Free Home Inventory Software - Itemizing what you own can save you time and money if you ever need to make a claim on your homeowners or renters insurance. As time passes, most of us acquire more things that have a sentimental value as well as monetary value. It's a good idea to maintain an ongoing inventory of your personal property even after you've obtained homeowners or renters insurance.



Having a home inventory on file can help expedite any claims you may have to make on your homeowners or renters policy. The insurance company can resolve a claim faster if a homeowner has documentation of items that are damaged or stolen from your home or apartment. A home inventory checklist can help with filing accuracy and help you determine how much insurance to purchase, too.

Starting Your Home inventory.

If you purchase homeowners insurance for the first time, make it a goal to complete your inventory within a set period of time. Advice is to take an inventory of your home before you purchase your policy so you can get an idea of how much insurance to purchase.

Choosing The Type of Home Inventory To Use.

You can purchase a software program, download a free 30 day program from the internet, download a sheet from the internet, or a list provided by your insurance company. You want to first complete a paper inventory as you go through the rooms in your home, then transfer that information to your computer for filing, and save on a CD. Always keep the hand written copy in a file.

How and What to Inventory.

Go through each room of your home to photograph and video furnishings, jewelry, electronic items to include TVs, VCRs, CD players, DVDs. The photos should be specific of each item.

The photographed items should be saved on a disk if using a digital camera. When going through each room, it would be a good idea to have a family member with you to verify that you've covered everything.

Listing Items

Make sure every item is listed by the following: Item type, serial number and model number of TVs, VCRs, DVD player, speaker system and any other electronic items. Jewelry item type, cost, and size.

Updating Inventory on a Regular Basis.

Review the inventory on a yearly basis. Also items that you have acquired.

Saving your Home Inventory.

Make sure you keep a copy of your inventory in a safe place, on a CD disk, and a handwritten copy in a safe deposit box and with a close friend or relative. The goal is to make sure you have easy access to the inventory in case you need to make a claim with the insurance company.

Be sure to provide a copy of your inventory to your insurance company. This is obviously critical, because if you do not provide a copy and follow up on the process the whole idea of keeping your belongings itemized will be lost. Follow this whole process and you will better off.