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What you should know
about filing damage claims

People who want to make insurance claims must do two things, adjusters report:

1. Give notice of loss -- letting your insurance company know you've sustained a loss. You can do this by phone or in person.
2. Show proof of ownership and damage -- documentation of what you lost and what it was worth.

It's fairly easy to document that 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 -- you'll 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.