How to Document Your Property: A CNY Guide to Home and Business Inventory

When facing a major loss at your home or business, trying to remember everything you owned can feel overwhelming. Many Central New York property owners put off documenting their belongings because they think they need to catalog every single item. This added task often creates stress during an already difficult time.

The Horan insurance agency works with multiple carriers in Central New York, which gives us broad experience with different documentation requirements and claims situations. As a local independent agency serving CNY for over a decade, we understand the importance of making documentation straightforward and manageable for property owners.

In this article, we'll look at typical approaches to documenting belongings, share a simple documentation method, and discuss when additional records might be useful.

What Insurance Carriers Consider for Property Documentation

Most carriers don't ask for proof of ownership for common household or business items. Standard contents coverage in home and business owners policies often address typical belongings such as furniture, clothing, kitchenware, and basic electronics in homes, or standard office equipment and supplies in businesses.

While most items may not need special documentation, some situations might benefit from extra records. This often applies to multiple valuable items or things that aren't typically found in most properties.

Consider additional documentation for:

• Collections or multiples of valuable items (like several sets of golf clubs or multiple power tools)
• High-end electronics or appliances
• Artwork or antiques
• Specialized equipment or tools
• Designer clothing or accessories
• Business inventory beyond typical quantities
• Specialized business equipment

Photos or receipts of these items can be helpful to have on file. A basic record of ownership may suffice—no need for extensive paperwork.

A Quick Video Tour Can Document Most Central New York Properties

Making an inventory can be straightforward. A simple video walkthrough can provide useful documentation of your belongings.

Consider this basic approach:

1. Use your smartphone to record a video walkthrough of your property
2. Open closets, drawers, storage areas, and supply rooms to show contents
3. Record serial numbers of major appliances and electronics
4. Store the video in a cloud service for safe keeping
5. Update your documentation yearly or after major purchases

Making two or three passes through your property can help capture different angles and areas.

Common Elements of Property Documentation

Many insurance carriers review various types of documentation during claims:

• Video documentation or photos
• Available property information
• Visible evidence from the scene
• Basic information about contents

This documentation can assist with the claims process.

Consider Creating Simple Documentation Before a Loss Occurs

After a loss occurs, remembering what you owned can become challenging. Many Central New York property owners find the process of creating an inventory during a stressful time adds complexity to their situation.

At the Horan insurance agency, we work with multiple carriers throughout Central New York. Our licensed agents can discuss general documentation approaches and answer questions about coverage options.

Click the Get a Quote button below to learn about insurance options from an agency familiar with Central New York insurance considerations.