Home and belongings
- Room-by-room photos and video
- Inventory with make, model and serial numbers
- Receipts and statements showing purchases
- Deed, mortgage or lease
- Repair, improvement and warranty records
After a loss
What to Gather After a Loss
After a fire, storm, theft, accident or other property loss, start with what you have. This practical checklist puts the commonly requested records in the order to look for them.
Safety comes first. Only photograph or enter a damaged property when it is safe to do so. What is required varies by policy and situation, so confirm what is needed with your insurer, agent, lender or the agency handling the matter.
Start here
The first seven records to locate
Work down the list in order. Each item helps show what you had, what happened and what it has cost so far.
- Insurance policy and declarations pageThese show your coverage, limits and deductibles, and how to reach your insurer or agent.
- Photos and video of the damageCapture every affected room, item and exterior side before cleanup or repairs, when it is safe.
- Earlier photos and your inventoryPhotos, videos and inventories from before the loss show what you owned and its condition.
- Receipts, appraisals and ownership recordsReceipts, statements showing purchases, serial numbers, warranties, titles and appraisals.
- Police, fire or incident reportsWrite down the report number, agency and date, and request a copy.
- Estimates, invoices and expense receiptsRepair estimates, contractor contracts, invoices, and receipts for emergency repairs or temporary housing.
- Insurer and contractor correspondenceKeep letters, emails and a log of calls with names, dates and reference numbers.
Complete checklist
Records to gather by situation
You may not need every item. Use the list to identify what exists and where it is kept.
Vehicle
- Title or financing agreement
- Registration and insurance ID card
- Photos of all sides and the interior
- VIN, service and repair records
- Towing, storage and rental receipts
Business
- Building exterior on all four sides, corners and roof
- Room-by-room interior and equipment with labels and serial numbers
- Contracts, leases and vendor information
- Inventory, financial and payroll records
- Licenses, permits and business insurance policies
Documents that were lost too
- Driver's license, passport or other identification
- Birth, marriage and Social Security records
- Titles, deeds and registrations
- Copies of insurance policies from your agent or insurer
- Bank, loan and tax records
Keep it together
Keep what you gather in one place.
EnsureLoc helps keep important records organized, in one secure location, and accessible anywhere. You choose which records to share with a Trusted Connection.
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