Photos and Video: Your Most Powerful Evidence

The adjuster's estimate starts with what they can see, so your photos and video literally set the floor for the settlement. Wide shots show the scope, close-ups show the details, and a narrated walkthrough proves you documented in good faith. Time-stamp everything and shoot before you touch anything, because once cleanup starts, the evidence is gone.

Visual evidence is the most convincing documentation you can provide. Take these steps before any cleanup or repairs begin.

• Take wide-angle shots that show the full scope of damage in relation to the rest of the room or structure
• Take close-up photos that capture specific damage details like cracks, holes, or water lines
• Record video walkthroughs where you narrate what you are seeing and point out damage areas
• Time-stamp everything by enabling date stamps on your phone camera or taking photos of a clock or newspaper
• Photograph the exterior of damaged items like roofs, siding, windows, and gutters from ground level and from above if safe

Keep All Receipts and Invoices

Paper is the language the claims department trusts: receipts for tarps, plywood, and lumber, invoices from contractors and restoration crews, equipment rentals, hotel and meal costs if you are out of the house, all of it is potentially reimbursable if you can prove it. Photograph every receipt the day you get it. A claim that is missing its paperwork is a claim that gets undervalued.

Every dollar you spend on temporary repairs, emergency services, and supplies is potentially reimbursable. But you need receipts to prove it.

• Save receipts for tarps, plywood, lumber, nails, and other repair materials
• Keep invoices from contractors, restoration companies, and handymen who do emergency work
• Save receipts for equipment rental like pumps, wet vacs, dehumidifiers, or fans
• Keep hotel and meal receipts if you need to leave your home due to damage (loss of use coverage)
• Take photos of the receipts in case the originals get lost or damaged

Create a Detailed Inventory of Damaged Property

Personal property claims are won or lost on the list: brand, model, serial number, age, and original purchase price for every damaged item, with receipts or statements where you have them, and a photo of each item in its damaged spot. Keep damaged items until the adjuster has seen them. The inventory is your side of the conversation, and a thorough one has real power at the negotiation table.

For personal property claims, a thorough inventory is essential. Your insurance company needs to know exactly what was damaged and what it was worth.

• List every damaged item with brand, model, serial number, and estimated age
• Include the original purchase price if you have receipts or credit card statements
• Photograph each item individually and in its damaged location
• Use a home inventory app or spreadsheet to stay organized
• Do not throw away damaged items until the adjuster has seen them or given permission