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DictionaryOwning

Proof of loss: what it means

A proof of loss is your signed, sworn statement of how much money you are claiming from your insurance for a loss. In the standard National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy for homes, it includes the date and cause of the loss, anyone else with an interest in the property, other insurance that may cover the loss, repair estimates and the list of damaged items.

In Spanish it is

Prueba de pérdida (proof of loss)

Also written as: sworn proof of loss · proof of loss form

The full explanation

You decide the amount and justify it. You must send it within the policy's deadline, even if the adjuster does not give you the form. In Texas, the Department of Insurance (TDI) explains that your home insurance company may ask for a signed, notarized proof of loss form.

An example

After a flood, Rosa fills out the proof of loss with the list of damaged furniture and the contractor's estimate. She signs it under oath and sends it to her insurance company before her policy's deadline.

You will see it in…

  • The form your adjuster or insurance company gives you
  • Your flood insurance policy, in the requirements in case of loss
  • Letters from your insurance company about your claim

Words that go with it

You will rarely see this word alone. These are the ones that show up with it on the same papers.

More guides that use “proof of loss”

More words on this topic: Owning

A pregnant woman reads paperwork on the sofa while the grandmother plays with the girl on the floor.

Still confused by a paper?

A HUD-approved housing counselor can walk you through it. Agencies usually charge little or nothing, many work in Spanish, and they do not sell you anything.

What a housing counselor does See free help

Official sources

We sum up what these official sources say, in plain words. We add no rules they do not state; when a rule changes, the definition and its date change.

  1. 1. Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School) · 44 CFR Part 61, Appendix A(1): Standard Flood Insurance Policy, Dwelling Form (VII.G, Requirements in case of loss) · in English · Verified on October 17, 2026
  2. 2. Texas Department of Insurance · Home insurance guide · in English · Verified on October 17, 2026