How to Document Damage for Homeowners Insurance Claims (2024)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on documenting damage and on how to file a home insurance claim. Whether you’ve experienced a natural disaster or an unfortunate accident, understanding how to effectively document the damage is crucial to maximizing your claim settlement.

By following these expert tips, you can ensure a smoother claims process and protect your financial interests. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve—take control of your insurance claims. Enter your zip code now to compare rates from the best insurance providers and secure the comprehensive coverage you need.

Emergency Repairs

Even before you start the process of filing a homeowners insurance claim, take immediate steps to prevent the damage from getting worse. Emergency repairs include covering a hole in the roof, boarding over damaged doors and windows, and take any additional steps that are needed to prevent the damage from getting worse. Failure to perform emergency repairs could result in your claim being denied or reduced.

Get Estimates

Get repair estimates from 2 or 3 different contractors. Even if you are planning to do the repairs yourself, these estimates will be used to determine the amount of the claim. Most insurance companies will send out an adjuster to make their own estimates, but this does not mean you have to accept the estimate given by the adjuster.

Include Receipts

If you have the original receipts for items that are damaged, include copies of them with your insurance claim. Being able to document when you bought the item and what you paid for it will help you get the claim settled faster. Because these receipts are so important, it is a good idea to keep them in a safe place such as a home safe or a safe deposit box at a financial institution.

Home Inventories

When you buy homeowners insurance, and anytime you make a substantial purpose, you need to make a home inventory. This might include a written list, but the best type of home inventory is a video recording. Move from room to room recording every item that belongs to you, from your appliances to your wardrobe. Don’t forget things that are outside of the
dwelling such as toys, lawn equipment, sporting goods or items stored in another structure on the property.

Loss of Use Claims

If you are not able to use some or all of the dwelling and other structures, you can claim the costs related to that loss of use on your homeowners filing. Be sure to provide receipts and document what each one was for. Loss of use might include renting a hotel room, using a Laundromat, or dining out at restaurants, among other things

Case Studies: Documenting Damage for Homeowners Insurance Claims

Case Study 1: Water Damage

Mr. Johnson’s home experienced significant water damage due to a burst pipe in the basement. To document the damage for his homeowners insurance claim, he immediately took photographs and videos of the affected areas, capturing the extent of the water accumulation, soaked belongings, and any visible signs of structural damage. He also gathered invoices and receipts for repairs and contacted a professional water damage restoration company to assess and provide a detailed report on the extent of the damage.

Case Study 2: Fire Damage

After a devastating fire broke out in Mrs. Anderson’s kitchen, she needed to document the fire damage for her homeowners insurance claim. She thoroughly documented the charred appliances, furniture, and walls by taking photographs and videos from different angles. She also saved any relevant receipts for damaged belongings and hired a fire damage restoration specialist to inspect the property and provide a comprehensive report on the extent of the fire’s impact.

Case Study 3: Windstorm Damage

In the aftermath of a powerful windstorm, Ms. Roberts’ roof suffered severe damage, leading to leaks and potential structural issues. To document the damage for her homeowners insurance claim, she documented the fallen tree limbs, shingles blown off the roof, and any visible signs of interior water damage. Additionally, she collected estimates from roofing contractors for repair costs and obtained a professional inspection report highlighting the extent of the damage caused by the windstorm.

Case Study 4: Theft and Vandalism

When Mr. Thompson’s house was burglarized and vandalized, he knew he needed to provide comprehensive documentation to support his homeowners insurance claim. He took photographs and made a detailed list of stolen or damaged items, including electronics, jewelry, and furniture. He also filed a police report, which served as additional evidence. Additionally, he obtained repair estimates for any damage caused during the break-in and submitted receipts for stolen items, where available.

Case Study 5: Natural Disaster

Mrs. Martinez’s home was severely impacted by a recent earthquake. To document the damage for her homeowners insurance claim, she took photographs and videos of the structural cracks, foundation shifts, and damage to walls and ceilings. She also contacted a professional engineer to assess the structural integrity of her home and provide a detailed report on the earthquake’s impact. Additionally, she saved receipts for temporary repairs and estimates for the cost of necessary repairs and renovations.