Affidavit
What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement you sign under oath, usually in front of an official like a notary public. It’s your version of the facts with a legal promise that everything you said is true to the best of your knowledge.
What are Some Examples of How Affidavits are Used in Insurance?
Affidavits are often used in business insurance to formally explain or verify something. For example, you may be asked to submit an affidavit if:
- You file a claim and need to explain how damage happened (especially if there’s no police report or other witness).
- There’s a question about who was responsible for an incident, and your insurer needs to document your account of what happened.
- You’re confirming your business details or coverage needs while buying or updating a policy.
In short, an affidavit is your official, sworn statement that helps move your insurance process forward, whether it’s for a claim, clarification, or documentation.
What Kind of Affidavits Could I Be Asked For When Filing a Claim?
When there’s an accident, your insurance company looks at the situation from every angle to decide how to best protect you. That’s why a claims adjuster (your insurer’s expert in legal claims) may ask you or other people involved for affidavits like these:
- Business Owner/Employee Affidavits: If you or your employees were involved, your insurer will want all sides of the story. They might ask what happened, where and how it happened, who was involved, and anything you did to limit the risk or damage.
- Proof of Loss: Let’s say you’re submitting a claim for your damaged property, like a work laptop covered by your inland marine insurance. Your insurer might ask for details of the accident and the damage to decide whether you need a repair or a replacement.
- Witness Affidavits: If other people saw the accident that caused a claim, your insurance company might ask them what happened to get the full picture.
Expert Affidavits: If your claim involves something complex, like a medical injury or fire damage to a building, your insurer might get a specialist’s take on the cause and extent of the damage. - Other Affidavits: Every claim is different, but don’t worry — you’re not in this alone. After receiving a claim for your business, Insurance Canopy will walk you through any details we need.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in affidavits, we think this article might help:
How to file a claim with Insurance Canopy
Related Terms
Get tailored coverage by selecting your industry below.