When it comes to home insurance, proof of ownership is any document that gives the insurer details about the item that has been lost or damaged, which has to be replaced.
What Can Be Used As Proof Of Ownership When Making A Claim?
Each insurer will have its own set of requirements. The items that we have listed below are commonly accepted documents of proof of ownership:
- Original paper receipts or an electric receipt. In the event that you are unable to locate either, try contacting the retailer and see if they’ll be able to get you a new copy.
- Bank or credit card statement.
- A certificate or evaluation.
- Record of the item’s serial number.
- A warranty or guarantee document.
What If The Lost/Damaged Item Was A Gift?
A lot of the things that people own are gifts, which means that you probably wouldn’t have the receipt in the event that it is lost or damaged. If you have to prove ownership of an item that was gifted, try asking the gifter for the receipt, or look for an original owner’s manual.
What Will Happen If I Can’t Prove Ownership?
Generally, most, if not all, insurers will require that you provide a list of your damaged belongings when making a claim, even if you aren’t able to prove ownership of all of them. If you are unable to show proof of ownership, then they will pay the claim based on the average replacement cost of a similar product. That means that if you had an item that was of higher quality, then you may not be able to replace the item with an exact model. Being able to provide proof of ownership can make a huge difference in the amount of money you will receive from your insurer after making a claim.
It can be very difficult to keep track of all of your receipts, especially if you have been living in your home for many years. If you are unable to find proof of ownership for an item that you’d like to file a claim for, contact a claims representative. They will be able to walk you through the process and try to help you get enough money back to replace your belongings.
How to Prepare Proof of Ownership for Your Things Before Something Happens
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, which is why it’s a good idea to prepare proof of ownership before the unexpected happens.
1. Do a walkthrough of your home and take inventory of all of your belongings.
2. Take photos of everything in your home.
3. Make digital copies of documentation.
For all of your personal and commercial insurance needs, contact Crosbie Job Insurance.
