Wide shots of the whole property
Start from the street. Walk around the house and capture each side. This shows the overall scope before you zoom in.
Your Log
No entries yet.
Start by adding the first damaged area you find. Each entry gets a timestamp automatically.
What to photograph first
When you are standing in the yard after a storm, it is hard to know where to start. This order keeps you safe and gives the adjuster what they need.
Each damaged area from a few feet away
Step back enough to show where the damage sits on the structure. A broken window is easier to understand when you can see the wall around it.
Close-ups with something for scale
Put a coin, a ruler, or your hand next to dents, cracks, or hail hits. Adjusters use these to judge size and depth.
Interior damage and water lines
Photograph water stains on walls and ceilings. If there is a visible water line, that helps establish the flood height for the claim.
Damaged belongings and debris
Before you throw anything away, photograph it. Keep samples of ruined carpet, shingles, or siding if you can store them safely.
Temporary repairs
If you board up a window or tarp the roof, photograph the original damage first, then photograph the repair. Keep receipts for materials.
What insurers reject, and why
Most claim delays come from the same handful of problems. Avoiding these saves weeks of back-and-forth.
-
No timestamps or dates
Photos without dates are hard to tie to a specific storm. This logger stamps every entry automatically. If you use your phone camera directly, make sure location and date stamps are turned on.
-
Pre-existing damage mixed in
Insurers look for wear that predates the storm. If an old crack sits next to a new one, note which is which in your log. When you are not sure, say so.
-
Cleanup before documentation
Once debris is gone, it is gone. Photograph everything before you start hauling. Emergency tarping is fine, but photograph the damage underneath first.
-
Vague descriptions
"Roof damage" is not enough. "Twelve missing shingles on the rear slope, exposing underlayment near the ridge" is what an adjuster can work with.
-
Missing receipts for emergency repairs
Keep every receipt for tarps, plywood, boarding, and hotel stays. Photograph the receipts and log them as entries with the "Other" type.
-
Waiting too long to file
Most policies require prompt notice. Start your log as soon as it is safe, even if you have not found everything yet. You can add entries over the next few days.
Renters, landlords, and shared walls
If you rent, focus on your personal property and any interior damage. Your landlord handles the structure, but you still need your own log for your belongings. If you own a condo or townhouse, photograph shared walls, roofs, and common areas, and notify your HOA or management company. Landlords should log the structure and any landlord-owned fixtures separately from tenant property.