Floors Inventory Guide for Insurance Claims and Policy Coverage
While the permanent flooring in your home, such as Hardwood, tile, or carpeting, is covered in our Guidebook entitled “Construction”, movable floor coverings like rugs, mats, and pads also can hold significant value and should be included in your home inventory.
These items not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also serve functional purposes, such as providing comfort, reducing wear on permanent floors, and preventing slips. Whether it’s an antique oriental rug or a decorative mat, ensuring these pieces are properly documented and insured is part of the process in any insurance Claim or detailed home inventory exercise.
What Are Insurable Floor Coverings?
Insurable floor coverings include movable and easily purchased items, such as mats, rugs, rug pads, and other general floor coverings that are not permanently installed. Some of these pieces, especially antique or hand-woven rugs, can carry substantial value. Ensuring they are properly covered in your insurance policy will protect you from financial loss due to theft, damage, or other unforeseen events.
Importance of Appraisals for Floor Coverings
For mass-produced mats and rugs, detailed documentation and photographs may be enough to establish their value. However, high-end rugs, such as hand-knotted oriental or Persian rugs, and custom-made pieces may require an appraisal for proper insurance coverage. An appraisal will provide an accurate assessment of the market value, ensuring these items are insured for their full worth.
Depreciation and Floor Coverings
While mass-produced rugs and mats typically depreciate over time due to wear and tear, antique, hand-made, or custom rugs may appreciate or retain their value. For high-value floor coverings, it’s essential to ensure that your insurance policy covers them at replacement value rather than actual cash value (which factors in depreciation).
Ensuring Proper Insurance Coverage for Floor Coverings
Riders for High-End Rugs and Mats: If you own valuable oriental rugs or custom-made floor coverings, consider adding a rider to your insurance policy to ensure they are covered for their full value.
Replacement Value Coverage: Make sure your insurance policy covers your floor coverings at replacement value. This way, if any items are damaged or lost, you can replace them at today’s market price.
Detailed Documentation: Keep a detailed inventory of your floor coverings, including photographs, purchase receipts, and descriptions. For high-value items, include appraisals or certificates of authenticity.
Regular Inventory Updates: Regularly update your inventory, especially if you purchase new rugs, mats, or other coverings. Ensure your insurance policy reflects any changes in the value of these items.
Quick List of Floor Coverings by Category
Below is a categorized inventory guide for various types of floor coverings, helping you think through, document and manage your collection for insurance purposes.
Mats
Mats serve both functional and decorative purposes in the home. While many are mass-produced and affordable, custom or high-end mats can add significant value to your Décor.
Doormats (indoor and outdoor): Coir, rubber, or custom designs
Kitchen mats: Anti-fatigue gel mats for comfort during cooking
Bath mats: Plush cotton or microfiber mats for absorbing moisture
Entryway mats: Heavy-duty mats to protect floors from dirt and debris
Runner mats: Long, narrow mats for hallways or kitchen areas
Custom logo mats: Personalized mats with family names or designs
Seasonal or Holiday-themed mats: Decorative mats for holidays or seasons
Bamboo or Teak mats: Water-resistant mats for bathrooms or outdoor areas
Rubber-backed mats: Non-slip mats for laundry rooms or mudrooms
Boot trays: Rubber mats to protect floors from wet or muddy shoes
Yoga or exercise mats: Foam or rubber mats for fitness routines
Natural fiber mats: Mats made from jute, sisal, or seagrass
Sports team logo mats: Branded mats for sports fans
Heated mats: Electrically heated mats for warmth during winter
Welcome mats: Custom or decorative mats with "welcome" messaging
Oriental Rugs
Oriental rugs are typically hand-woven and can vary greatly in value depending on their age, materials, and origin. These rugs are often considered investment pieces and may require appraisals for accurate insurance coverage.
Persian rugs: Hand-knotted wool or silk rugs from Iran
Turkish rugs: Flat-woven or hand-knotted rugs from Turkey
Kilim rugs: Flat-weave rugs from the Middle East, often geometric
Chinese silk rugs: Intricately detailed rugs made from silk
Caucasian rugs: Rugs from the Caucasus region, typically geometric
Afghan rugs: Tribal rugs with rich colors and geometric patterns
Moroccan Berber rugs: Wool rugs with minimalist or tribal designs
Indian Dhurrie rugs: Flat-woven cotton or wool rugs with geometric patterns
Tibetan rugs: Hand-knotted rugs often featuring religious or cultural symbols
Pakistani Bokhara rugs: Rugs with repeating octagonal patterns
Silk and wool blend rugs: High-end rugs combining both materials for durability and sheen
Antique oriental rugs: Rugs over 100 years old, often hand-woven with natural dyes
Custom-designed oriental rugs: Rugs made to order, often with unique designs
Prayer rugs: Small, intricately woven rugs used for prayer, typically from the Middle East
Collectible oriental rugs: Rugs from famous weavers or regions, highly prized by collectors
Rugs & Pads
Rugs and pads serve as both decorative elements and functional pieces, providing comfort and reducing wear on floors. Pads are essential for extending the life of rugs and preventing slips.
Area rugs: Decorative rugs available in various sizes and designs
Shag rugs: Plush, deep-pile rugs often used in living rooms or bedrooms
Wool rugs: Durable and naturally stain-resistant, suitable for high-traffic areas
Synthetic fiber rugs: Polypropylene or nylon rugs, often budget-friendly and stain-resistant
Cotton throw rugs: Lightweight, washable rugs for casual spaces
Outdoor rugs: Weather-resistant rugs made from synthetic fibers for patios or decks
Round or oval rugs: Rugs for dining rooms, foyers, or small spaces
Rug pads: Non-slip pads to protect floors and extend the life of rugs
Eco-friendly rug pads: Pads made from natural rubber or recycled materials
Custom-cut rug pads: Pads made to fit specific rug dimensions
Under-rug heating pads: Heated pads placed under rugs for added warmth
Braided rugs: Rugs made from fabric strips, often with a rustic or country look
Machine-washable rugs: Rugs that can be easily cleaned in the washing machine
Children’s play rugs: Rugs with fun designs for kids’ rooms or play areas
Pet-friendly rugs: Stain-resistant rugs designed to withstand pet activity
Washable rug runners: Long, narrow rugs for high-traffic hallways, often machine washable
General / Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous floor coverings include unique or specialty items that don’t fit into traditional categories. These items often provide additional functionality or aesthetic appeal.
Carpet tiles: Interlocking tiles that can be easily replaced or rearranged
Faux fur rugs: Soft, plush rugs for bedrooms or living rooms
Custom logo rugs: Rugs with business logos or family crests
Heated floor mats: Mats or rugs with built-in heating elements
Animal hide rugs: Cowhide, sheepskin, or faux animal hide rugs
Vinyl or leather rugs: Durable, easy-to-clean rugs for high-traffic areas
Reversible rugs: Double-sided rugs offering two designs in one
Modular rugs: Rugs with sections that can be added or removed
Layered rugs: Multiple rugs layered for a bohemian or Eclectic look
Rug storage bags: Protective bags for storing seasonal or valuable rugs
Runner rugs: Long, narrow rugs for hallways or staircases
Accent rugs: Small rugs for adding a pop of color or design to a room
Tatami mats: Traditional Japanese floor mats made from rice straw
Doorway threshold rugs: Small rugs designed to fit under doors
Portable dance floors: Temporary dance floors for events, often made from interlocking tiles
Rug care kits: Cleaning supplies specifically for maintaining and protecting rugs
Key Considerations for Floor Covering Collection Management
Digital Inventory: Create a digital inventory on Loti of your floor coverings, especially for valuable or custom pieces. Include detailed descriptions, photos, and any purchase receipts or appraisals to ensure proper documentation for an insurance claim.
Proper Storage for Seasonal or Delicate Items: For high-value rugs or seasonal mats, use climate-controlled storage and protective coverings to prevent damage from moisture, light, or pests.
Insurance Review: Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure that it covers any valuable or newly purchased floor coverings. Adjust your policy as needed to reflect changes in your collection.
Appraisals for High-End Rugs: If you own antique or high-end oriental rugs, consider getting professional appraisals to accurately determine their market value. Update these appraisals every few years to account for changes in value.
Wrap-Up: Protecting Your Floor Coverings
Movable floor coverings, from rugs and mats to high-end oriental pieces, are valuable Assets that deserve proper protection. Whether they are functional or purely decorative, the cumulative value of these items can add up quickly in an insurance claim.
By documenting your floor coverings, securing appropriate insurance coverage, and regularly updating your inventory, you can protect your investment from loss, damage, or theft.