How to build a contents list insurers accept
Contents (personal property) claims are where fire and water claims lose the most money, because the burden is on you to list each item. Insurers rarely accept "living room furniture: $8,000." They want each item, its age and its replacement cost.
- Go room by room, then wall by wall. Start at the door and work clockwise: walls, then furniture, then drawers and closets. Don't forget the garage, attic and outdoor items.
- Use your phone's photo history. Old photos, videos and social media posts show what was in each room. Online order histories and bank statements prove purchases and prices.
- Price at today's replacement cost. Use a current listing for a like-kind item, not what you paid years ago. Note the link or store in the notes column.
- Be realistic about age. Age drives depreciation, and honest ages make the whole list more credible.
- Export and send it in batches. Large losses can run to thousands of lines. Send the inventory in batches so payments can start before you finish.
Tip: photograph damaged items and keep them until the insurer confirms it doesn't need to inspect them. Serial numbers on electronics and appliances are especially useful.
Facing a large fire loss? See our guides on fire damage insurance and debris removal costs, or how we handle fire and smoke claims.
Frequently asked questions
Is my inventory saved or sent anywhere?
It saves automatically in this browser only. Nothing is uploaded. Export a CSV regularly as a backup, because clearing your browser data deletes the list.
Can I open the export in Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes. The CSV opens in Excel, Google Sheets and Numbers, and most insurers accept spreadsheet inventories.
What if I cannot remember everything?
Almost nobody can at first. Start with large and expensive items, then add more as photos and memories surface. You can keep adding items to a contents claim as you go.
