Objects won at charity auctions rarely reflect their true market value. Agreed value vs. stated value spells trouble when this is not your average bear.

An oil painting damaged by steam was considered a total loss by the owner.

An oil painting damaged by steam was considered a total loss by the owner.

A company recently received a call to consult regarding the contents in a home that had experienced a fire. The adjuster described the contents in the home as high end.

A claim involving damage to a nearly flawless diamond weighing over 10 carats posed several challenges to contents specialists.

A claim involving damage to a nearly flawless diamond weighing over 10 carats posed several challenges to contents specialists.

A damaged print produces a six-figure claim. With a stated value policy, that same claim would've totaled $15,000.

Many policies preclude payment for claims involving "black market" items. So who's accountable for proving the legitimacy of objectsthe insured or the carrier?