Proving a negative is, well, impossible. That’s how a lot of people feel when they’re asked by their flood insurance agency to prove ownership of something that was lost in the flood. But if you can reasonably show that the items existed and belonged to you before the flood, you might be all set. Your insurance agent at VAC Insurance Agency, serving Brooklyn, NY, explains.

Look Beyond Traditional Receipts

You might have proof on your cell. Pics and vids taken inside your home might be the key. A casual picture taken during a holiday, a video walkthrough from a move, or even images from a real estate listing can capture furniture, electronics, or décor in the background. You’d be surprised what people in NY come up with to support ownership after a flood.

Use Digital and Paper Trails Together

Bank and credit card statements can help establish when items were purchased, even if you don’t have that old scrap of paper receipt anymore. Email confirmations, online order histories, and warranty registrations also add credibility. Instruction manuals or product guides kept in a drawer may seem minor, but they help show that an item was once part of the household. Creating a written inventory soon after the flood, while details are fresh, can tie all of this together.

Lean on Outsiders

Think outside the box. Neighbors, relatives, or roommates who were familiar with your home might provide confirmation of ownership. Contractors or service providers may have records showing installed items or past repairs. For higher-value belongings, appraisals or service paperwork from New York businesses can be useful.

If you’re unsure what evidence will be most helpful, contact VAC Insurance Agency, serving Brooklyn, NY. We can help walk you through the process and perhaps come up with ways you hadn’t thought of to prove ownership.