How can I prove what I owned if my things are stolen or ruined?

Renters insuranceBuying a policyChecked Nov 6, 2026

From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: California Department of Insurance · Home Inventory Guide (PDF) · Inventory · page 1 View original ↗

In short

Make a list of your things and take photos before a loss.
After a loss, list what was damaged and take photos before repairs.
Keep receipts. You may need them to get full payment.

What this means

Start with a list of your things. The California Department of Insurance says it is very important to take inventory of your personal property before you have a loss [1]. Photos help when a purchase receipt cannot be found [2]. Keep a copy of the list and the receipts for big items in a safe place away from home [3].

After a loss, Texas says to make a list of your damaged property and take pictures or videos before you make repairs [4]. Keep receipts. To get full payment, you may need to prove that you replaced destroyed items [5]. If you have replacement cost coverage, you get two checks. The first is for actual cash value [6].

The sources do not say whether a ceiling leak is covered, or exactly what proof each insurer accepts. Ask your insurer in writing what it needs.

Your next step

Write a list of the damaged or stolen items today and take photos or videos. Gather any receipts, then ask your insurer in writing what proof it needs. The sources give no deadline; check your policy for the claim time limit.

Check it yourself

Open your policy and read the personal property and water damage sections. Your claim letter says what proof the insurer wants. These sources come from California and Texas; your state may differ. Whether a ceiling leak is covered and what proof your insurer accepts — "Don't know yet".

Where this comes from (6)

[1] California Department of Insurance · Home Inventory Guide (PDF) · Inventory · page 1 · checked 2026-11-06
It is very important to take inventory of your personal property before you have a loss.
[2] California Department of Insurance · Home Inventory Guide (PDF) · Inventory Tips · page 1 · checked 2026-11-06
Photographs of household goods are especially useful when describing an item on paper is difficult or a purchase receipt cannot be obtained.
[3] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · Home inventory · checked 2026-11-06
Keep the list and receipts for major items in a fireproof safe or at another location.
[4] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · After a claim · checked 2026-11-06
Make a list of your damaged property. If possible, take pictures or videos of the damage before making any repairs.
[5] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · After a claim · checked 2026-11-06
Keep receipts. To get full payment, you may need to prove to the insurance company that you replaced destroyed items.
[6] Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · Personal property claims · checked 2026-11-06
If you have replacement cost coverage, you’ll get two checks. The first will be for the actual cash value of the items.

How we found this

We matched your question to 6 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.

What we don’t know yet

Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.

Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.

Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.

This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.

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