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Insurance Evidence Tips & Storm Damage Photos for Insurance Claims

GeelongSearch — Your Local Readiness Hub

Storm Damage — Insurance & Evidence (AU)

Safety first. Capture proof. Log costs. Contact insurer. Built for Australians after storms, floods & high winds.

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Your Evidence Flow — 3 Fast Steps

1

Safety & Scene

Keep clear of live power, gas smells, unstable roofs.
Only mitigate if safe (isolate water/power, tarp leaks).
Record hazards from a distance.

2

Capture Proof

Take wide → medium → close shots for each issue.
Do one 360° video per room & the yard.
Include a clock/phone screen in a few frames.

3

Log & Call

Log rooms, items, serials & costs (below).
Keep receipts for temporary repairs.
Call insurer for claim number & authorisations.

Photo & Video Checklist

Wide shots of each side of the home (front/back/left/right)
Roof, gutters, downpipes (zoom + distant)
Each room: doorway wide → four corners → close-ups
Water entry points, stains, swollen skirting/floors
Yard: trees, fences, sheds, neighbour impacts
Switchboard, meter, hot water, affected appliances
Vehicles/boats/caravans (rego/VIN + damage)
Temporary fixes (tarps, tape, buckets) + receipts
Proof of ownership (receipts, boxes, serials)

Open technique tips

Include something for scale (ruler/coin) in close-ups.
Change height/angle to show water levels or cracks.
Avoid glare: step sideways; turn flash off if reflective.
Short clips: 10–20s per room/area, slow sweep.

Room-by-Room Damage Log

Receipts, Serials & Replacements

Item	Serial	Store	Date	Amount

Keep originals. Photograph each receipt and box/manual with the item.

Insurer Call Script (copy & fill)

What to ask for

Claim number & preferred contact channel.
What temporary repairs are authorised now.
Timeframes for assessor or trades.
Email to send photos and receipts.

Do / Don’t (Australia — general)

Do

Mitigate damage if safe (turn off water, isolate power as advised, tarp a leak). Keep receipts.
Document everything — photos, videos, dates, calls, emails.
Keep damaged items until the insurer confirms disposal.
Record serials and approximate replacement values.
Ask for confirmations (authorisations, scope, timeframes) in writing.

Don’t

Do not do hazardous work (roofs, live power, chainsaws) unless licensed.
Do not discard damaged items without insurer approval (unless a health risk).
Do not rely on verbal only — follow up with a short email summary.
Do not exaggerate; accurate logs speed approval.

General information only — not legal advice. Follow your PDS and official guidance in your state/territory.

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