Before the unthinkable happens and your property is damaged or stolen, be prepared. If you wait until you are faced with the problem, you’ll be scrambling to figure out what is missing, locate receipts, all while dealing with a stressful event.

First, document your property. Take pictures of any expensive jewelry, furs, antiques, or electronics. Take a video tour of your house, documenting room by room any furniture, collectibles, or valuables. Write down the serial numbers for your electronics, especially expensive items. Don’t forget the garage, as power tools and sports equipment can also be expensive to replace.

Keep the pictures and videos in a safe location, either in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box, as well as receipts for any expensive items. Pictures and receipts can make filing a claim with your insurance company much easier in the long run.

Taking inventory of your items also helps you determine the replacement value and how much insurance you need. For example, if your television is destroyed, you might have to spend more than the original purchase price to replace it. A good homeowners policy will provide replacement value, not just the original cost.

If you have expensive jewelry, have it appraised by a professional and keep the appraisal with your other documents. Ask your insurance agent whether these items should be insured separately, or if you need to increase your overall coverage. Some homeowners policies have a maximum coverage for certain categories, either as an overall dollar amount or a percentage of your total premium value.

If you do experience a loss, whether it’s to theft, fire, or other cause, contact your homeowners insurance company right away. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can begin the appraisal and claims process, which means you could get your payment more quickly. One thing to keep in mind is your deductible and the impact a claim could have on future premiums. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and your loss is only $1,500 total, consider whether the $500 that insurance will cover is worth the potentially increased premiums for filing a claim.