RELEASE DATE: November 13, 2002

For information: Mary Bonelli/Mitch Wilson, OII, 614-228-1593
After hours: Mary - 614-443-0400; Mitch - 614-868-0575

OII offers tips for conducting a home inventory

The Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) recommends that you take a home video of your house and belongings before a disaster strikes. This can help you settle an insurance claim more quickly.

Relying on your memory for every item you own will likely lead to an incomplete list of your damages or losses, especially at a time when you are under emotional duress. The OII advises home owners to store receipts and appraisal information, along with the video or photos, off-premises in a safe deposit box.

Alternative approaches to maintaining property inventory include the use of photos, which provides a visual record of your household inventory, or maintaining a written inventory. Click here to download an inventory form.

With the written inventory method, go through each room of your home and list each item, its purchase date, price, and model and serial numbers, if applicable. Be sure to include the appraised value of antiques, jewelry and other costly possessions. And, don't forget to inventory the basement, closets and garage.

The OII offers additional inventory tips:

• If you are videotaping, pan the camera around the room in order to capture each item on film
• Narrate the video by noting purchase cost and dates, and model and serial numbers on appliances, computers and electronics
• Obtain close-ups of expensive items such as jewelry, fine art, stamp collections, china, furs, antiques and silver
• Consider grouping items for easier inventory
• Also video the exterior of your home and other insured buildings on the property
• Redo your inventory every time you move or every 2-3 years.