Photo Documentation Support
The strength of your supplement depends on the quality of your documentation. We provide detailed guidance on what to capture and how to photograph damage so your claims have the strongest possible backing.
Good Documentation Drives Approvals
Carriers deny supplements for two main reasons: insufficient scope documentation and poor photo evidence. When the adjuster reviewing your supplement cannot see clear evidence of the damage you are claiming, the line item gets denied. It does not matter how accurate your Xactimate estimate is if the photos do not support it.
We have reviewed thousands of claim photo sets and know exactly what carriers need to see. Our photo documentation checklist ensures your field team captures every critical detail the first time.
What to Capture
Property Overview
Wide-angle shots of all four elevations, the full roof line, and the surrounding property. These establish context for the carrier.
Damage Close-Ups
Close-up photos of each area of damage with a reference object for scale. Hail hits, wind damage, missing materials, and water intrusion points.
Labels and Markings
Photos of manufacturer labels, model numbers, product markings, and installation dates. These support specific line items in the supplement.
Measurements
Tape measurements of damaged areas, roof sections, and key dimensions. These validate the quantities in your Xactimate estimate.
Test Squares
For hail claims: chalk-outlined test squares showing impact density. This is critical evidence for justifying full replacement versus repair.
Code-Related Items
Photos of existing conditions that may trigger code upgrades, such as inadequate ventilation, improper flashing, or non-compliant materials.
Documentation Questions
For most residential claims, your field team takes the photos using our detailed checklist. For commercial claims exceeding $2 million, our adjusters conduct on-site inspections and handle the documentation directly.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most claims. We recommend taking photos in daylight, including wide-angle context shots, close-ups of damage, and images that show labels, measurements, and manufacturer markings.
It depends on the scope of the claim, but thorough documentation typically means 50 to 200+ photos. More is always better. Our checklist tells you exactly what to capture so you do not waste time on unnecessary shots or miss critical ones.
Need a Photo Documentation Checklist?
Contact us and we will send you our detailed checklist for your next claim.