Build a usable room-by-room list
Each row can represent one object or a group such as kitchen cookware or everyday clothing. Enter a category or item name, quantity, current replacement price per item, age, and expected useful life. The default six rows are blank examples; add more as needed, up to the form limit. If an item has a receipt, model number or serial number, keep that information in your own inventory records rather than entering private identifiers here.
Replacement price means the amount you estimate it would cost to replace the item now. It may differ from the original purchase amount. Age and expected life feed a straight-line depreciation illustration. The floor field prevents the modeled remaining value from dropping below the percentage you choose. The default 20 percent is an assumption for this calculator, not an industry standard or a promise about how your policy values belongings.
How the totals are computed
For each row, replacement cost value (RCV) is quantity times replacement price. Illustrative actual cash value (ACV) multiplies that row’s RCV by the greater of the depreciation floor or one minus age divided by expected life. The calculator sums those row amounts, shows the difference as a depreciation gap, and compares the simple RCV total with the personal-property limit you enter. When expected life is zero, it uses the floor directly to avoid division by zero.
Consider a hypothetical chair bought years ago: one chair costs $600 to replace, is five years old, and has an expected life of ten years. With a 20% floor, the modeled remaining share is max(20%, 1 − 5/10), which is 50%. RCV is $600 and illustrative ACV is $300. Two such chairs produce $1,200 RCV and $600 ACV. This invented arithmetic is not a settlement prediction; the policy’s valuation terms control.
Interpret the limit comparison carefully
The simple suggested limit is the inventory’s total RCV, compared with your entered current limit. It does not account for policy definitions, exclusions, deductibles, sublimits, property away from home, storage restrictions, or the settlement basis selected for particular property. Some policies cap payment for certain categories, including jewelry, so a total that appears sufficient can still leave a category gap. Ask about scheduling property or other endorsements if the policy’s special limits matter.
A home inventory can help a person remember belongings after a loss. Triple-I suggests recording descriptions and details, using photos or video, retaining proof of purchase where available, and keeping a copy away from the home. An incomplete inventory can still be more useful than relying on memory alone. Include items in storage when your policy may cover them and confirm the terms.
Common inventory mistakes
People often enter the original price instead of today's replacement cost, forget quantity, or list only large electronics and furniture. Smaller kitchen items, clothing, tools and linens accumulate. Conversely, applying one life estimate to an entire category can hide variation; separate rows improve visibility. Avoid counting a whole room twice when a category row already includes those goods.
This page does not upload rows or save them. You can record totals elsewhere, but keep copies securely because an inventory describes possessions. Check whether the actual policy uses ACV, replacement cost, or different approaches for different property. State rules and policy forms vary.
Scope and limitations
ClaimCheck publishes general education and is not an insurer, agent, adjuster or law firm. This estimate is not insurance, legal, tax or financial advice and depends on the figures supplied. Policies and state rules vary; confirm details with your insurer. Flood and earthquake are separate coverages.