Value Reporting Form

What is a Value Reporting Form?

A value reporting form is an insurance report used to monitor the coverage level of commercial businesses with changing inventory values over time. The constant changes in inventory are a result of changes in the quality and quantity of items held.

The reporting form requires the insured business to report the shifting values of inventory periodically. In turn, the insurer automatically adjusts the amount of insurance on the inventory, as long as the contents in the report are accurate and are provided on a timely basis.

Contents of the Reporting Form

Business enterprises need to maintain an insurance policy to protect the covered perils, and the value reporting form comes in handy. For example, the value reporting form plays an important role in determining the residential and certain commercial insurance levels because of the fluctuating nature of their inventories.

A majority of small businesses do not use the form, given the small amount of premium that would be saved and the additional work required. Commercial companies that provide inaccurate and late reports are subject to severe consequences.

The value reporting form is mainly used by commercial companies that can promptly report their values with reasonable accuracy. Periodic reporting of inventory values enables commercial companies to carry full coverage at all times while avoiding over-insurance during low inventory periods.

Conditions for the Value Reporting Form

A fluctuating inventory is considered covered when the following conditions are met:

1. The starting inventory values are reported accurately.

On-time delivery of a completely filled value reporting form, accompanied by the premium due, will ensure progressive coverage. The reporting form policy ascribes two rate options – monthly and annual.

In the case of falsely reported values, the insurer may not pay for any loss or damage exceeding the level of inventory values that were last reported before the loss. In some circumstances, the exaggerated or inflated claims for covered risks may attract sanctions from the insurer.

2. The starting inventory values are reported on time.

After consenting to the Reporting Form Policy, the insured will receive a reporting form each month. The form is used for accurate reporting of different inventory values. Late reporting normally warrants less pay for loss or damages than the last provided values.

3. The premium due is received at the designated address by the due date.

Insurance firms are responsible for determining the proper payment of premiums. The most commonly used method to estimate the premium to be paid is by taking the total value of the entire business divided by $100. The result is multiplied by premium rates, as indicated on the reporting form.

A completed value reported form is used to write reporting form policies. The appropriate inventory values must be reported for the form to be deemed valid.

Alternatives for Reporting Fluctuating Inventory Values

Business enterprises can take advantage of several options to cover fluctuating inventories. They may procure an insurance policy that covers the highest or lowest level of stock. On the one hand, the company may be spending unnecessary capital because it is over-insured.

On the other hand, the enterprise is positioning itself in grave risk should a large number of perils befall it. The company may, therefore, consider striking a balance between the differences to purchase average property coverage. However, such an option means that the insured is not free from business risks.

Another possible option is a business endorsement, where companies are entitled to amend the contents within the policy during the entire period of coverage. Given its impact on the premium, the choice is contentious since businesses must predetermine inventory levels and dates, which still expose the company to several risks.

Business enterprises may also settle limits with insurers through the use of premiums. More often, the value reporting form will always work with lower premiums. Nevertheless, such an option requires a high level of accuracy to avoid severe risks associated with reporting incorrect values.

Some commercial companies keep inventories that periodically vary based on seasonal factors, such as a change in supply and demand and customer needs. In all sectors of the economy, oversight is essential in monitoring the flow of merchandise and commodities. While there are various forms for reporting, most insurers use Form CP13-10 as the standardized Insurance Service Officer.

It is the responsibility of a business to ensure that the agent or broker with whom it is working is aware of all the rudimentary requirements of using the value reporting form approach. The insured business can decide how often it should complete the form.

A value reporting form is only considered legally valid if it bears the signature of an authorized company officer. In the event of any betterment or change of location since the last reported date, the insured will need to identify in the value reporting form.

More Resources

CFI is the official provider of the Commercial Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA)™ certification program, designed to transform anyone into a world-class financial analyst.

In order to help you become a world-class financial analyst and advance your career to your fullest potential, these additional resources will be very helpful:

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• Property and Casualty Insurers
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