Glossary

Proof of loss

A signed, sworn statement of what happened and what you are claiming, which most policies require within a set number of days.

Also called: sworn proof of loss, POL, sworn statement in proof of loss

A proof of loss is a written statement, signed under oath, in which you give the time and cause of the loss, who has an interest in the property, any other insurance that applies, and the amount you are claiming. It normally travels with support: repair estimates, a contents list, and receipts for additional living expenses.

Under the standard ISO homeowners form (HO 00 03), you must send a signed, sworn proof of loss within 60 days after the insurer asks for it. The clock runs from the request, not the date of the loss, though state law and an insurer's own form can change that. The standard federal flood policy works differently: it generally sets a 60-day deadline measured from the date of the loss, and FEMA has extended that period after some declared disasters.

Treat it as more than paperwork. The figure you swear to is the figure the insurer will hold you to, and a knowingly inflated number can void the claim. Missing the deadline, or filing an incomplete form, hands the insurer a reason to delay or deny. If you need more time, ask in writing and keep the reply. For the mechanics, read the proof of loss form and its deadlines and your duties under the policy.

Last reviewed October 10, 2026

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Related terms

Duties after loss The steps a homeowners policy requires after damage occurs: reporting it, protecting the property, documenting the loss and cooperating with the insurer. First notice of loss The first report you or your agent makes to the insurer that damage has occurred, which opens the file and starts the insurer's response deadlines. Contents inventory An itemized list of belongings that were damaged, destroyed or stolen, with quantity, description, age and cost, used to support a personal property claim. Examination under oath A formal, recorded question-and-answer session under oath that an insurer can require of a claimant, usually led by the insurer's attorney. Scope of loss The written list of damaged areas and repairs an adjuster decides are needed and covered, which becomes the basis for the estimate and the payment.

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Arson, staged losses and fraud investigations How insurers and fire investigators test a suspicious fire or theft, what the intentional loss exclusion does, and what to do if your claim is investigated. Filing a claim with an insolvent insurer When a home insurer is liquidated, a state guaranty association takes over covered claims. Who to contact, which deadlines matter and what caps apply. Deadlines to sue over a home insurance claim The ISO policy allows two years from the date of loss to sue. State law can cut that to 12 months or stretch it to five, and talks rarely stop the clock. Documenting damage: photos, video and receipts How to photograph, film and log home damage so an adjuster can verify it: what to capture before cleanup, what the HO-3 asks you to keep, and a claim file. Filing a homeowners claim after a hurricane How to file after a hurricane: who to call first, what to document, the separate wind and flood claims, state claim deadlines and what to do if payment stalls. Fire and smoke damage: how homeowners insurance responds Fire is a covered peril on every standard homeowners form. What gets paid, from which coverage, and where smoke, soot and underinsurance trip up claims.

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Oklahoma Oklahoma home insurance: State Farm writes nearly a third of the market, hail drives some of the nation's highest premiums, and there is no FAIR plan.

Related disasters

Hurricane Isaias (2026) Isaias struck near Destin, Florida, on Oct. 9, 2026 at 105 mph. Hurricane deductibles apply, FEMA aid is limited, and Florida's 1-year claim clock runs.

Related tools

Home insurance claim deadline calculator Pick your state and date of loss to see the dates that matter: when to report, when the insurer must respond and pay, and the last day to sue. Home insurance claim checklist Work through the steps of a homeowners claim in order, with extra steps for water, wind, fire or theft, and tick them off as you go.