Good advice from CasaSoho.
I would add that if you have an HO-3 policy you need to understand that it is an "all risk" policy form. In other words unless the cause of loss is specifically named in the "Exclusions" section of your policy, it is covered. So to find out if something is covered or not, read your policy exclusions, if it is not listed there, it is covered.
Compare that to the less expensive Dwelling Fire policies (DP-1,2 or 3) which are "named peril" meaning unless it is specifically listed as covered, it is not. The two are basically opposites in terms of what is or is not covered.
Hopefully you have the HO-3.
The most common perils for which you will generally be covered under an HO-3 policy include:
Fire and smoke
Lightning
Tornadoes and windstorms
Hail
Explosions
Vandalism
Theft
Damage from vehicles
Falling objects
Loss of food in your refrigerator or freezer due to power outage outside your home (usually up to $500)
Weight of ice, snow, and sleet (except to fence, pavement, patio, swimming pool, or dock)
Accidental discharge of water from plumbing system (i.e. pipe bursts) or freezing of plumbing
Accidental cracking of your hot water heating system
Accidents resulting from your negligence on or off your property (includes damages award to third party, medical bills of third party, and your legal costs--up to policy limit)
Your personal property anywhere in the world (with some exceptions)
As has already been said, talk to your agent if you have any questions. Take photos yourself (the adjuster will also take photos but it's a good idea to have your own as well). Hopefully you have receipts for the electronics that were damaged or destroyed as they will establish value.
On the personal property valuation side of the claim; your policy will either cover the loss at ACV (Actual Cash Value) or at RC (Replacement Cost). If you have a good agent he will have sold you a policy with the RC endorsement because the difference can be significant in terms of how you get reimbursed.
ACV - The adjuster looks at the property damaged or destroyed and determines the cost to replace with new property of like kind and quality, less depreciation (age, wear and tear, etc..). Courts have varied in their rulings as to whether or not depreciation includes obsolescence (loss of usefulness as a result of outmoded design, construction, etc.).
RC - The adjuster looks at the property and determines the cost to replace the property on the same premises with other property of comparable material and quality used for the same purpose. This would apply unless the limit of insurance or the cost actually spent to repair or replace the damaged property is less. One thing to keep in mind with an RC valuation is that most insurers will only pay you up front, an amount equal to the ACV (less any deductibles). Then once you have actually replaced the item and present a receipt, they will cut you a final check to make up the balance so in other words you have to actually replace the item to receive full reimbursement.
In all cases refer to your policy documents for the definitions of coverage and how claims are settled to get the specifics as to how your specific policy will cover you.
I hope everything goes smoothly for you.
