Photograph Everything Before Cleanup
Take wide-angle shots of each affected room showing the overall damage. Then take close-ups of specific damaged items and materials. Include photos of standing water levels, damaged walls, floors, and ceilings. Photograph the source of the water if visible. Use your phone's timestamp feature.
Create Video Documentation
Walk through your home recording video of all damage. Narrate what you're seeing - describe the water source, affected areas, and damaged items. Video captures details that photos might miss and provides undeniable evidence of the damage extent.
Document Your Belongings
Create a detailed inventory of damaged items including description, approximate age, original cost, and replacement cost. Keep receipts, credit card statements, or any proof of purchase. Take photos of brand names, model numbers, and serial numbers on damaged appliances and electronics.
Save All Related Expenses
Keep receipts for emergency repairs, hotel stays, meals eaten out, temporary storage, and any other expenses caused by the water damage. These additional living expenses may be covered by your policy. Organize receipts by date and category.
Further reading
Background guidance from the organizations below. These resources do not endorse FloodPro or provide a quote or coverage decision for your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw away damaged items after photographing them?
Not until your adjuster has seen them or explicitly released you to dispose — insurers can reject items they never inspected. If health hazards force disposal (sewage-soaked materials), photograph thoroughly from multiple angles, keep a sample piece where practical, and note the disposal date.
Do restoration companies help with insurance documentation?
Yes — professional teams document moisture readings, damage scope, and drying progress as standard practice, and that technical record often carries more weight with adjusters than homeowner photos alone. Both together make the strongest claim file.
What's the most common documentation mistake?
Cleaning up first. The instinct to start mopping destroys the evidence that establishes the damage's cause and extent. Take ten minutes for photos and video of everything — standing water, the source, each affected room and item — before anything is moved or dried.
Need Professional Help Now?
Water damage gets worse by the hour. Our network of restoration professionals is available 24/7 for emergency response.
Call (844) 508-3743Learn more about our water extraction services.
