With homeowners' insurance, you might encounter your agent only twice -- once when you purchase your policy, and again should you turn in a claim. The second time around, the formerly friendly mister nice guy sometimes becomes a serious no-nonsense bean counter, demanding receipts and proof of purchase for everything you're claiming. So, what's a homeowner to do to protect himself and get the best recovery? The answer is to have a complete and thorough household inventory. First, videotape or photograph entire rooms. Don't forget the garage, attic, crawl spaces, basement and patios. Then, with a helper, go back over each area, turn heavy appliances around, open drawers, record serial numbers, zoom in on manufacturers' labels, and, if possible, add verbal descriptions. Once appliances, television sets and furniture are done, record those things that are easily forgotten -- from dishes and clothes to plants and tools. Make multiple copies and keep extra copies in a safe place. And, update when necessary. Then relax. You're covered.