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Photo & Insurance Prep

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Photo & Insurance Prep

Take the right photos, capture proof that sticks, and organise a claim pack your insurer can approve quickly.

Tip: Photograph wide → medium → close for every item. Keep original files; don’t edit or over-compress.

FIRST 15 MINUTES

Safety first, then evidence

Keep people safe, then capture proof before anything is moved or cleaned.

DANGER
Stay clear of fallen power lines, bowed “spring” branches and unstable roofs. If life-threatening, call 000.
FREEZE
Do not throw damaged items out yet. Photograph in place first. Keep packaging, manuals, and serial plates.
AUTHORISE
Phone your insurer to confirm what temporary works are allowed (e.g., tarps, pumping, make-safe). Record the claim number and the name/time of the call.
SHOT LIST

What to photograph (copyable checklist)

Use the list below. Aim for wide → medium → close for each location/item.

Exterior & site

  • Street frontage, house number, front elevation
  • Roof planes from ground (each side), gutters, downpipes
  • Fallen trees/branches, fence lines, sheds
  • Driveway, paths, any debris fields
  • Water pooling points, blocked grates

Interior & water ingress

  • Ceiling/wall stains, drips, bubbling paint
  • Floor coverings, swollen skirting/door frames
  • Wet cabinetry, wardrobes, linen storage
  • Electrical outlets near water (no touching)

Appliances & serials

  • Appliance in situ (front/side)
  • Close-up of damage/impact point
  • Rating/serial plate (macro, readable)
  • Purchase receipt or bank statement

Vehicles & outdoor gear

  • Whole vehicle from each corner
  • Close-ups of dents, glass, lights
  • VIN/plate and odometer
  • Trailers, bikes, tools, outdoor furniture

Proof of timing

  • Phone screenshot showing date/time
  • Local weather warning screen (if available)
  • Neighbouring street corner or landmark

Video walk-through

  • Slow lap of exterior, then interior
  • Narrate what you see, show drips/leaks
  • End with claim number stated aloud (if issued)

Turn on location tagging (if comfortable) and keep the originals. Don’t crop away context.

CLAIM PACK

Build your claim pack

Documents

  • Policy schedule & Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
  • Photos & video (organised by room/area)
  • Receipts, serials, manuals, prior valuations
  • Make-safe invoices (tarps, pumps, tree works)
  • Quotes (often 2–3) for permanent repairs

Claim diary (template)

YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM
Storm/wind/hail/flooding
Insurer, trades, assessor
What happened, what was authorised

Paste into Notes/Docs and add entries daily.

TEMPORARY REPAIRS

Do only what’s needed to prevent further damage

  • Tarps, sandbags, pumping, isolating water/power (if qualified) are typical “make-safe” actions.
  • Keep itemised invoices and before/after photos for each temporary step.
  • Ask your insurer if they prefer panel contractors (they may dispatch one).
COMMON PITFALLS

Avoid delays and rejections

  • Throwing items out before photographing/serials are recorded.
  • Cleaning the scene so cause/extent can’t be verified.
  • Submitting only “close-ups”—insufficient context, no wide frames.
  • Unapproved permanent works before assessment.
  • Missing receipts—use bank statements or manufacturer warranty emails instead.

Export your evidence summary

Paste key details and click “Copy summary” for your claim notes.