How to optimise your insurance and protect your valuables in the event of a loss?

An up-to-date inventory of your valuables is essential forsuitable insurance and fast compensation in the event of a loss.

Your jewellery, watches, worksof art or precious objects deserve appropriate protection. Yet, in the event ofa loss (fire, water damage, theft, etc.), many owners discover too late thattheir insurance cover is insufficient or that their documentation is out ofdate. A clear, up-to-date inventory is the key to being compensated quickly andavoiding disputes with your insurer.

Why an inventory is essential for your valuables

At Objectory, our mission is tohelp you, day to day, manage and protect the objects you hold dear. Experiencehas shown us that a loss — whether a fire, an accident that damages an object,water damage or a theft — causes not only an emotional shock, but also majoradministrative pressure. At such times, a good inventory of your personalbelongings can change everything. But often, it’s too late. This articletherefore aims to give you a few practical tips to spare you these troubles.

After a loss, the insurerrequires a detailed description of the damaged or missing goods, as well asproof of value (invoices, photos, etc.). In the urgency of the moment, the emotion that overwhelms loss victimsregarding their objects makes the task even harder. How do you remembera piece of jewellery and its details? Or find the invoice for a piece offurniture bought five years ago, or for a watch received as a gift? Very often,the loss has actually destroyed the very documents that were meant to serve asproof.

Without a prior inventory, itbecomes extremely difficult to:

•      remember all your belongings,

•      provide complete supporting documents,

•      prove their real value.

👉 The result: delayed,incomplete or disputed compensation.

“Everything weaccumulate over time quickly adds up to thousands of euros… It’s practically impossible to rememberevery object without a prior inventory.” — An interviewed broker.

Optimise your protection with suitable insurance

To receive advice tailored toyour situation, it is recommended that you consult your insurance broker oryour insurance company.

Watch out for compensationlimits

Many policyholders are unawarethat their contract includes limits. If your estate has grown and you haven’tinformed your insurer, you risk insufficient cover.

Following the mega-fires in LosAngeles (2025) or the DANA floods in Valencia (2024) in Spain, many people lostan inestimable quantity of valuables, which also highlighted the importance ofhaving cover suited to your estate, to account for the rise in climate-relatedincidents.

Specific insurance for jewellery, watches or works of art

High-value objects often need tobe covered by specific insurance with an agreed value, agreed between theinsurer and the insured. Without this, you risk partial compensation. Talk toyour broker or insurer about it.

Three good practices to avoid complications after a loss

1. The importance of a clear,detailed inventory — A well-kept inventory makes managing a loss easier andstrengthens trust with your broker or insurer.

2. Security measures requiredby insurers — With the rise in burglaries, more and more insurers ask forprotective measures (alarms, secure doors, lighting, etc.).

3. Stay discreet on socialmedia — Compensation can be refused if a theft occurs after you’vedisplayed your valuables online. Discretion remains a golden rule.

Simple inventory solutions exist

Industry experts are unanimous:a well-kept inventory means being better compensated, faster, and avoidingdisputes between parties — which also limits the time spent on these drainingadministrative tasks. But that’s not all: such an inventory can also make iteasier to calculate the premium upfront, which is a time saver for your brokertoo.

With Objectory, we want to turn what is todayseen as a constraint into an intuitive, simplified process. Too often, peopleput off this task, but when they need it, it’s often too late.

That’s why you have to start somewhere, bygathering the information you already have on the objects that matter to you. Ifno inventory exists yet, you need to do a little searching for all theinvoices, appraisals, receipts and other supporting documents. It’s also essential to take photosof your objects with your phone. As is often the case, prevention is the bestadviser. So don’t put off starting your inventory, to avoid any nastysurprises.

A checklist to build an effective inventory (with Objectory)

✅ 1. A complete, organisedlist: description, brand, model, date of acquisition and estimated value.

✅ 2. Supporting documents: invoices,certificates, appraisals, proof of payment.

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

✅ 4. Secure backup: encryptedcloud, USB sticks or external drives kept away from home.

✅ 5. Regular updates: adaptyour inventory as your estate and its value evolve.

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👉 With Objectory, yourinformation is stored securely in a confidential, protected data centre inSwitzerland. Prevention is your best ally. A well-built inventory and suitableinsurance cover ensure peace of mind and security in the event of a loss.

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