Proof of purchase

An item in your home's been damaged or stolen and you're ready to make a claim on your contents insurance.

But hang on a sec - do you have proof you purchased it? Some insurers ask for evidence of ownership before they’ll pay out.

We'll walk you through how you can show your provider proof you've bought the item - plus what to do if you can't dig out the receipts.

What is proof of purchase?

It's anything that shows you bought the item - like a receipt, invoice or even a confirmation email from when you ordered it.

Do I need proof of purchase to make a claim on my contents insurance policy?

That depends on your home insurance provider. Some insurers ask for it, others are more flexible. Your best bet? Check your policy details to be sure.

Different insurers accept different things as proof - some want a receipt, others might be happy with a bank statement, warranty or even a photo of the item.

What's the usual process when it comes to proof of ownership for a home contents claim?

Here's how it typically works:

• You'll gather the evidence. If you have a receipt or photograph - make sure you have these ready to help make the claim process run smoother.
• Then reach out to your provider. If it's an emergency (say your home has been broken into or there's been a fire), call the emergency claims helpline right away - you'll find it in your policy docs. For most other claims, you should be able to kick things off online through your account.
• Remember to be honest. Even if you're missing a receipt, it's better to be upfront about the situation. Lying could lead to your claim being rejected and your policy cancelled.

We've got more info on this in our how to make a home insurance claim guide.

What happens if I haven’t got proof of purchase?

It depends on your insurer.

Some might accept your claim without it and go by the item's market value. Others could reject your claim altogether. Your best bet is to contact your insurer to find out what applies to you.

How soon can I make a claim after buying contents insurance?

You should be able to claim straight away if you need to - but give your policy a check to be sure.

But buying a policy after the damage is done? It's best to avoid this - insurers can (and probably will) reject the claim. They might even cancel the policy.

What should I do if my claim is rejected?

It's annoying - but you're not out of options.

If you don't agree with your insurer's decision you can reach out to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for a second look.

They'll review your case independently, but only once you've followed the proper complaints steps with your provider first.

It's also worth checking whether your current contents cover is enough - especially if you've got any higher-value bits like art or jewellery. In some cases, you might need specialist high-value cover on top.