Flood Damage Documentation Checklist

Flood Damage Documentation Checklist:

1. Safety first: Ensure the area is safe to enter and that there are no electrical hazards, structural damage, or other safety risks before beginning the documentation process.
2. Gather necessary supplies: Make sure you have a camera or smartphone, notepad, and pen to document the damage effectively.
3. Take photos and videos:
   • Capture images of the exterior and interior of your home, focusing on areas with visible damage.
   • Include wide-angle shots to show the overall damage and close-ups of specific items or structural issues.
   • Take photos of standing water levels, if applicable.
4. Document damaged items:
   • Create an inventory list of damaged personal belongings, including furniture, appliances, electronics, and other items.
   • Record the make, model, serial number, and purchase date (if available) for each item.
   • Note the extent of the damage and the estimated value of each item.
   • Keep any receipts, warranties, or other documentation for damaged items, as they may be required by your insurer.
5. Record structural damage and necessary repairs:
   • Note any damage to walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, and the roof.
   • Include information about damaged electrical systems, plumbing, or HVAC units.
   • Estimate the cost of repairs for each damaged area, if possible.
6. Maintain a timeline of events:
   • Document the date and time the storm occurred and when you first noticed the flood damage.
   • Keep a log of any communications with your insurance provider, contractors, and repair professionals.
7. Keep damaged items (when possible):
   • Retain damaged items until your insurance adjuster has assessed your claim, as they may need to inspect them in person.
   • If it’s not feasible to keep large or hazardous items, take detailed photos and videos as evidence.
8. Organize and store your documentation:
   • Compile your photos, videos, inventory list, and other documentation in a digital folder or physical binder.
   • Store copies of your documentation in a secure location, such as a safe or an offsite cloud storage service.

By following this checklist, homeowners can effectively document flood damage for insurance purposes, ensuring a smoother claims process and increasing the likelihood of receiving a fair payout.

 

Task	Status (✓/✗)
Ensure area is safe to enter
Gather necessary supplies
Capture exterior and interior photos and videos
Create an inventory list of damaged items
Record make, model, and other details for items
Note extent of damage and estimated value
Keep receipts, warranties, and other documents
Record structural damage and necessary repairs
Estimate the cost of repairs for damaged areas
Document the date and time of the storm
Keep a log of communications with providers
Retain damaged items for adjuster’s assessment
Compile and store documentation securely