Insurance Documentation Guide: Maximize Your Claims

The difference between a successful insurance claim and a disappointing one usually comes down to documentation. This guide shows you how to prepare so you're protected when disaster strikes.

What Insurance Companies Want

To process a claim quickly and fairly, insurers need:

1. Photos — Visual proof you owned items
2. Descriptions — Make, model, brand, condition
3. Values — Purchase price and/or current replacement cost
4. Receipts — Proof of purchase and price paid
5. Serial numbers — For electronics and appliances
6. Appraisals — For jewelry, art, and collectibles

The more you provide, the faster and larger your settlement.

Your Documentation Strategy

High-Value Items (Document Thoroughly)

For items worth $500+, capture:

• Multiple photos (front, back, labels)
• Serial number
• Original receipt or bank record
• Warranty documentation
• Appraisal for valuables

Mid-Value Items ($100-$500)

Capture:

• Clear photo
• Brand/model if visible
• Approximate purchase date and price
• Receipt if available

Bulk Categories (Clothing, Books, etc.)

For numerous small items:

• Overview photos of collections
• Estimated total value by category
• Representative receipts

The AI Advantage

Traditional documentation is tedious: take photo, manually enter name, look up value, type description, repeat hundreds of times.

With AI-powered apps like Dib:

• Take a photo → AI identifies the item
• AI estimates current replacement value
• AI extracts info from receipts and warranties
• You review and confirm, rather than manually entering

What takes hours with manual entry takes minutes with AI. And you're more likely to actually complete your inventory.

Room-by-Room Checklist

Living Room

• TV and entertainment equipment (serial numbers!)
• Furniture (sofa, chairs, tables)
• Rugs, curtains, decorations
• Art (get appraisals for originals)

Kitchen

• Major appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher)
• Small appliances (mixer, coffee maker, etc.)
• Cookware and dishes

Bedrooms

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Jewelry (detailed photos + appraisals)
• Clothing (estimate by category)

Home Office

• Computer equipment (serial numbers)
• Software (licenses)
• Furniture

Garage/Storage

• Tools and equipment
• Lawn and garden equipment
• Sporting goods
• Holiday decorations

Where to Store Documentation

Your documentation must survive the disaster:

• Cloud storage — Apps like Dib automatically back up
• Off-site backup — Copy to family member or safety deposit box
• Never only on-site — Paper lists and local files won't help if your home is destroyed

Match Documentation to Policy

After completing your inventory:

1. Calculate your total inventory value
2. Compare to your policy coverage limits
3. Identify items needing special riders (jewelry, art, collectibles)
4. Adjust coverage as needed

Many homeowners discover they're underinsured only when it's too late. Your inventory tells you the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Protected Today

Don't wait until you need documentation to create it. Start with high-value items, then work your way through your home. With AI-powered tools like Dib, you can have a comprehensive inventory in an afternoon.

Your future self—filing a claim and receiving full value—will thank you.