Step 1: Take Inventory of Affected Items
Begin by creating a detailed inventory of all personal property that was damaged, lost, or destroyed. When ready, our product suite will provide a variety of tools to help you through this process as well. That said, for each item, you'll need:
Item Name and Description: Be as specific as possible (e.g., "Samsung 55-inch 4K Smart TV, Model #UN55RU7100").
Condition: Note whether the item was new, used, or in need of repair.
Approximate Purchase Date: Provide an estimated timeline if you don’t know the exact date.
Original Cost: Include the purchase price, including taxes or fees.
Step 2: Provide Proof of Ownership
Insurance companies may require proof that you owned the items listed in your claim. Common forms of proof include:
Receipts: Original purchase receipts are ideal.
Credit Card Statements: Highlight relevant transactions if receipts aren’t available.
Photos or Videos: Images of your items in use or stored in your home.
Product Manuals or Packaging: If available, these can confirm ownership and details about the item.
Tip: If you don’t have proof of ownership, include a detailed description and an estimated value based on comparable items.
Step 3: Document the Damage
Capture clear evidence of the condition of your belongings after the incident. Include:
Photos: Take close-up and wide-angle photos showing the extent of the damage.
Videos: Walkthrough videos can provide additional context for the scale of the loss.
Narrative Notes: Describe how the item was affected (e.g., “Sofa soaked in floodwater, visible mold growth on cushions”).
Tip: Take pictures from multiple angles to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Step 4: Include Supporting Documentation
In addition to proof of ownership and photos, gather any relevant documents that support the value or uniqueness of your items, such as:
Appraisals: For high-value items like jewelry, antiques, or collectibles.
Certificates of Authenticity: For rare or unique items, such as artwork.
Warranties or Product Registrations: These confirm purchase and provide additional details about the item.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Missing Documentation: If you don’t have receipts or photos, provide a detailed description and research comparable items to estimate value.
Disputed Values: If the insurer disputes an item’s value, provide additional evidence, such as appraisals or quotes. Loti's adjusters can help.
Emotional Losses: For sentimental items with no clear monetary value, focus on documenting their existence and condition before the loss.
Final Thoughts
Gathering documentation for personal property can be time-intensive, but it’s a critical step in securing a fair settlement for your claim. By organizing your items, providing detailed proof, and categorizing your inventory, you can streamline the process and strengthen your case.
At Loti, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need help documenting your losses or navigating the claims process, our team has the expertise to support you. Contact us today to learn how we can help you recover and rebuild with confidence.