Proof of Loss Statements

Within 90 days of filing auto claims, many insurance companies also require written statements or sworn proof of loss.

General information that you must provide to your insurance company at the top of your sworn statement follows:

• Your first and last names.

• Driver license number.

• Auto policy number.

• Car insurance policy beginning and expiration dates.

• Make, model, and year of the damaged vehicle.

• Vehicle identification number (VIN).

• Lienholder’s name, street mailing address, and telephone number if the vehicle is financed.

You must provide the above information whether you or not you are found to be at fault in the auto accident. When it comes to the specific details of the damages that you or your vehicle suffered, at the bottom of the sworn statement include details such as:

• Date that the auto damages occurred.

• Names of the people involved in the accident.

• Type of damages that your vehicle suffered (i.e. flood, theft, collision).

• How the accident or damages occurred (i.e. you were rear-ended).

• Weather conditions when the accident occurred (i.e. raining, snowing).

• Reason that you were using the vehicle when the accident occurred (i.e. picking your kids up from school, driving home from work).

Some insurance companies will send you a blank sworn statement form to complete after you file your auto accident claim. Sworn statements must be notarized by a licensed notary public before you submit them to your insurance claims adjuster.

It certainly does not hurt to contact an attorney before you fill out, sign and submit a sworn statement to your auto insurance company. Declarations that you make in the statement could be used to determine the amount of damages the insurance company will cover.

Photos as Proof of Loss

When documenting the auto accident damage, take at least four clear photos of your auto before any repairs are performed on it. You will need these photos if you wish to retain the vehicle. State DMV offices require you to submit four photos of your damaged car or truck before you repair it in order for you to receive a salvage title.

You can also have the vehicle examined by your auto repair shop. This detailed examination might uncover hidden damages that the insurance claims adjuster might not have been previously aware of.

Retain all receipts related to auto repairs, towing expenses, and medical bills. The receipts should be dated. You will submit these receipts to your claims adjuster before you receive payment for damages that you incurred.