What must a policyholder provide to the insurer to demonstrate that a loss has occurred?

To demonstrate that a loss has occurred, a policyholder must provide "Proof of Loss" to the insurer. This proof is a formal statement that details the loss that has taken place and may include documentation such as photographs, police reports, receipts, or other relevant information that substantiates the claim.

Proof of Loss serves as a critical component in the insurance claims process, allowing the insurer to assess the validity of the claim. Without this proof, the insurer may not have sufficient information to process the claim, leading to delays or potential denials.

In contrast, while a claim form may be a necessary initial step in the claims process, it typically requires accompanying evidence to support the stated loss, which is provided in the form of Proof of Loss. Reimbursement applications and documentation of expenses can be related to the claims process, but they do not fulfill the need for formally demonstrating that a loss occurred as required by the insurer.