My Home Was Recently Broken Into and I Don’t Have Sales Receipts for the Stolen Items. What Will My Insurance Company Accept for Proof of Ownership?

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A home burglary is stressful enough without the added worry of proving what was stolen. Many homeowners panic when filing an insurance claim because they don’t have sales receipts, appraisals, or original packaging for their belongings.

The good news?
Most insurance companies understand that people don’t keep receipts for everything they own. While receipts are helpful, they are not the only way to prove ownership.

Here’s what your insurance company will likely accept—and how to strengthen your claim even if you no longer have documentation.

1. Photographs or Videos of the Items

One of the easiest and most common forms of proof is photos or videos taken before the loss. These might include:

  • Family photos showing items in the background
  • Home inventory videos
  • Real estate listing photos
  • Social media pictures
  • Security footage

If an image shows the item in your possession, insurers typically accept it as valid documentation.

2. Bank Statements, Credit Card Statements, or Online Order History

Even if you don’t have the physical receipt, your bank usually does.

You can use:

  • Credit card statements
  • Online store purchase histories (Amazon, Apple, Walmart, etc.)
  • PayPal or Venmo transaction records
  • Bank account statements

These can confirm what was purchased, when, and often where.

3. Product Manuals, Warranty Registrations, or Original Packaging

If you registered a product for warranty, that’s proof of ownership.

Insurers may accept:

  • Online warranty confirmation emails
  • Serial number registrations
  • Owner manuals
  • Product boxes or packaging

Even an empty box can verify the exact model of an item.

4. Appraisals or Professional Evaluations (If Applicable)

For jewelry, collectibles, instruments, or antiques, appraisals are strong proof.

If you don’t have an appraisal from before the theft, your insurer may accept:

  • Photos combined with a recent appraisal of a similar item
  • Expert statements from jewelers, antique dealers, or specialty shops

The more specific the description, the easier it is for the insurer to estimate value.

5. Statements From People Who Saw the Items

Insurance companies will sometimes accept sworn or written statements from:

  • Friends or relatives
  • House sitters
  • Roommates
  • Contractors

If they can confirm that the item was in your home, their testimony can support your claim.

6. Serial Numbers or Model Information

If you recorded serial or model numbers anywhere—notes, email, phone, or cloud storage—your insurer can use this to verify ownership.

Even if the item is gone, the serial number helps show it once belonged to you.

7. Home Inventory Lists

If you’ve ever created a home inventory—digital or handwritten—this can be powerful evidence. It shows the insurer you took the process seriously before the loss occurred.

8. What If You Truly Have No Documentation?

If you have absolutely no proof of ownership, insurers may still work with you, but they may:

  • Limit coverage to reasonable values
  • Ask for additional details
  • Compare to similar household items
  • Use depreciation tables
  • Require an affidavit (a sworn statement from you)

The process may take longer, but most carriers are willing to consider all available evidence.

How to Strengthen Your Claim Now

Here’s what you should do immediately after a break-in:

1. Make a complete list of all stolen items

Include brand, model, color, size, age, where purchased, and approximate value.

2. Provide photos of the damage or forced entry

This supports the theft claim as legitimate and sudden.

3. File a police report

Most insurers won’t process a burglary claim without one.

4. Allow the adjuster to inspect the scene

They may see evidence you overlooked.

5. Search all digital accounts for proof

Bank apps, email inboxes, and online orders often reveal purchase details.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need receipts for everything you own to file a successful insurance claim after a burglary. Insurance companies routinely accept a wide range of documentation—from photos to credit card statements to witness testimony.

The key is to provide as much detail as possible so the insurer can confidently verify your ownership and determine a fair replacement value.