Whether it’s your home or car, filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially once the initial shock of the incident wears off. Once it has, you might be left wondering how exactly you prove a loss to insurance. This is common, especially if you’ve never filed a claim before.
In this article, you’ll learn what a proof of loss in insurance is, why this document matters, when you might be asked for it, and how to fill one out correctly yourself.
What is a proof of loss?
A proof of loss is a formal document that you submit to your insurer after a covered incident, such as a fire, flood, theft, or total car loss. It will include exactly what was damaged or lost and how, what you’re claiming, and any supporting evidence for the event in question.
Why do insurers ask for a proof of loss? This helps them assess your claim accurately, weed out any fraudulent claims, and allows the process to move forward more efficiently.
Essentially, it’s a signed document that tells your insurer exactly what happened and how much money you need to replace or repair your belongings, home, or car.
What information is included in a proof of loss?
Every insurance company is different, which means that the requirements for a proof of loss can vary. Generally speaking, though, your proof of loss form should at least include:
- Policy details: Your name, contact details, and policy number
- Incident details: The date, time, and location of the event, type of incident (fire, flood, theft, etc.), and, if applicable, a police report and/or contact information of any witnesses
- Damaged property details: A description of what was lost or damaged, along with the value of the loss, proof of ownership, photos or videos of the damage, and estimated value to have items repaired or replaced
- Supporting documents: Receipts, invoices, or credit card statements related to proof of ownership, medical bills (if applicable), and estimates for repairs
- Notarization: Your signature with the date
Depending on the situation, you might also be asked to provide proof of ownership, which simply means that you need to prove that the items you’re claiming actually belonged to you in the first place. Proof of ownership can look like receipts, photos, warranties, or even credit card statements showing a purchase.
When insurance will ask for a proof of loss
A proof of loss document isn’t required for every claim, but there are some common incidents where you are more likely to be asked for one. For example:
- Large claims involving significant financial loss
- Home insurance claims involving fire, flooding, or theft
- Car insurance claims for theft or when the vehicle is considered a total loss
- Unusual claims that require extra review (ex. damage or loss of rare items, missing information)
- Situations that raise red flags might require closer examination as part of standard fraud prevention protocols
How to fill out a proof of loss form
Filling out a proof of loss form might seem overwhelming, adding to the stress of the event or incident in question. Fortunately, it’s more straightforward than you might think.
Let’s break down how to fill out a proof of loss into three easy steps:
1. Collect information: Contact your insurance provider to get the correct form and gather all of the necessary information you need to fill it out, including your policy number, supporting documents, details about the incident, etc.
2. Fill out the form: Fill out all of the required fields, including your contact details and policy number, the date, time, and location of the incident, all items that were lost or damaged and the claim amount, as well as repair or replacement costs.
3. Sign and submit: Review all of your information to make sure that it is accurate and complete. Don’t forget to add any supporting documents that may help, including proof of ownership, police reports, and evidence of the damage. You can now sign and submit the form within the deadline your insurer provides (usually 30-90 days after the incident).
5 things you can do to make the proof of loss process easier
The best time to prepare for an insurance claim is before anything ever happens. With that in mind, here are five things you can do today that could make filing a proof of loss much easier down the line:
- Keep a home inventory: Make a list of your belongings and include photos, purchase dates, and receipts.
- Store documents safely: Keep digital copies of receipts, warranties, or other important documents. If you prefer a paper trail, make sure you store them off-site and/or in a fireproof safe.
- Notify your insurer early: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after an incident to avoid missing deadlines for when a claim must be submitted.
- Document the damage: As soon as it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the damage incurred. These images can contribute to proof for your claim.
- Wait for approval: To avoid complicating the processing of your claim, don’t throw away damaged items or start repairs until you have the approval from your insurance provider to do so.
We do the searching, you get the savings
