How to Notarize a Sworn Statement of Loss for a Shipping or Insurance Claim
A notarized sworn statement of loss strengthens shipping and insurance claims by providing a sworn account of what was lost or damaged. Get yours notarized online.
Filing a carrier or insurance claim? A notarized sworn statement of loss adds legal weight. Get it done online in 15 minutes.
Get Notarized Online — 15 MinutesRemote Online Notarization. Video-based. Legally valid in all 50 states.
At a glance
- Notarization required: Yes
- Witnesses required: No (most states)
What Is a Sworn Statement of Loss?
A sworn statement of loss is a notarized, first-person declaration of what was lost or damaged. It states the facts of the loss under oath and creates a legally admissible record of your claimed damages.
When You Need One
Carrier claims (USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL): For high-value claims or when the carrier disputes your documentation, a notarized sworn statement is the strongest supporting document you can submit. It demonstrates that your account of the loss is made under penalty of perjury.
Property insurance claims: Most homeowners, renters, and commercial property policies contain a proof of loss requirement — a sworn statement that must be submitted within a specified window after the loss. Failure to submit can void your claim.
Legal proceedings: If a carrier dispute escalates to small claims or federal court, a notarized sworn statement of loss is admissible evidence.
What to Include in the Statement
Write a clear, factual, first-person account that covers:
- The date, time, and location of the loss or damage
- How the loss occurred (package not delivered, damage discovered on receipt, etc.)
- An itemized list: each item, its description, and its individual value
- How you established the value (original receipt, appraisal, comparable market value)
- The total amount claimed
- A statement that you have not been compensated for this loss and are not filing a duplicate claim
Getting It Notarized and Submitting It
Notarize online in 15 minutes. Once sealed, submit the notarized statement as a supporting document with your carrier or insurance claim. Keep the original digital file — if the claim is denied and you appeal or escalate, you will need it.
For USPS, FedEx, and UPS claim letter generation with carrier-specific policy citations, see Authori Shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a sworn statement of loss?
- A sworn statement of loss is a notarized document in which you declare, under oath, the details of what was lost or damaged — including item descriptions, values, and circumstances of the loss. It is used in carrier claims, insurance claims, and legal proceedings.
- Do I need a notarized sworn statement for a USPS claim?
- USPS does not require a notarized statement for standard claims filed online. However, for high-value claims or when documentation is disputed, a notarized sworn statement strengthens your position significantly and is sometimes requested by USPS claims adjusters.
- When do insurance companies require a notarized sworn statement of loss?
- Many property and casualty insurance policies require a notarized proof of loss or sworn statement within a specific time window (typically 60 days) after a loss. Review your policy's claims requirements carefully.
- What information goes in a sworn statement of loss?
- A complete sworn statement of loss includes: the date of loss, the location and circumstances of the loss, an itemized list of what was lost or damaged with individual values, the total claimed amount, your affirmation that the information is true and accurate, and your notarized signature.
- Can a sworn statement of loss be used for a FedEx or UPS claim?
- Yes. While FedEx and UPS have their own claims processes, a notarized sworn statement of loss documents your claimed damages in a legally admissible way and can be submitted as supporting documentation with your carrier claim.
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