Flood Damage Documentation Checklist:
- 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.
- Gather necessary supplies: Make sure you have a camera or smartphone, notepad, and pen to document the damage effectively.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 |