A client’s experience when he or she has a claim can make or break a long-term relationship. Every agent knows that when a claim happens, be it a fire, flood, burglary, or other disaster, your client could lose everything: cars, house, computers, and even a shoebox full of family photos. They call you to report the claim. Then, you (or the adjuster) ask for documentation of what they lost: receipts, recent photographs, or the knowledge of when and where an item was purchased. Gathering this information — if it’s even available — is a real pain.

Video has always been one method to document what has been lost. With today’s technology, it is easier and less expensive than ever to help your clients by creating a video record for them. All you need is a digital video (DV) camera, a computer with a CD burner, and digital video editing software, such as Microsoft Movie Maker 2 (which is a free download that comes with Windows XP Service Pack 2).

With your DV camera charged and in hand, walk around the house, or business, with your client and film everything they own. While filming, ask them to dictate where and how they purchased or obtained the item, the date purchased, how much they paid, the approximate current worth, and what it would likely cost to replace it. Edit the tape and then copy the edited movie to a CD, and give it to your client. You can also maintain a copy in your office for safe keeping.