Storm damage documentation checklist

Right away — capture the event

Do this the day of the storm if you safely can; it anchors your claim to a date.

• Write down the date and approximate time of the storm
• Screenshot weather alerts, warnings, and local news coverage of the storm
• Photograph hailstones next to a coin or tape measure (freeze a few in a bag as backup)
• Note wind direction if you observed it — damage should concentrate on facing slopes

Ground level — the evidence adjusters check first

Soft metal doesn't age into dents. This is your strongest causation evidence.

• Gutters and downspouts — photograph every dent, close up and in context
• Window wraps, screens, and sills
• AC condenser fins, vents, and other soft metal around the house
• Mailbox, fence caps, deck rails, and painted surfaces with fresh chips
• Splatter marks on driveways, patios, and decks
• Shredded leaves and stripped branches in the yard
• Shingle granules collecting at downspout outlets
• Fallen shingles, tabs, or ridge cap pieces in the yard — keep them

The roof — only if safe, otherwise leave it to a pro

Never climb a wet or steep roof. Zoom lenses and drones exist for a reason.

• Wide shot of each full slope, labeled by direction (N/S/E/W)
• Mid-range shots of any visibly damaged areas
• Close-ups of individual hits — dark bruises, exposed mat, creased or torn shingles
• A coin or tape measure in close-ups for scale
• Ridge caps, vents, pipe boots, flashing, and skylights
• Both storm-facing and sheltered slopes — the contrast itself is evidence

Inside the house

• Attic: daylight through the deck, wet insulation, water staining on rafters
• Ceilings and walls: stains, bubbling paint, damp spots — photograph with date visible
• Any active drips: video, with a container catching water

If you make emergency repairs

Mitigation is required and reimbursable — but document before you cover anything.

• Photograph and video all damage BEFORE tarping or patching
• Keep receipts for tarps, plywood, fasteners, and any labor
• Photograph the completed temporary repair
• Do not make permanent repairs until after the adjuster's inspection

Build the paper trail

• Locate your policy and declarations page; note your wind/hail deductible
• Start a claim log: every call, date, name, and what was said
• Save every email and letter from the carrier, adjuster, and contractors
• Get any contractor findings in writing, with photos and locations
• Back up all photos to cloud storage — original files keep their timestamps