An encrypted USB drive holds digital copies of your IDs, insurance policies, deeds and medical records in a pocket-sized form. It lets you prove who you are and file claims when the paper originals are lost to fire, flood or a fast evacuation.
An encrypted USB drive holds scanned copies of your vital documents so you can prove identity, ownership and coverage after a fire, flood or evacuation. Choose one built to stay readable for years in a safe or a go-bag.
- Hardware encryption: Pick a drive with built-in encryption and a PIN or password so a lost drive keeps your records private.
- Capacity: A 32 GB to 64 GB drive holds a household's scanned IDs, deeds, policies, medical records and family photos with room to grow.
- Rugged housing: Look for a metal or sealed case rated for water and dust so it survives a wet bag or a drop.
- Two copies: Stock a pair and keep one in your home safe and one with a trusted relative or in a safe deposit box.
- Common connector: Choose a standard USB-A or USB-C plug, or a dual-ended drive, so it works on borrowed computers and phones.
- Refresh schedule: Plug it in and update the files once a year, since flash memory can fade when it sits unpowered for many years.
