[BebopVT]

I don't quite know about the states, but in the uk, for stuff like that, as long as that was thier insured residence then their home contents insurance would automatically cover it. If not, then (again in the uk) you can get an extension of cover for your children and their belongings while in higher education. Or if it was specified under "items taken out of the home" (like my bougu is) the you can afix a value to it, thus being more able to get your moneysworth on it if you lose it. Its quite a grey area, so if their is applicable cover in a policy somewhere, prepare for a claims investigator to ask some questions before they pay out. Reciepts is a good thing, though they may have been kept close to the bougu (ie in the dorm that went down?). Same with pics, though unless they have someone in the insurance company who could accurately value armour from pictures (even after a bit of web research) I would be suprised.

Like Curtis said, it is likely that they will ask other people for proof as well, so be prepared to answer some questions on their behalf.

On the plus side, if it does get paid, the cover (again at least in the uk) is Old for New, which means you get something of the same value as if the lost item were brand new, some they may get some nice bougu out of it!

Oh and make sure they claim as soon as humanly possible, it saves on problems and difficult questions later!

If any wonders why I can talk about stuff like this, I work in insurance....but I'm still a nice guy!!