How to Document Damage for a Renters Insurance Claim

How to document damage for a renters insurance claim starts by taking a video of your home inventory as soon as you move in. A video inventory gives a clear depiction of what you own so you can be properly reimbursed for damages. Take a look at your policy and make sure you’re covered for certain events before filing a renters insurance claim. Learn more in our guide below.

UPDATED: Jul 16, 2021

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UPDATED: Jul 16, 2021Fact Checked

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Chris Tepedino is a feature writer that has written extensively about home, life, and car insurance for numerous websites. He has a college degree in communication from the University of Tennessee and has experience reporting, researching investigative pieces, and crafting detailed, data-driven features. His works have been featured on CB Blog Nation, Flow Words, Healing Law, WIBW Kansas, and C...

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Written by Chris Tepedino
Insurance Feature Writer Chris Tepedino

Laura Walker graduated college with a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She married her husband and began working in the family insurance business in 2005. She became a licensed agent and wrote P&C business focusing on personal lines insurance for 10 years. Laura serviced existing business and wrote new business. She now uses her insurance background to help educate...

Full Bio →

Reviewed by Laura Walker
Former Licensed Agent Laura Walker

UPDATED: Jul 16, 2021

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

UPDATED: Jul 16, 2021

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Jul 16, 2021Fact Checked

In order for your renters insurance policy to be effective, you will have to document the damages and costs for your claim. Make sure that the damage is covered by your policy, keep an up to date home inventory, and take pictures.

If there are witnesses or security video available, you will need to make sure that you get statements and a way to request the digital data. You may also be covered by a loss of use clause that will reimburse you for any covered expenses.

Understand Your Policy

A big mistake is to assume that flood insurance and water damage are the same thing. In truth, water damage might be caused by a broken pipe but it would require flood insurance to cover water rising above the local stream banks. It is important to have coverage for all major perils, including fire,
riots and storm, but you still have to pick up specialty coverage for major disasters such as earthquakes or floods.

Make a Video Home Inventory

Using a video camera, move from room to room and make a video of everything you own to create a home inventory. This includes clothing, jewelry, furniture and any appliances that belong to you. This is your ultimate proof of what you own, and should represent the brand and include a copy of the receipts. When you have to file a claim, the most recent home inventory on record can be compared to identify broken or missing property.

Pictures and Video

Take pictures or video of the damages. If a tree fell on the home, try to show how the tree is responsible for damages specific to you. Remember, renters insurance does not cover the dwelling, but it does include any of your property that was damaged by a covered event. The better you can document the damages, the easier it will be to settle your claim.

Receipts and Official Reports

Keep track of the receipts and reports. If a police report was filed, you should get a copy of it. This report is important to a successful claim. You will also need to have copies of any emergency or medical care that was required. If you miss a bill on the claim, then you could end up paying for it out of pocket. Keeping up with your receipts will help you avoid this problem.

Loss of Use

If you are not able to enjoy your accustomed way of life because of the damages, you may have a loss of use clause in your policy to help you with the costs. An example of loss of use is having to rent a motel room or temporary apartment, going to the coin laundry, or having to dine out when you should be able to eat at home.

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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

Chris Tepedino is a feature writer that has written extensively about home, life, and car insurance for numerous websites. He has a college degree in communication from the University of Tennessee and has experience reporting, researching investigative pieces, and crafting detailed, data-driven features. His works have been featured on CB Blog Nation, Flow Words, Healing Law, WIBW Kansas, and C...

Full Bio →

Written by Chris Tepedino
Insurance Feature Writer Chris Tepedino

Laura Walker graduated college with a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. She married her husband and began working in the family insurance business in 2005. She became a licensed agent and wrote P&C business focusing on personal lines insurance for 10 years. Laura serviced existing business and wrote new business. She now uses her insurance background to help educate...

Full Bio →

Reviewed by Laura Walker
Former Licensed Agent Laura Walker

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