Taking a Home Inventory Keeping detailed records of your belongings will save you time and money if you ever need to file a home insurance claim.

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One of the best things you can do to protect yourself against a loss is to take an accurate inventory of your belongings. With modern technology, this process is much easier than it used to be. A video "walk-through" can be instrumental in recovering the cash value of your destroyed, lost or stolen items if you have to file a claim. It's an invaluable asset that doesn't take long to make, something every family should try and maintain.

A series of digital photographs is another great option. This allows you to catalogue everything digitally, quickly and easily. Whatever method you have access to, set aside an afternoon to get everything recorded.

With big ticket items like computers, televisions and pieces of art, it's a good idea to catalogue as much pertinent information as possible. This includes the manufacturer, serial number, receipt, and date of purchase. It takes some time, but having a detailed home inventory ensures that in the event of a claim you'll receive the fairest settlement possible from your insurance company.

After you complete the inventory, be sure to save it in a couple of different places. Digital files stored online are ideal, along with a hardcopy in a safe deposit box or another place out of harm's way. Hopefully, you'll only have to access the documents to update them periodically, but if you do need them for a claim, you'll be glad you went to the trouble.