Here is a checklist of the most important documents and information you should have ready:

1. Personal data and insurance details

• Full name and contact details: email address, phone number, current address.

• Insurance number/contract number: You can find this on your policy.

• Type of damage: Home contents insurance.

2. Detailed description of the damage

• Date and time of damage: As precise as possible.

• Location of damage: Address, room or area.

• Cause of damage: What exactly happened (e.g., burst pipe, burglary, fire, storm damage)?

• Detailed description: What was damaged or stolen? Go into detail and list all affected items.

3. Evidence – essential for your claims

This is the most important point to avoid deduction for new for old to prove replacement value

• Photos and videos: Take clear and informative photos of the damage and the damaged items before repairs . Also document the damage site itself.

• Purchase receipts, invoices, warranty documents: For all damaged or stolen items, especially valuable purchases. This is the best way to prove the original replacement value.

• Cost estimates: For repairs (e.g., electricians, tradespeople).

• Quotes for new purchases: If you need to replace damaged items, obtain quotes for equivalent new products.

• Bank statements: Can serve as proof of larger purchases if no direct receipts are available.

• Lists: Create a detailed list of the damaged/stolen items, including the purchase date and price.

4. Additional requirements apply in specific damage cases

• In case of burglary/theft: File a police report with case number.

• In case of water damage: If necessary, obtain an expert opinion from a plumber to determine the cause.

• In case of fire damage: Fire department report.

5. Communication with the insurance company

• Written documentation: Keep a record of all correspondence with the insurance company. Note down the dates of conversations, the names of the contact persons, and the content of the conversations.

• Observe deadlines: Find out about the deadlines for reporting damage and submitting documents.

Careful preparation and documentation ensure that your claims assistance runs optimally and that you receive the replacement value compensation , without the insurance company "depreciating" your belongings.