Documenting Storm Damage the Right Way for Your Insurance Claim
After a storm, it's tempting to start clearing debris immediately — and for safety hazards, you should. But for everything else, a few extra minutes of documentation before cleanup starts can make a meaningful difference in how your insurance claim is handled.
Safety comes before documentation
Downed power lines, gas leaks, structural instability, or a tree resting on your roof are hazards to address or report immediately — don't delay for photos if there's an active danger. Document what you safely can once the immediate hazard is handled.
What to photograph and record
- Wide shots of each affected area, then close-ups of specific damage
- Exterior damage from multiple angles — roof, siding, windows, gutters
- Any debris on the property before it's moved or removed
- Interior damage, including water intrusion from roof or window leaks
- The date and approximate time of the storm, for your records
Keep a simple paper trail
Save receipts for any temporary repairs (tarps, boarding materials) — many policies reimburse reasonable costs to prevent further damage. Note the date you reported the claim, your claim number, and the name of anyone you spoke with at your insurance company.
Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees it
Temporary measures to stop further damage (tarping a roof, boarding a window) are usually fine and often expected. Permanent repairs before an adjuster has reviewed the damage can complicate a claim — when in doubt, ask your insurer what they need to see first.
“Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. It can include hazardous conditions from thunderstorms – such as damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding – as well as winter storms with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds.”
Once you've documented what you safely can, submitting a request connects you with a local storm cleanup contractor who can assess the damage in person and help you move from documentation to actual repair.
Need a storm & debris contractor?
Submit your request and we'll route it to a vetted, licensed local contractor near you.