Identity

  • Updated on Oct 15, 2024
  • Published on Oct 9, 2024
  • 5 minute(s) read

Identity Inventory Guide for Insurance Claims and Policy Coverage

What Are Insurable Identity-Related Items?

Identity-related items include a wide range of personal documents, cards, and digital assets that are critical for legal and financial security. While these items often have little direct monetary value, the repercussions of losing them can be costly. Ensuring these assets are protected in case of theft, loss, or damage is vital for maintaining your financial stability and identity security.

Some insurance policies may cover costs associated with identity theft, while others may cover replacement costs for lost documents. Check out our article on Identity Endorsements in our book entitled Understanding Your Insurance for more info.

Importance of Documenting Identity-Related Items

Keeping a detailed record of your identity-related items is essential for ensuring that these documents can be replaced quickly if lost or stolen. This documentation simplifies the claims process for insurance policies that cover identity theft, loss, or replacement costs.

Additionally, detailed records can help prevent and mitigate identity theft by providing an accurate and thorough list of your identity assets.

Ensuring Proper Insurance Coverage for Identity-Related Items

  1. Identity Theft Coverage: Ensure your insurance policy includes identity theft protection, covering expenses related to restoring your identity and reimbursing you for out-of-pocket expenses if you are a victim of identity theft.

  2. Detailed Documentation: Keep a comprehensive inventory of your identity-related items, including descriptions, photos, numbers, and details on how and where the items are stored. Avoid storing personal information online without proper security measures.

  3. Secure Storage: Consider storing original documents in a safe, lockbox, or secure storage area. Make digital copies of essential documents and keep them in an encrypted, secure digital location.

  4. Regular Inventory Updates: As you acquire new identity documents or replace existing ones, update your inventory to reflect your current identity assets and ensure your insurance policy remains current.

Quick List of Identity-Related Items by Category

Here’s a categorized inventory guide for various types of identity-related items, helping you document and manage your personal identity assets for insurance and security purposes.

Primary Identification Documents

  • Birth certificates (original, certified copies)

  • Passports (U.S. or other countries)

  • Social security cards (for personal identification)

  • Driver’s licenses (standard, enhanced, REAL ID)

  • State ID cards (for non-drivers)

  • Military ID cards (active duty, veteran)

  • Global Entry cards (for U.S. travel security)

  • Green cards (U.S. permanent resident cards)

  • Naturalization certificates (proof of citizenship)

  • Voter registration cards (proof of voter eligibility)

  • Consular ID cards (for non-U.S. citizens)

  • Tribal identification cards (for indigenous groups)

  • Concealed carry permits (firearm permits)

  • Emergency travel documents (temporary passport)

  • Passport cards (alternative to passport book)

  • Veteran ID cards (proof of military service)

  • Refugee travel documents (for asylum seekers)

  • Resident alien cards (for non-citizen residents)

  • International driver’s permits (for driving abroad)

  • Enhanced driver’s licenses (for U.S. border crossing)

Financial Identification Items

  • Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)

  • Debit cards (linked to bank accounts)

  • Prepaid credit cards (reloadable)

  • Checkbooks (linked to checking accounts)

  • Bank account numbers (documented securely)

  • Investment account cards (brokerage, IRA)

  • ATM cards (bank-issued)

  • Store credit cards (retailers)

  • Personal checks (numbered, dated)

  • Cryptocurrency wallet keys (private keys)

  • Digital bank statements (secured copies)

  • Loan documents (Mortgage, auto loan)

  • Credit union membership cards

  • Money market account records

  • Certificates of deposit (CDs) (bank)

  • Reward program cards (hotel, airline)

  • Traveler’s checks (for international travel)

  • Personal financial statements

  • Credit report access codes

  • Gift cards (remaining balances)

Medical & Health Identification Items

  • Health insurance cards (primary, secondary)

  • Medicare cards (for U.S. citizens)

  • Prescription cards (for pharmacy discounts)

  • Vaccination records (immunizations)

  • Organ donor cards (registration proof)

  • Dental insurance cards

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) cards

  • Vision insurance cards

  • Medical alert ID cards (allergies, conditions)

  • Medical records (summary copies)

  • Prescription records (medication list)

  • Vaccination passports (COVID, others)

  • Disability identification cards

  • Blood type records

  • Fitness membership cards (gym access)

  • Health record apps (digital copies)

  • Dental records (summary copies)

  • Primary care provider contact information

  • Family health history documents

  • Mental health treatment records (summary copies)

Travel & Membership Cards

  • Airline loyalty cards (frequent flyer miles)

  • Hotel loyalty cards (rewards programs)

  • Rental car membership cards

  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck cards

  • AAA membership cards (roadside assistance)

  • Gym membership cards (fitness centers)

  • Library cards (local, national)

  • Student ID cards (college, university)

  • Public transit cards (metro, bus)

  • National park passes (for access)

  • Museum membership cards (reciprocal access)

  • Wholesale club membership cards (e.g., Costco)

  • Movie theater loyalty cards

  • City resident cards (for local benefits)

  • Professional association cards

  • Sports club membership cards

  • Recreational licenses (fishing, hunting)

  • Local community center IDs

  • Country club membership cards

  • International travel passes (Eurail, etc.)

Legal & Professional Documents

  • Marriage certificates (original, certified copies)

  • Divorce decrees (finalized)

  • Property deeds (for home ownership)

  • Wills and testaments (certified copies)

  • Powers of attorney (financial, medical)

  • Last will and testament (original copy)

  • Business licenses (for business owners)

  • Professional licenses (lawyer, doctor, etc.)

  • Trust agreements (for financial planning)

  • Diplomas (high school, college, graduate)

  • Professional certifications (CPA, PMP, etc.)

  • Guardianship papers (for dependents)

  • Trade union cards (membership)

  • Passport stamps (travel record)

  • Contracts (employment, rental)

  • Business tax documents

  • Professional membership certificates

  • Pet registration records

  • Community service records (certificates)

Digital Identity Assets

  • Digital passwords (secured in a password manager)

  • Two-factor authentication devices (authenticators)

  • Social media accounts (usernames, emails)

  • Email accounts (main and backup)

  • Online banking accounts (secure logins)

  • Encrypted digital backups (identity documents)

  • Secure Cloud Storage accounts (for identity assets)

  • Digital signature services (registered)

  • Digital financial accounts (PayPal, Venmo)

  • Membership app logins (rewards programs)

  • Mobile banking apps (installed)

  • Investment app logins (Robinhood, E*TRADE)

  • Digital authentication codes

  • Crypto wallets (online and offline keys)

  • Biometric data records (fingerprint, facial recognition)

  • Email recovery accounts

  • Secure backup codes (for authentication)

  • Social security numbers (digital copies)

  • Fingerprint recognition settings

  • Security question answers (for account access)

Other Identity-Related Items

  • Membership cards (library, gym)

  • Pet registration tags (ID tags)

  • School records (enrollment, transcripts)

  • Rental agreements (leases)

  • Utilities accounts (account numbers)

  • Employer ID cards

  • Credit monitoring services

  • Birth announcements (for family records)

  • Death certificates (family members)

  • Name change documents

  • Trademark documents

  • Business registration papers

  • Travel visas (expired for reference)

  • University acceptance letters

  • Loan documents (original copies)

  • Paternity test results (if applicable)

  • Unclaimed property records

  • Tax identification numbers (EIN, TIN)

  • School ID cards (for dependents)

Key Considerations for Identity-Related Items Collection Management

  1. Maintain a Digital Inventory: Document each item with descriptions, serial numbers, account numbers, and storage details on Loti. Store digital copies in encrypted, secure locations, such as a password-protected folder or a digital vault.

  2. Secure Storage: Use a safe, lockbox, or safety deposit box for physical identity documents, and store digital identity information in encrypted, password-protected devices or software.

  3. Regularly Update Your Inventory: As you acquire or replace identity documents, update your inventory and ensure that your insurance policy accurately reflects these changes.

  4. Consider Specialized Identity Theft Coverage: If identity protection is not included in your insurance policy, consider adding a rider or purchasing an identity theft protection policy to cover expenses related to recovering your identity in case of theft.

Wrap-Up: Protecting Your Identity-Related Assets

Your identity is one of your most valuable assets. By maintaining a comprehensive inventory and ensuring proper insurance coverage, you can protect these critical items from loss, theft, or damage. With the right documentation, secure storage solutions, and insurance coverage, you can confidently safeguard your identity-related assets and maintain your financial and personal security.