CHICAGO — Proper documentation of storm damage in the first hours after an event is critical to a successful insurance claim, and restoration contractors and homeowners share responsibility for creating a complete, accurate record before any cleanup or repair work begins.
Homeowners should photograph and video all visible damage before moving or discarding any damaged items, including structural damage, water intrusion, broken windows, and damaged personal property. Photos should be taken from multiple angles and should include reference objects that provide scale.
Restoration contractors should document damage using a combination of photographs, moisture readings, thermal imaging, and written descriptions. The IICRC S500 standard requires that all moisture readings be recorded with the date, time, location, and meter type, and that a moisture map be created showing the extent of water intrusion.
Insurance carriers increasingly require digital documentation submitted through their preferred platforms, such as Xactimate's XactAnalysis or Symbility. Contractors should be familiar with the documentation requirements of the carriers they work with and should ensure that their documentation meets those requirements before submitting a claim.
Common documentation mistakes that lead to claim disputes include failing to photograph damage before cleanup begins, not recording moisture readings at the time of initial assessment, and failing to document the source of water intrusion. Contractors who invest in thorough documentation report fewer disputes and faster payment cycles.
