How to Document Storm Damage for Insurance Claims

When a storm damages your home, the quality of your documentation directly impacts how much your insurance company pays for repairs. Many homeowners leave money on the table simply because they don't know what to document or how to present their claim effectively.

At Pro Specialty Services, we've helped hundreds of Lake County homeowners navigate the insurance claims process. This guide shares everything we've learned about documenting storm damage to maximize your claim and minimize your stress.

Why Documentation Matters

Insurance adjusters make decisions based on evidence. Without proper documentation:

• Damage may be attributed to pre-existing conditions or wear and tear
• Hidden damage may be overlooked entirely
• Repair estimates may be undervalued
• Claims may be denied for lack of proof
• You may have no recourse if damage is discovered later

Good documentation protects you at every stage of the claims process and gives you leverage if you need to dispute a settlement offer.

Before the Storm: Establishing a Baseline

The best time to start documenting is before damage occurs. Baseline documentation proves the condition of your roof before the storm:

Take comprehensive photos of your roof on a clear day. Include:

• All four sides of your home showing the full roofline
• Close-ups of roof features (vents, flashing, chimneys)
• The condition of gutters and downspouts
• Any existing minor issues you're aware of

Keep records of maintenance and repairs including:

• Previous inspection reports
• Repair invoices and receipts
• Roof installation or replacement documentation
• Warranty information

Store documentation safely in cloud storage or a location outside your home. Physical documents can be destroyed in the same storm that damages your roof.

Review your insurance policy annually so you understand your coverage, deductibles, and any specific documentation requirements before you need to file a claim.

Immediate Post-Storm Documentation

After the storm passes and it's safe to assess damage, begin documenting immediately. The sooner you capture evidence, the stronger your claim.

Photographic Evidence

General guidelines for storm damage photos:

• Use your smartphone's highest resolution setting
• Take photos in good lighting (wait for daylight if the storm was at night)
• Ensure date and time stamps are enabled (most phones do this automatically)
• Take far more photos than you think you need
• Include both wide-angle context shots and detailed close-ups

What to photograph:

• Exterior overview shots showing all sides of your home and the general condition post-storm
• The roof from all angles using binoculars to identify damage, then photographing what you can see
• Every piece of visible damage including missing shingles, dents, debris, lifted materials
• Damage context showing how debris or impact affected specific areas
• Fallen debris that caused damage, photographed in place before removal
• Gutters and downspouts including any granule accumulation
• Interior damage including ceiling stains, water intrusion, damaged belongings
• Attic conditions if you can safely access it, showing any leaks or daylight

Photo organization tips:

• Create a dedicated album or folder for storm documentation
• Back up immediately to cloud storage
• Consider using a documentation app that adds GPS coordinates
• Take notes about what each photo shows while details are fresh

Video Documentation

Videos provide context that photos cannot. Record:

A walk-around video of your entire property, narrating what you see. "This is the north side of the house. You can see where shingles are missing above the bedroom window. There's debris in the yard from the neighbor's fence."

Active leak videos showing water entering your home. This proves the severity and immediacy of the damage.

360-degree room videos of affected interior spaces, panning slowly to capture all damage.

Date and weather documentation by recording a quick clip of your phone showing the date and a weather app showing the storm conditions.

Written Documentation

Create a written log that includes:

• Storm date and details (type, duration, wind speeds from local weather reports)
• Timeline of events (when you noticed damage, when you made temporary repairs)
• Detailed damage descriptions beyond what photos can convey
• List of damaged or destroyed items with descriptions, ages, and estimated values
• Emergency expenses you've incurred (tarps, buckets, hotel if displaced)
• Contact log of everyone you speak with (names, dates, what was discussed)

Working With Insurance Adjusters

Your documentation is only valuable if you present it effectively to adjusters.

Before the Adjuster Visit

Organize your documentation into clear categories:

• Pre-storm condition photos
• Post-storm damage photos and videos
• Written damage log
• Receipts for emergency repairs
• Any professional inspection reports you've obtained

Get a professional inspection from a licensed storm damage restoration contractor before the adjuster visits. Their detailed assessment helps ensure nothing is missed and gives you a baseline for comparing the adjuster's findings.

Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage. Emergency tarping and water mitigation are expected, but leave damaged materials in place for inspection when possible.

During the Adjuster Visit

Be present for the inspection. Never let an adjuster assess your property without you there. You can:

• Point out damage they might miss
• Ask questions about what they're documenting
• Provide context about what happened
• Ensure attic and interior areas are inspected, not just the exterior

Take notes during the inspection including:

• What areas the adjuster inspected
• What they said about specific damage
• What they photographed
• Any limitations they mentioned (couldn't access certain areas, etc.)

Share your documentation with the adjuster. Provide copies of your photos, videos, and written log. Keep originals for yourself.

Ask questions:

• "What's your initial assessment of the damage?"
• "Are there any areas you couldn't fully inspect?"
• "What's the next step in the claims process?"
• "When can I expect the claim decision?"

After the Adjuster Visit

Get everything in writing. Request a copy of the adjuster's report and the scope of work they've approved.

Compare findings with your documentation and professional contractor's assessment. Note any discrepancies.

Request re-inspection if you believe damage was missed. You have the right to ask for a second look.

Don't accept the first offer if it doesn't cover all necessary repairs. Most initial settlements can be negotiated.

Common Documentation Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning up too quickly. Leave debris and damaged materials in place until documented and ideally until the adjuster has seen them.

Forgetting interior damage. Focus on more than just the roof - document every affected area including ceilings, walls, flooring, and personal property.

Missing hidden damage. Insist on attic inspection and ask your contractor to identify damage that isn't visible from the ground.

Poor photo quality. Blurry, dark, or poorly framed photos don't help your claim. Take your time and ensure photos are clear and well-lit.

Losing documentation. Always back up to multiple locations. Cloud storage ensures you don't lose evidence to subsequent damage or device failure.

Delaying documentation. Memory fades, damage changes, and insurance companies question delayed reports. Document immediately while evidence is fresh.

Not documenting emergency repairs. Keep every receipt and take before/after photos of any emergency measures you take. These expenses are typically reimbursable.

Supplemental Claims for Hidden Damage

Often, additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. You can file a supplemental claim for:

• Damage hidden beneath removed materials
• Structural issues found during repair
• Mold or rot that developed from water intrusion
• Related damage missed in initial inspection

To file a supplemental claim:

• Document the newly discovered damage thoroughly (photos, video, contractor assessment)
• Contact your insurance company promptly
• Request a re-inspection for the new damage
• Provide contractor documentation supporting the additional repairs needed

When Professional Help Is Needed

Consider getting professional assistance with your claim when:

• Damage is extensive or complex
• Your initial claim was denied or significantly underpaid
• You disagree with the adjuster's assessment
• You don't have time to manage the process yourself
• The insurance company is being unresponsive

Options for professional help:

Contractor with insurance experience - Companies like Pro Specialty Services can document damage properly, attend adjuster meetings, and advocate on your behalf as part of our insurance restoration services.

Public adjuster - Licensed professionals who represent policyholders (not insurance companies) and handle claims for a percentage of the settlement.

Attorney - For significant claims or bad faith situations, an insurance attorney can help you get fair treatment.

Creating a Documentation Kit

Be prepared for future storms with a documentation kit that includes:

• List of baseline photos stored in cloud
• Copy of your insurance policy and agent contact
• Notepad and pen for written documentation
• Portable phone charger to ensure your phone works for photos
• Measuring tape for documenting damage dimensions
• Flashlight for attic and dark area inspection
• Your contractor's emergency contact number

The Pro Specialty Services Approach

At Pro Specialty Services, documentation is central to how we serve storm damage clients. When you work with us:

• We conduct thorough inspections with detailed documentation
• We provide comprehensive reports suitable for insurance submission
• We attend adjuster meetings to ensure fair assessment
• We file supplemental claims when additional damage is discovered
• We advocate for proper repair scope, not band-aid solutions

Don't face the insurance claims process alone. If your home has storm damage, contact us for a professional inspection and let us help you document everything properly for maximum claim success.

Also check out our post-storm roof inspection checklist for what to look for, our guide on common hurricane roof damage types, and our step-by-step insurance claim guide.