I bought a Nikon Z9 for $4,000 cash from a guy on Craigslist. No receipt. It was stolen. The insurance adjuster said: “Without proof of purchase or ownership, we cannot pay the claim.”
Key Takeaways
- Possession is 9/10ths: If you don’t have a receipt, you must prove you possessed the item.
- EXIF Data: A raw photo file containing the camera’s serial number in the metadata is the “Smoking Gun” proof that you used that specific camera.
- Photos of the Gear: Photos of the gear sitting in your house (metadata dated before the theft) prove ownership.
- Bank Records: A withdrawal of $4,000 cash on the day of the Craigslist meetup is circumstantial evidence, but helps build the case.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Fraud Prevention.”
Insurers think you are lying. “I totally had a Z9, pay me $5k.”
You must construct a chain of evidence.
Without a receipt, the claim takes longer, but it is not impossible if you have the photos/metadata.
The Investigation (My Analysis of Evidence)
What satisfies an adjuster?
Strongest Evidence (No Receipt)
- EXIF Data: Send a RAW file. The Maker Notes contain the Internal Serial Number.
- Service Records: Did you ever send it to Nikon for cleaning? That invoice proves ownership.
- Accessories: Do you still have the box? The manual? The battery charger? Photos of these leftovers prove you had the camera.
Weak Evidence
- “My friend saw it.” Witness statements are weak.
- Photos of you holding “a” camera. Unless the serial is visible, it could be a rental.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of EXIF data viewer highlighting “Camera Serial Number” field]
Comparison Table
| Evidence Type | Adjuster Trust Level |
| Store Receipt | 100% |
| Repair Invoice | 90% |
| EXIF Serial Data | 85% |
| Photo of Gear | 60% |
| Empty Box | 50% |
| Cash Withdrawal | 20% |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Take “Proof of Life” Photos: Once a year, lay all your gear on the floor. Take a photo.
- Upload RAWs: Keep a few RAW files in the cloud. They are your digital fingerprint.
- Draft a Bill of Sale: When buying cash, always write a handwritten receipt. “I [Seller] sold [Item] to [Buyer] for [$] on [Date].” Both sign it.
- Register the Gear: Register it on Nikon/Sony/Canon’s website. It creates a timestamped record of ownership.
FAQ
Can I insure gear I found?
Yes, for its market value.
What if I built it (PC)?
receipts for parts + photo of finished build.
Does PayPal proof count?
Yes. A PayPal transaction record is a valid receipt.