever need to file a claim.
Below, we explore why a home inventory matters, how it supports your Homeowners Insurance policy, and how to create one that’s both thorough and practical.
What Is a Home Inventory and Why Should Vermont Homeowners Have One?
A home inventory is a detailed record of the personal belongings in your home. It can include descriptions, estimated values, purchase dates, serial numbers, and photos or videos of your items. From furniture and electronics to clothing and collectibles, your home inventory documents what you own.
For Vermont homeowners, having a home inventory can be especially useful in the event of damage caused by snow, ice, wind, or other regional risks. When filing a Homeowners Insurance claim, being able to prove ownership and estimate the value of your items can help simplify the claims process and potentially improve the outcome.
How Can a Home Inventory Help With Insurance Claims?
If your home experiences a covered loss—whether from a fire, burglary, or storm—your insurance provider may ask for a list of lost or damaged items. Trying to recall every item you owned during a stressful event can be difficult. A home inventory can provide:
- Faster claims processing – With documentation readily available, you can submit a more complete and accurate claim.
- Better accuracy – You’re less likely to forget important items or misreport their value.
- Stronger support for reimbursement – A detailed inventory can help demonstrate the value of your belongings.
While the exact impact on your claim depends on your policy and situation, having a home inventory may help provide clarity during what can be a challenging time.
What Should Be Included in a Home Inventory?
A thorough home inventory typically includes:
- Room-by-room itemization – List major items in each room such as furniture, appliances, electronics, and décor.
- Detailed descriptions – Include make, model, serial number, and condition.
- Photos or video – Visual evidence supports written documentation.
- Receipts and appraisals – Whenever possible, keep copies of receipts or appraisals, especially for high-value items.
You don’t need to capture every single item, but focusing on higher-value and essential belongings can provide the most benefit when working with your Vermont Homeowners Insurance provider.
What’s the Best Way to Create a Home Inventory?
There’s no single right way to create a home inventory—it depends on your preferences and what’s most manageable for you. Here are a few common methods:
- Use an app – Several free and paid mobile apps are designed specifically for home inventories.
- Spreadsheets – A spreadsheet can help you organize information by category or room.
- Photos and videos – A simple walkthrough video of your home can serve as an initial inventory that you later supplement with details.
The most important thing is to choose a method you’ll actually use—and update periodically.
How Often Should a Home Inventory Be Updated?
It’s a good idea to review your inventory at least once a year, or anytime you make a significant purchase. Add new items and remove ones you no longer have. Updating your inventory regularly ensures it reflects your current belongings and remains useful in case of a claim.
Some Vermont residents choose to update their inventory seasonally—especially before winter when there may be a higher risk of weather-related damage.
Where Should You Store Your Home Inventory?
The safest place to keep your home inventory is somewhere it can’t be lost or damaged in the same event that affects your home. Consider these options:
- Cloud storage – Store digital files or app data in the cloud so they’re accessible from anywhere.
- Email a copy to yourself – Keep a backup in your inbox for easy retrieval.
- External drive – Save your files on a USB or external hard drive and store it off-site, like in a safety deposit box.
If you keep a paper version, make sure it’s stored in a secure, fireproof location away from your home.
How Can T.S. Peck Insurance Help Vermont Homeowners?
At T.S. Peck Insurance, we’re here to help Vermont homeowners understand their Homeowners Insurance coverage and provide resources that make it easier to protect what matters. While we don’t require a home inventory, we encourage our clients to consider one as a helpful tool.
If you’re unsure about what your current Homeowners Insurance policy covers or want to learn more about ways to prepare for unexpected events, our team can help review your options and answer your questions.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
A home inventory is a simple but powerful way to support your Homeowners Insurance and give you peace of mind. Whether you’re just settling into your first home in Vermont or you’ve lived in the same house for years, there’s no wrong time to start building your inventory. Contact us today to review your policy or get tips on creating a home inventory that works for you.