In order to minimize the likelihood of difficulty when filing a post hurricane/disaster insurance claim, it is important to inventory and document the value of your belongings.  It's always a good idea to take photos and/or videos of your home and property before a disaster strikes to properly record their condition.

Take an inventory of your personal property, such as clothes, jewelry, furniture, computers and audio/video equipment. Along with photos and video, sales receipts and the model and the serial numbers of items will make filing a claim simpler.

Leave a copy of your inventory with friends or relatives, e-mail it to yourself, a friend or relative, store it on a website and store a hard copy in a safe location. In addition, add insurance information to your inventory information including the name of your insurance company and agent, policy number and contact information.

Move all of your important documents and valuables to a safe location and store them in waterproof containers. This includes but is not limited to birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, automobile and homeowners insurance documents. If evacuation is required, take the items with you or store them in a safe deposit box outside the area.