JP Younan & Associates

Thorough documentation from the earliest stages of a claim can strengthen your position significantly. This guide covers what to photograph, record, and preserve after a covered loss.

The documentation created in the hours and days immediately following a loss is often among the most important evidence in an insurance claim. Acting systematically — even when the situation is stressful — can make a meaningful difference.

Photograph and video before touching anything

If it is safe to do so, document the damage before moving, cleaning, or repairing anything. Wide-angle photographs that capture the full scope of a room or area, close-ups that show specific damage in detail, and video walkthroughs that establish the relationship between areas can all be valuable.

Photograph from multiple angles and include reference points that help establish scale and location. If damage is visible in multiple locations — multiple rooms, different parts of a structure — document each location separately. Timestamps on photographs, or a reliable record of when photographs were taken, can be useful later.

Document damaged personal property

For contents claims — damaged or destroyed personal property — creating an inventory of what was affected is important. Note the item, its description, approximate age, and estimated value or original cost. Photographs of damaged items, receipts or credit card records for valuable purchases, and any pre-loss photographs that show the items in place can all support a contents claim.

Where possible, preserve damaged items until the insurance company has inspected them. Discarding damaged property before it has been inspected can create problems if the insurer later disputes the extent of the loss.

Keep records of additional costs

Many property insurance policies include coverage for additional living expenses (for residential claims) or business interruption (for commercial claims). If you incur costs because you cannot use the property as normal — hotel stays, meals, equipment rental, temporary business locations — keep receipts and maintain a log of expenses.

Document the period during which you were displaced or unable to operate normally. Receipts alone are not always sufficient; a clear record connecting the expense to the loss and the period of displacement is helpful.

Get independent estimates and inspections

The insurance company will typically send its own adjuster or inspection team. Their assessment is one data point, not necessarily the final word. Obtaining independent contractor estimates and, for significant losses, independent inspections from specialists — engineers, restoration contractors, or other relevant experts — provides a basis for comparison.

If the independent estimates differ significantly from the insurer's, that discrepancy is often the core of a claim dispute. Having your own documentation and expert opinions is what makes a meaningful response possible.

Important notice

This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Legal rights and procedures depend on the specific facts of each situation and applicable law. Speak with an attorney before making decisions based on this information.