Skip to main content

proof of loss

Proof of loss is the formal statement and supporting documents that a policyholder submits to an insurer to describe a claimed loss and state the amount claimed under the policy.

In plain English

This is the policyholder's formal account of the loss and the amount being claimed. It includes both that statement and documents that support it when they are sent to the insurer under the policy.

In context

Here, "proof of loss" names the formal statement and supporting documents the policyholder is asked to provide for the claim file to describe the loss and state the amount claimed under the policy.

Situation
Submitting claims, evidence, estimates, and following claim status
What it communicates
names a formal loss-related document requested for the claim file

Meaning limits

The term itself does not show whether the insurer accepts the claim or agrees with the amount stated.

Examples

“The insurer had his notice of claim, but not the proof of loss with his statement of the theft and the receipts supporting the amount claimed.”

Core meaning

“He was asked to send a proof of loss listing the stolen tools and attaching the receipts for their value.”

In context