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How to file an insurance claim
People who want to make insurance claims must do two things, adjusters report:
- Give notice of loss - letting your insurance company know you've sustained a loss. You can do this by phone or in person.
- Show proof of ownership and damage - documentation of what you lost and what it was worth.
It's fairly easy to document you had a home - it's on the property tax rolls. The county property assessor can give an estimate of its assessed value.
As for ordinary household items - furniture, appliances, clothing - youll be covered. There usually isn't any type of controversy over that, insurers say.
You likely won't get an argument if you say you had a TV and VCR, even without receipts, but if you try to claim that you just had your entire kitchen redone last month with top-of-the-line appliances, be prepared to provide receipts or documentation from your suppliers.
Controversy arises when you claim unusual items - jewelry, artwork, furs, antiques - without receipts or documentation.
Ideally, you'll have separate insurance riders for these big-ticket items, and appraisals for unique or valuable items such as works of art. Receipts and appraisal documentation belong in your safe deposit box.
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