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Making an insurance claim © St. Petersburg Times, published May 31, 1998 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 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. Related stories: Taking inventory of your property Important paperwork to take © Copyright 1998 St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.