Who is ultimately responsible for substantiating proof of loss in claims?

The insured is ultimately responsible for substantiating proof of loss in claims because it is their policy and interest that is being claimed against. Providing adequate documentation and evidence to support a claim falls on the insured since they are the ones that experience the loss. This includes gathering all necessary information, such as receipts, photographs, and other relevant records that demonstrate the extent of the loss and why it should be covered under their insurance policy.

The insurance agent's role typically involves helping the insured understand their policy and may assist with the initial filing process, but they do not bear the responsibility for proving the validity of the claim. The appraiser’s function is to evaluate the loss and assign a value to it, but they are not responsible for the documentation and proof itself. Similarly, while the claims adjuster investigates the claim and makes recommendations, they rely on the information provided by the insured to substantiate the claim. Thus, the crux of responsibility lies with the insured to ensure that they provide sufficient proof of their claim.