Home Insurance Forum

It's been recommended that I inventory my home's possessions using a video camera, but the resulting tape seems less than ideal — small details are not apparent, it's hard to find particular items on the tape, there's no way to cross-reference items by category, and so forth. Is there a better way to create a home video inventory, perhaps using the new digital cameras? Does anyone offer this service?

Greg, Oregon

Dear Greg,

While it may take you and someone else an afternoon to complete, keeping an index sheet while you videotape your possessions might help eliminate your concerns. (You could even create a searchable database that would let you quickly search by category). As you move to a new item, write down the name of the item, what you paid for it, any details you might not see on camera, and the corresponding counter number from the video camera to keep track of where it is pictured on the video.

There are companies that offer this service. I received advertising e-mail from one in Connecticut recently. Check the yellow pages or with your agent (your agent may have additional advice about this process, as well).

However you choose to do an inventory, it's a good idea. Once you've completed the inventory, make several copies of your tape and list (you can put your database on a floppy disk) and keep at least one set in a place away from your home — a safe deposit box, a friend or relative's house, or even at your office. You don't want the tape destroyed by whatever damages your home.

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