My house burned down. I claimed $50,000 for my Magic collection. The adjuster said, “Prove you had these cards.” My physical binders were ash. My receipts were in the house (burned). I pulled out my phone and opened the Collectr app, showing my digital portfolio with dates added. The adjuster paused. “Is this verified?”
Key Takeaways
- Digital Proof is Valid: Insurers accept digital inventories (apps, spreadsheets) as “Proof of Loss,” provided they look authentic (not created yesterday).
- Metadata Matters: Apps that track when you added the card help prove ownership over time.
- Export Your Data: Don’t rely solely on the app. Export the CSV file and email it to yourself quarterly. If the app server goes down, you lose your proof.
- Photos are King: An app list is good. An app list linked to photos of your specific cards is unbeatable.
The “Why” (Burden of Proof)
“The insured must provide a detailed inventory of damaged property.”
Memory is not evidence. A database is.
The Investigation: App vs. Spreadsheet
I tested what adjusters prefer.
1. Collectr / Dragon Shield Apps
- Pros: visual, pulls real-time pricing (helps with valuation).
- Cons: Adjusters might argue “You just clicked buttons, you didn’t own them.”
- Fix: Take a photo of the card with the app open in the background once in a while.
2. Excel / Google Sheets
- Pros: Universal.
- Cons: Tedious. No photos.
3. Video Walkthrough
- Pros: Shows volume and condition.
- Best Practice: Open the app, screen record, and scroll through your portfolio. Then video the physical cards. Save to Cloud.
Comparison Table
| Proof Method | Ease of Use | Credibility in Court |
| Receipts | Low (Lost easily) | High |
| App Portfolio | High | Medium (Need photos) |
| Memory | High | Zero |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Scan the “Money” Cards: Use the app to scan anything over $50.
- Bulk the Rest: Entry: “3,000 Bulk Rares.”
- Cloud Backup: Ensure your app account is linked to an email you can access if your phone burns up too.
FAQ
Does the app value determine the payout?
No. It establishes the list of items. The adjuster will still do their own valuation, but the app gives a strong starting point.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of the Collectr app portfolio screen showing total value]