Documenting Water Damage for Insurance

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.

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.

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.

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.