- Take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures.
Let’s just say that insurers aren’t always eager to settle claims. Stalling is sometimes part of their business plan. That makes it important to have the strongest possible case to get them to deal with you. And that means having evidence of what you owned, and what you lost. Photos and videos will help. Open every closet and drawer and pull out anything of value—silverware, jewelry, etc.—and take a clear photo. Do this in every room, including the basement and garage if you have either. (This applies to renters as well. Renter’s insurance covers your possessions.)
And make a record of all your clothes. It’s so hard to remember everything when you are dealing with the emotions of a major loss. Those photos are just as much for you as they are for evidence to present to your insurer.
Once you’re done with the inside of the house, those of you with outdoor space (a yard, a garden, etc.) should do the same exercise to document the trees, decks, landscaping etc. - Create a written inventory of every item you would claim in a loss.
Using your photos/videos you next need a written inventory of all your possessions. Insurers will expect this list when you file a claim. Hopefully, you have saved receipts for many items. If so, attach a photo of these as well. - Share your photos and inventory.
I am a big fan of having a fireproof briefcase/box you can take with you if you have to flee your home. In addition to all the evidence for an insurance claim, it should be where you store documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, any title to valuable assets, etc.
But it’s equally important to have copies of those documents available elsewhere. What happens if a natural disaster hits when you aren’t home and thus can’t grab your get-away case/box?
One of the best steps is to upload digital copies of everything to the cloud. This allows you to access your documents literally from anywhere in the world
Real Life of an MSW 