Vehicle Pre-Loss Documentation Checklist (Template)
A free, printable checklist of the photos, records and documents of your vehicle: the exterior, interior and dashboard, the VIN, factory options, aftermarket equipment and your paperwork.
What this template asks for
The checklist lists the photos, documents and records of your vehicle to gather: exterior, interior, dashboard, VIN, factory options, aftermarket equipment, paperwork and a VIN decode.
This template is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.
The form below is free to use. If you'd rather we do the appraisal itself: The Appointed Appraiser Service is $495. It includes the Appraisal Research, our appointment as your appraiser under the appraisal clause of your policy, if it has one, determining the amount of loss with your insurer's appraiser, and the appraisal award letter. At least $1,000 more than your insurer's offer, or your $495 fee is waived, once we accept your consultation. We pre-authorize your card only after we accept your consultation, so there's no upfront payment.
What this involves, honestly
The list takes about an hour with a phone camera; some items (window sticker, service records) can take longer if they're scattered.
Live preview
Loading…Anything still wrapped in [BRACKETS] you haven't filled in yet — that's how you can spot what's left.
============================================================== PRE-LOSS DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST ============================================================== EXTERIOR PHOTOS (DAYLIGHT, ALL ANGLES) [ ] Front 3/4 driver side [ ] Front 3/4 passenger side [ ] Rear 3/4 driver side [ ] Rear 3/4 passenger side [ ] Direct front [ ] Direct rear [ ] Driver-side door (with mirror in frame) [ ] Passenger-side door (with mirror in frame) [ ] All four wheels / tires (close-up) [ ] Roof / sunroof [ ] Undercarriage if accessible (front and rear) INTERIOR PHOTOS [ ] Driver seat from outside (door open) [ ] Passenger seat from outside (door open) [ ] Rear seats [ ] Cargo area / trunk [ ] Headliner [ ] Carpet condition [ ] All four door panels [ ] Steering wheel close-up [ ] Center console close-up DASHBOARD AND ELECTRONICS [ ] Dashboard with key in ignition / push-button on [ ] Odometer (mileage clearly readable) [ ] Trip computer / fuel economy display [ ] Infotainment / navigation screen [ ] HVAC controls [ ] Any aftermarket electronics VIN AND IDENTIFICATION [ ] VIN on dashboard (visible through windshield) [ ] VIN on door jamb sticker [ ] Federal certification label (door jamb) [ ] Tire placard (door jamb or fuel filler) [ ] Engine bay (under-hood VIN, intake plenum stickers) FACTORY OPTION EVIDENCE [ ] Trim badge close-ups (e.g. XLE, Sport, Limited) [ ] Wheel spec / size markings [ ] Audio system head-unit (premium-audio brand label) [ ] Sunroof / moonroof [ ] Leather upholstery (close-up of stitching) [ ] Heated / cooled seat controls [ ] Driver-assist features (radar / camera covers visible) [ ] Towing package (rear-bumper hitch, wiring harness) [ ] Cargo cover / liner (if optional) AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT [ ] Wheels / tires (model, size) [ ] Audio / navigation upgrades [ ] Suspension / lift / lowering [ ] Tonneau cover, bed liner, roof rack [ ] Window tinting (with receipt if available) [ ] Any other modifications (with receipts) DOCUMENTS TO LOCATE AND PHOTOGRAPH [ ] Original window sticker (Monroney label) — try the glove box [ ] Title (or registration if you don't have title) [ ] Most recent registration card [ ] Insurance declarations page [ ] Last 12 months of service receipts [ ] Tire receipts (if recent) [ ] Major repair receipts (transmission, engine, brakes) [ ] Aftermarket-equipment receipts (if any) VIN DECODE [ ] Decode VIN at https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/Decoder [ ] Save the resulting factory-build sheet as PDF or screenshot PAPERWORK FROM THE INSURER Offer received in writing: [ ] Yes [ ] No Written valuation report received: [ ] Yes [ ] No Release or settlement form received: [ ] Yes [ ] No Salvage authorization received: [ ] Yes [ ] No Personal property removed from the vehicle: [ ] Yes [ ] No CONVERSATIONS WITH THE ADJUSTER Date / time / summary: ____________________________________________ Date / time / summary: ____________________________________________ Date / time / summary: ____________________________________________
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