A Homeowner’s Guide to Getting Appraisals Before an Insurance Claim
When it comes to protecting your home and valuables, insurance coverage is only as good as the documentation you provide. One of the most powerful tools you can have before a disaster is a professional Appraisal of your high-value items and property features.
This step-by-step guide explains how to get your belongings appraised before any loss occurs—so your claim is based on fair, verifiable value, not guesswork or Depreciation.
Step 1: Identify Which Items Need an Appraisal
Not everything in your home needs to be appraised, but certain belongings often exceed standard Policy Limits or require specific valuation to be fully covered.
Examples:
Jewelry and luxury watches
Fine art, antiques, and collectibles
Custom furniture or handmade rugs
Rare books, coins, or vintage items
High-end electronics or audio equipment
Musical instruments
Wine collections or firearms
Heirlooms with undocumented value
If you’re unsure, check your insurance policy’s sub-limits (e.g., $1,500 for jewelry, $2,500 for electronics) and appraise anything that might exceed them.
Step 2: Hire a Qualified, Independent Appraiser
Use a certified appraiser who specializes in the type of item you’re valuing.
Tips for finding one:
Look for appraisers affiliated with ISA, ASA, or AAA (recognized professional appraisal organizations)
Avoid using only store estimates or in-house evaluations from retailers
Make sure they provide a written report with photos, item descriptions, and market-based values
Note: For real estate features (like a custom pool, historic restoration, or solar install), consider hiring a home appraiser with construction or Green Building expertise.
Step 3: Get a Written Appraisal Report
A solid appraisal includes more than just a number—it provides detailed justification that can withstand scrutiny from insurers or adjusters.
What to expect:
Item name and detailed description
Photos of each item
Materials, provenance, or maker information
Appraiser credentials and signature
Current market value or replacement cost
Appraisal date
Keep digital and physical copies of each appraisal and link them to your property photo documentation.
Step 4: Use Appraisals to Schedule Coverage
Once you have formal appraisals, share them with your insurance provider to:
Increase coverage limits for specific items
Add a personal articles floater or rider for valuables not covered by base policies
Ensure items are covered for replacement value, not depreciated cash value
Be sure to ask if your appraisals qualify for agreed value coverage, which guarantees a fixed payout in the event of loss.
Step 5: Update Appraisals Every 2–5 Years
The value of many items changes over time. Some increase in value (like gold or fine art), while others depreciate.
When to reappraise:
Every 2–5 years, depending on the item type and insurance company requirements
If the market shifts dramatically (e.g., a surge in watch or coin prices)
After a major upgrade or restoration to the item
If you plan to increase or adjust your coverage
Your insurance provider may require current appraisals to pay full replacement value at the time of a claim.
Step 6: Store Appraisals Securely with Your Other Documentation
Appraisals are most helpful when they’re easy to access after a loss.
Storage options:
Upload PDFs to a cloud platform (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
Store them in your Loti account alongside photos and inventory
Keep a printed copy in a waterproof, fire-resistant folder or safe
Email a copy to your insurance agent or broker for safekeeping
File naming example:Appraisal_TiffanyDiamondRing_2024.pdf instead of Scan_0343.pdf
Step 7: Match Appraisals with Photographic Evidence
For extra claim protection, pair each appraisal with high-quality photos of the item.
For each item:
Take a wide shot and close-up
Include serial numbers, logos, or labels
Store photos and appraisal in the same digital folder or Loti listing
This creates a complete, credible file for claims adjusters or insurance underwriters.
Wrap-Up
Pre-loss appraisals are a smart, proactive way to ensure your most valuable belongings are protected—not underestimated. They provide clear proof of worth and eliminate ambiguity when it matters most.
With Loti, you can upload and organize appraisals alongside your photos, receipts, and home inventory. We help you build a bulletproof digital record that keeps you covered—before disaster strikes.
Protect your valuables with facts, not estimates. Start your appraisal process today.