Insuring second hand goods (home contents)

Pmarmalade

Hey folks,

I have a lot of electronics, including a DSLR and host of lenses that are covered outside the house, but much of it was purchased second hand.

In the event of theft/loss, I understand insurance companies will sometimes ask for proof of purchase/ownership? How can I do this with items purchased via personal ads and Gumtree?

When estimating/declaring the value of items, do I use the new price or second hand price? E.g. I have a 65" TV which would have cost £2k new a few years ago, but I purchased it second hand on Gumtree for £500.

Most of my new purchases were done online, so I have online invoices, but what about in the case of a fire when a claimant only had paper invoices that were destroyed?

lisyloo

How can I do this with items purchased via personal ads and Gumtree?

Take a photo of the ads and take a picture of the goods. Keep boxes if you have them. Receipt would be even better.
Buying a second hand car I ask for a handwritten receipt.

do I use the new price or second hand price?

Normally contents insurance is on a "new for old" basis so it's the new replacement cost.

but what about in the case of a fire when a claimant only had paper invoices that were destroyed?

If you want to avoid that happening then take a picture (phone is fine) and upload to dropbox.
If you have anything unusual (as you do) then I'd say it's in your interests to try to protect yourself.
If it happened then it would be down to whether the company believed you. Evidence of a photography hobby e.g. facebook might help.

Best to not leave yourself in that position if you've forseen it.
Very easy to take a picture of your invoices/goods and upload to dropbox.