A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words or a Successful Insurance Claim

When it comes to natural disasters, having proper documentation of your home or property is crucial in order to make an insurance claim. Photos can help prove the extent of the damage and ensure you receive the full amount of insurance coverage you are entitled to. In this article, we will explore the types of pictures you should have of your home or property to bolster your preparedness and strengthen your resilience in the face of a natural disaster.

Before a natural disaster strikes, it’s essential to take comprehensive photographs of your property, both inside and out. These “before” pictures act as a baseline, showcasing the condition of your home and the valuable assets it contains. If you have specific questions reach out to your insurance agent for more in-depth information.

Here are some types of pictures you should have of your home or property to use in the case of a natural disaster.

Exterior Photos

Start by taking photos of the exterior of your home or property from multiple angles. Make sure to capture any unique features, such as landscaping or dethatched outdoor structures, that may also be damaged in a natural disaster. Be sure to focus on major elements like roofs, walls, windows, and doors.

If you have a neighbor, friend or family member that can help, ask them to take a few pictures for you. Having someone with a different perspective may catch things you are use to seeing that no longer stand out.

It’s important to include vehicles, boats, or other large items in their normal locations on the property. If you have it covered by insurance you want it documented. These assets contribute significantly to the overall value of your property and may be covered by your insurance policy. By photographing them in their usual spots, you provide evidence of their presence and condition prior to the disaster. Take wide-angle shots to showcase the vehicles or boats in relation to the rest of the property, capturing any distinguishing features or accessories.

Take close-up photos of any damage or potential hazards, such as cracked foundations, loose roof tiles, or overhanging branches.

One of the contacts I have worked with in the past was an uncommon photographer – Ariel shots with a drone. As technology advances this service becomes more affordable an accessible to the general population. This view gives a fantastic point of reference for your entire property. The national average cost for aerial or drone photography is $250–$350. (2023) Length of the photography shoot, resolution, and services performed all affect the total cost of aerial photography and videography. A shoot longer than 90 minutes may add $50 – $70 per additional hour. If you are not familiar with any services in your area ask your insurance agent if they have any trusted contacts or if you have a relator you are able to ask, reach out and see if they have any suggestions.

Interior Photos

Next, take photos of the interior of your home or property. Be sure to capture each room from multiple angles, including any built-in features such as cabinets or bookshelves.

Start by photographing each room from multiple angles, capturing the entire space. Focus on major elements, such as walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures. Include any valuable items, furniture, appliances, electronics, and artwork. Don’t forget to document the condition of items inside closets, cabinets, and storage areas. You know what your insurance policy covers and you want to make sure you have the correct documentation.

After a disaster take close-up shots of any damaged areas, such as water stains, cracks, or structural issues. Take the pictures as soon as safely possible, after the storm has passed and the location is secured. In the instance of roof damage such as leaks or holes, future precipitation can make matters worse. Both your insurance and in some cases FEMA may have more detailed guidelines for you to follow before any repairs or debris removal occurs.

Take close-up photos of any valuable items, such as electronics or artwork, as well as any damage to floors, walls, or ceilings.

Valuables Inventory

Create an inventory of your valuables and take photos of each item. This includes things like jewelry, electronics, and artwork. Be sure to capture any unique features, such as engravings or serial numbers, that may help identify the item in the case of theft or loss. If you have any extended warranties purchased take a picture of this and keep with the images as well.

Make it a habit to add new pictures when you purchase or acquire new items. For example we will be replacing the TV in the living room soon due to the fact the current TV has had its best life and is at a point that repairing it will cost more than the replacement. When that happens I will take the updated picture of the item, the box and any important identification and update the album with interior pictures in it. I will delete the old pictures and move on. In addition to the physical item I will add a picture of the receipt to help with keeping track of it. Never know when that information will be needed. The picture keeps me from digging through any receipts that have piled up.

Insurance Documents

Finally, take photos of your insurance documents, including policy numbers and contact information for your insurance company. Keep these photos in a safe and easily accessible location, such as a cloud-based storage service, so you can access them in the event of a natural disaster.

Having the documents saved securely makes dealing with a situation easier. Having the number to your insurance company, agent and policy information saved in your phone can also reduce the stress of dealing with the process.

By having these types of photos and documentation on hand, you can help ensure a smoother claims process and receive the full amount of coverage you are entitled to in the event of a natural disaster.

There are many cloud storage options available, but not all of them are created equal when it comes to reliability. Here are some of the most reliable cloud storage services:

1. Google Drive

Google Drive is one of the most popular and reliable cloud storage options available. It offers up to 15GB of free storage, and allows you to store documents, photos, videos, and other files. It also has robust sharing and collaboration features, making it a great option for both personal and business use.

2. Dropbox

Dropbox is another popular cloud storage service that is known for its reliability. It offers up to 2GB of free storage, with the option to upgrade to a paid plan for more storage. Dropbox also has great syncing capabilities, making it easy to access your files from multiple devices.

3. Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage service that is integrated with Microsoft Office. It offers up to 5GB of free storage, and allows you to store and access documents, photos, videos, and other files from anywhere. It also has great collaboration features, making it a popular choice for businesses.

4. Amazon S3

Amazon S3 is a cloud storage service that is designed for businesses and developers. It offers scalable storage options and reliable data transfer, making it a great choice for storing and accessing large amounts of data. However, it can be more complex to use than some of the other options on this list.

5. iCloud

iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service, and it is integrated with all Apple devices. It offers up to 5GB of free storage, with the option to upgrade to a paid plan for more storage. iCloud is known for its reliability and ease of use, making it a popular choice for Apple users.

Ultimately, the most reliable cloud storage service for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different options before choosing one to ensure it meets your requirements.