Documenting Damage for Your Claim
Proper documentation is the foundation of a successful insurance claim. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your case and the better your chances of receiving full compensation. Here's how to document damage like a professional.
Photography Best Practices
Take Photos Immediately
Document damage as soon as it's safe to do so. Conditions can change quickly, and delays may make it harder to prove the extent of initial damage.
What to Photograph:
- Overall views of each damaged area or room
- Close-up shots of specific damage
- Multiple angles of the same damage
- Serial numbers and model numbers of damaged items
- Context shots showing the damage in relation to surroundings
- Any temporary repairs or protective measures you've taken
Photography Tips:
- Use good lighting - turn on lights or use flash if needed
- Take more photos than you think you need
- Include a ruler or common object for scale reference
- Ensure photos are in focus and clear
- Don't delete any photos - even blurry ones may be useful
- Keep photos organized by room or area
Video Documentation
Video can be even more powerful than photos because it shows the full scope of damage and provides context.
Video Recording Tips:
- •Walk through each damaged area slowly and methodically
- •Narrate what you're showing - describe the damage as you record
- •Hold the camera steady or use a stabilizer
- •Record in landscape (horizontal) orientation
- •Pause on important details for a few seconds
- •Include date and time stamps if possible
Creating a Detailed Inventory
A comprehensive written inventory complements your photos and videos. For each damaged item, document:
- Item Description: Be specific (e.g., "Samsung 55-inch 4K Smart TV" not just "TV")
- Purchase Date: Approximate if you don't remember exactly
- Purchase Price: Original cost or estimated value
- Current Condition: Before the damage occurred
- Extent of Damage: Describe what happened to the item
- Model/Serial Numbers: If available
- Replacement Cost: Current cost to replace with similar item
Supporting Documentation
Gather any documents that prove ownership, value, or condition of damaged property:
- Receipts and invoices
- Credit card or bank statements showing purchases
- Warranties and user manuals
- Appraisals for valuable items
- Previous inspection reports
- Maintenance records
- Before photos of your property (if available)
Organizing Your Documentation
Keep all documentation organized and easily accessible:
- Create a dedicated folder (physical and digital) for your claim
- Back up all photos and videos to cloud storage
- Keep a master list of all damaged items
- Organize receipts and documents by category or room
- Create a timeline of events and communications
- Make copies of everything before submitting to insurance
Common Documentation Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- ❌ Taking only a few quick photos
- ❌ Cleaning up before documenting
- ❌ Not photographing serial numbers or model information
- ❌ Forgetting to document contents of closets, drawers, and storage areas
- ❌ Not keeping copies of what you submit to insurance
- ❌ Failing to document temporary repairs and associated costs
Professional Documentation Services
For large or complex claims, consider professional documentation services. Public adjusters often provide:
- Professional photography and videography
- Detailed damage assessments
- Comprehensive inventory creation
- Proper valuation of damaged property
- Expert organization and presentation of evidence