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After a major loss, one of the first checks many homeowners receive is for personal property (contents), which includes everything from furniture and clothing to electronics and kitchen items. Sometimes carriers will pay a large portion up front, sometimes as much as 25–50% of the policy limit. At first glance, this feels like a big win. But here’s the catch: that initial payment is often just the start.

The Partial Payout Strategy

 This approach looks generous, but it’s a strategy. By paying a big sum up front, carriers know many insureds will:

1. Accept the first check and move on. Rebuilding your life after a fire, tornado, or flood is overwhelming. Few people have the energy to chase the details.
2. Struggle with documentation. Policies require proof of loss. That means itemizing your belongings, providing descriptions, values, and sometimes receipts. For most families, reconstructing years’ worth of possessions is nearly impossible.
3. Give up on the remainder. When the paperwork feels endless, people take what they have and walk away which could leave thousands of dollars unclaimed.

From the insurer’s perspective, this reduces claim severity without formally denying coverage.

What You’re Actually Owed

Your policy promises indemnity — to make you whole, not just partially whole. That means:

1. You are entitled to replacement cost or actual cash value (depending on your policy) for your personal property.
2. The upfront payment is an advance, not the final settlement.
3. If you can document the rest, you are entitled to it.

Why Documentation Matters

The key is proving what you owned. That’s where most people get stuck. Imagine having to:

1. List every piece of clothing in your closet.
2. Itemize every dish, tool, and book.
3. Provide values for items you bought years ago.

That’s an impossible task for most families. And insurers know it.

How We Help

As public adjusters, we see this every day. Our role is to:

1. Build contents inventories systematically so nothing is missed.
2. Let you know specifically what documentation the insurer is requiring.
3. Communicate everything with the insurer so that you don’t have to.

It’s your right to receive what your policy promises, not just what’s easiest for the carrier to pay.

Bottom Line

That first check may feel like relief, but it’s rarely the full picture. If you’ve been offered a partial payout on your contents claim, don’t assume that’s all you’re owed. With proper documentation, and the right advocate, you can recover the full value of your personal property.

At Brown-O'Haver, we help policyholders navigate this process every day. Don’t leave money on the table because of insurance company tactics. If you’ve had a recent loss and aren’t sure whether your payout is complete, please contact us for a free consultation.