After a loss, an insurance company will often mandate that the policyholder complete and sign a form called a Proof of Loss regarding the damages claimed by the policyholder. A Proof of Loss is a one page form (possibly with attachments) that is usually provided to the policyholder by the insurance company.
The Proof of Loss form requests specific information from the policyholder regarding the date and time the loss occurred, type of loss claimed, the available insurance policy limits, and the exact amount of damages sought by the policyholder. The Proof of Loss form may also mandate that the policyholder attach any damage estimates or other calculations that support the policyholder’s claims.
If you have any questions regarding the insurance claim process, please do not hesitate to call us at (800) 451-6786.
The policyholder must fill out this Proof of Loss form completely, sign it in front of a notary, and then timely provide the notarized Proof of Loss back to the insurance company. The insurance policy usually mandates that the policyholder has to provide the signed Proof of Loss within 60 days of the insurance company’s request.
Do I Have to Provide a Proof of Loss?
The most important issue relating to a Proof of Loss is that if the insurance company requests the provision of an executed Proof of Loss, the policyholder MUST comply with this request prior to filing suit against the insurance company or otherwise moving forward with the claim. If the policyholder fails or refuses to provide the signed Proof of Loss along with all the requested information, this failure may be deemed a “failure to cooperate” with the insurance company’s investigation of the loss and could become a complete bar to payment on the loss.
If your insurance company requests that you provide a Proof of Loss in support of your claim, it is highly advised that you obtain the assistance of a qualified insurance claim lawyer that has experience dealing with the tactics used by insurance companies to deny damage claims. Please feel free to call our office with any questions you may have about a Proof of Loss or if we can be of any assistance with any other part of your insurance damage claim.