What to Photograph for a Flood Insurance Claim

Q: What Should I Photograph First?

- The outside of the building, the street and any standing water - The water line on every wall, with a tape measure in the shot - Each room from all four corners, plus a slow video walkthrough - Floors, walls, ceilings, doors and cabinets that got wet - The boiler, furnace, water heater, electrical panel, washer and dryer - Where the water came in, like a floor drain, toilet, window or door

Q: How Should I Photograph Damaged Belongings?

- Photograph each item where it sits, then up close. - Capture brand, model and serial number labels. - Line up smaller items in groups and photograph them together. - Photograph items in the pile at the curb before they are hauled away.

Q: What Should I Keep Besides Photos?

- A small cut sample of carpet, padding and flooring - A written list of damaged items with age and what you paid, if you know - Receipts for pumps, fans, supplies, cleanup, hotel stays and meals - Copies of every message with your insurance company, landlord and government agencies - A call log with dates, names and what was said

Vanesa Levine

1 day ago

2 min read

Photos and video are the backbone of a flood insurance claim. Take them before you move, clean or throw away anything. Here is a checklist you can follow room by room.

What Should I Photograph First?

The outside of the building, the street and any standing water
The water line on every wall, with a tape measure in the shot
Each room from all four corners, plus a slow video walkthrough
Floors, walls, ceilings, doors and cabinets that got wet
The boiler, furnace, water heater, electrical panel, washer and dryer
Where the water came in, like a floor drain, toilet, window or door

How Should I Photograph Damaged Belongings?

Photograph each item where it sits, then up close.
Capture brand, model and serial number labels.
Line up smaller items in groups and photograph them together.
Photograph items in the pile at the curb before they are hauled away.

What Should I Keep Besides Photos?

A small cut sample of carpet, padding and flooring
A written list of damaged items with age and what you paid, if you know
Receipts for pumps, fans, supplies, cleanup, hotel stays and meals
Copies of every message with your insurance company, landlord and government agencies
A call log with dates, names and what was said

Can I Start Cleaning After Taking Photos?

Yes. Once the damage is documented, start cleanup to stop mold and more damage. Read Should I Start Flood Cleanup Before the Insurance Adjuster Comes?

Want Help With Your Claim?

A licensed public adjuster can document the full loss and prepare your claim. Call 212-600-9290 or visit our Insurance Claims page.

Public adjusting services are provided by a New York licensed public adjuster under a separate written contract. You do not have to use our cleanup services to hire the public adjuster, and you do not have to hire the public adjuster to use our cleanup services.