How to optimize your insurance and protect your valuables in the event of a disaster?

Your jewelry, watches, works of art or precious objects deserve appropriate protection. However, during a disaster (fire, water damage, theft...), many owners discover too late that their insurance coverage is insufficient or that their documentation is not up to date. A clear and up-to-date inventory is the key to being compensated quickly and to avoid disputes with your insurance company.

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Why an inventory is essential for your valuables ?

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At Objectory, our mission is to help you on a daily basis in the management and protection of the objects that are dear to you. Experience has shown us that a disaster — whether it is a fire, an accident damaging the object, water damage or even theft — causes not only an emotional shock, but also a major administrative pressure. In those moments, a good inventory of your personal belongings can change everything. But often it is too late. This article therefore aims to give you some practical advice in order to avoid these inconveniences.

After a claim, the insurer requires a detailed description of the damaged or missing goods, as well as proof of value (invoices, photos, etc.). In an emergency, the emotion that invades victims of disasters concerning their objects complicates the work even more. However, how do you remember a piece of jewelry and its details? Or find the invoice for furniture purchased 5 years ago, or for a watch received as a gift? In addition, the disaster often destroyed the documents that you were supposed to use as evidence.

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Without prior inventory, it becomes extremely difficult to:

• remember all your possessions,

• provide complete supporting documents,

• prove their real value.

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👉 Result: delayed, incomplete or contested compensation.

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” Everything we accumulate over time quickly amounts to thousands of euros... It is almost impossible to remember each object without a prior inventory. ” A broker interviewed.

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Optimize your protection through adequate insurance

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In order to receive advice adapted to your situation, it is recommended that you take advice from your insurance broker or insurance company.

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Pay attention to compensation ceilings

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Many policyholders are unaware that their contract includes ceilings. If your assets have increased and you have not informed your insurer, you risk insufficient coverage.

Following the mega-fires in Los Angeles (2025) or the Dana floods in Valencia (2024) in Spain, many people lost an invaluable amount of valuable objects, which also highlighted the importance of having coverage adapted to one's assets to take into account the increase in climate incidents.

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Specific insurance for jewelry, watches or works of art

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High-value items often need to be covered by a specific insurance with approved value, agreed between the insurer and the insured. Otherwise, you risk partial compensation. Talk to your broker or insurance company.

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Three best practices to avoid complications during a disaster

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1. The importance of a clear and detailed inventory

A well-maintained inventory facilitates the management of the claim and reinforces trust with your broker or insurer.

2. Security measures required by insurers

With the increase in burglaries, more and more insurers are asking for protective devices (alarms, secure doors, lighting, etc.).

3. Remain discreet on social networks

Compensation may be denied if a theft occurs after displaying your valuables online. La discretion remains a golden rule.

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Simple inventory solutions exist

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Experts in the sector are unanimous: a well-kept inventory allows you to be better compensated,

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more quickly, and to avoid disputes between stakeholders, which also makes it possible to limit the time to devote to this kind of administrative and energy-consuming tasks. But that's not all, such an inventory can also facilitate the calculation of the premium beforehand, which is also a time-saver for your broker.

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With Objectory, we want to transform what is now perceived as a constraint into an intuitive and simplified approach. Too often, people put off doing this task, but when they need it, it's often too late.

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That's why you need to start somewhere, by already gathering the information you have about the things that matter to you. In the absence of existing inventory, it is necessary to do a small search of all invoices, valuations, receipts and other supporting documents. In addition, it is essential to take photos of your objects with your phone. As is often the case, prevention is the best advice. So do not delay in starting your inventory to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

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A checklist for building an effective inventory (with Objectory)

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✅ 1. Complete and organized list : description, make, model, date of acquisition and estimated value.

✅ 2. Justifications : invoices, certificates, expertise, proof of payment.

✅ 3. Photos and videos : 2 to 5 photos per object or a commented video of your objects.

✅ 4. Secure backup : encrypted cloud, USB sticks or external drives outside the home.

✅ 5. Regular updates : adapt your inventory to the evolution of your assets and their value.

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👉 With Objectory, your information is stored securely in a datacenter in Switzerland, confidential and protected. Prevention is your best ally. A well-constructed inventory and appropriate insurance coverage guarantee serenity and security in the event of a disaster.

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