How to Document Damage for a Renters Insurance Claim (2024)

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: Dec 2, 2023Fact Checked

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Daniel S. Young

Insurance Content Team Lead

Daniel S. Young is a journalist based in Birmingham, Alabama. He began his professional career in 2018 as a writer, editor, and later chief editor for his student newspaper, The Chanticleer, at Jacksonville State University. He also has written bylines for The Anniston Star, a local newspaper in Anniston, Alabama. He holds a BA  in Communication with a focus in Digital Journalism and is pursuing ...

Insurance Content Team Lead

Dani Best

Licensed Insurance Producer

Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...

Licensed Insurance Producer

UPDATED: Dec 2, 2023

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UPDATED: Dec 2, 2023Fact Checked

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on “How to Document Damage for a Renters Insurance Claim” and learn about efficient “Recycling at Home.” We will provide you with valuable insights on how to file a home insurance claim and the essential steps involved in documenting damage for a renters insurance claim, including tips on gathering evidence, contacting the relevant authorities, and maximizing your chances of a successful claim.

Additionally, we will delve into the world of recycling at home, offering practical strategies to reduce waste, recycle effectively, and contribute to a greener future. To ensure you have the best coverage for your rental property, enter your zip code below and compare rates from the top insurance providers, guaranteeing you peace of mind and financial security.

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.

Case Studies: How to Document Damage for a Renters Insurance Claim (2023)

Case Study 1: Water Damage from Burst Pipe

In this case study, John, a renter, experienced water damage in his apartment due to a burst pipe. He promptly contacted his renters insurance company to file a claim. To document the damage, John took detailed photographs and videos of the affected areas, including the damaged furniture, electronics, and personal belongings. He also collected invoices and receipts for the damaged items, as well as estimates for repair and restoration services.

By providing thorough documentation, John was able to successfully navigate the renters insurance claim process and receive compensation for the water damage.

Case Study 2: Fire Damage in an Apartment Building

Sarah, a tenant in a multi-unit apartment building, experienced a severe fire in her unit. She promptly contacted her renters insurance provider to start the claims process. Sarah documented the fire damage by taking photos of the charred furniture, walls, and appliances. She also gathered reports from the fire department and created a detailed inventory of the damaged items with their original cost and purchase dates. With comprehensive documentation, Sarah successfully filed a renters insurance claim and received compensation for the fire damage.

Case Study 3: Theft and Vandalism

In this case study, Mark had his apartment broken into, resulting in theft and vandalism of his personal belongings. Mark promptly contacted his renters insurance company to report the incident and file a claim. To document the damage, Mark took photographs of the broken locks, damaged doors, and ransacked rooms. He also provided the police report detailing the incident and a list of stolen items with their estimated value.

Mark’s detailed documentation enabled him to substantiate his claim, leading to reimbursement for the stolen and damaged belongings through his renters insurance policy.

Case Study 4: Accidental Damage to Flooring

Emily accidentally caused significant damage to the flooring in her rented apartment. Worried about the potential costs, she reached out to her renters insurance company for guidance. Emily documented the damage by capturing clear photographs of the affected area and obtaining repair estimates from professionals. She also maintained communication with her landlord and insurance company throughout the process, ensuring transparency and cooperation.

Through her thorough documentation and effective communication, Emily successfully navigated her renters insurance claim and received compensation for the accidental damage to the flooring.

Case Study 5: Natural Disaster – Hurricane Damage

During a powerful hurricane, Lisa’s apartment sustained significant damage. She contacted her renters insurance provider to start a claim. Lisa diligently documented the hurricane damage through photos and videos, capturing the structural damage, water intrusion, and ruined belongings. She also kept records of emergency repairs and related expenses. With her detailed documentation, Lisa successfully presented her case to the insurance company, resulting in a successful renters insurance claim for the hurricane-related damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my rental property is damaged and I need to file a renters insurance claim?

If your rental property is damaged, the first thing you should do is contact your renters insurance company to start the claims process. You’ll need to document the damage thoroughly so you can provide the necessary information to the insurance company.

What is the best way to document damage for a renters insurance claim?

Take photos or videos of the damage, and make a list of all damaged items. You should also keep any receipts or other documentation related to the damaged items.

Should I wait to clean up the damage before I document it?

No, you should document the damage before you clean it up. Taking photos and videos of the damage as soon as possible will help ensure that you have a clear record of what happened.

How many photos should I take of the damage?

You should take as many photos as necessary to thoroughly document the damage. Take wide-angle shots to show the overall damage, and close-up shots to show specific damage to items.

What if the damage is not visible in photos or videos?

If the damage is not visible in photos or videos, describe it in writing and provide any other relevant information, such as the location of the damage.

What should I do with damaged items?

Keep damaged items until the insurance company has completed its investigation. The insurance company may want to inspect the items, so don’t throw them away or make any repairs until you’ve been instructed to do so.

What if I don’t have receipts for the damaged items?

If you don’t have receipts for the damaged items, try to provide other documentation, such as credit card statements or bank statements that show the purchase. If you can’t provide any documentation, the insurance company may use an estimate to determine the value of the damaged item.

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Daniel S. Young

Insurance Content Team Lead

Daniel S. Young is a journalist based in Birmingham, Alabama. He began his professional career in 2018 as a writer, editor, and later chief editor for his student newspaper, The Chanticleer, at Jacksonville State University. He also has written bylines for The Anniston Star, a local newspaper in Anniston, Alabama. He holds a BA  in Communication with a focus in Digital Journalism and is pursuing ...

Insurance Content Team Lead

Dani Best

Licensed Insurance Producer

Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...

Licensed Insurance Producer

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.

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