Checklist template
Vehicle Pre-Loss Documentation Checklist (Template)
A free, printable checklist of every piece of pre-loss evidence you should preserve before the insurer's adjuster takes possession of your vehicle. Photos and records gathered in the first 72 hours are the single biggest factor in defending against a low offer.
When to use this template
Immediately after the insurance company tells you the vehicle is a total loss — and ideally before they take possession. The window is short; once the salvage yard has the vehicle, your access to it is limited.
Template body
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PRE-LOSS DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
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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
CRITICAL DON'TS
[ ] DO NOT sign any release / settlement before reviewing the offer
[ ] DO NOT sign salvage authorization until you understand the math
[ ] DO NOT verbally accept an offer over the phone — get it in writing
[ ] DO NOT let the salvage yard remove personal property without your
knowledge — pre-loss photographs are not the same as personal
property documentation
NEXT STEPS
[ ] Request the FULL valuation report in writing
[ ] Begin counter-valuation worksheet (see related template)
[ ] Document every conversation with the adjuster (date, time,
summary)
Related templates
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