You have a right to be compensated not only for your injuries and damage to your car, but also for any personal property damaged in the accident. For example, an accident might break your sunglasses, car seat, CD’s or stereo. It is your duty to document the loss. A photo showing you with the item is useful. A receipt, credit card slip or other proof of purchase also establishes value and ownership. If you have no other proof, you can offer to the insurance company a written statement by someone who knows that you had the item. The insurance company does not have to pay the cost of replacing your personal property. Instead, it only has to pay you the actual cash value, which is the item’s current market or resale value.