How to Document Water Damage for Insurance Claims
After a water emergency, knowing how to properly document the damage is crucial for getting your insurance claim approved. At Vivid Water Damage & Restoration, we guide Salt Lake City homeowners and business owners through the process to make sure nothing is missed — and that your insurance provider has the documentation needed to move your claim forward.
Why Documentation Matters
Your insurer will only cover what you can prove. That’s why accurate, time-stamped, and clear evidence is key. We help you gather the right details, images, and reports to make your case solid — and reduce the chance of a denial or delay.
Steps to Document Water Damage Correctly
- Take Wide-Angle Photos: Photograph entire rooms, showing all affected areas and water levels. Get multiple angles.
- Get Close-Up Shots: Take photos of specific damage to walls, flooring, furniture, electronics, or personal items.
- Include Before/After Photos (if available): If you have previous photos of the space, show a clear comparison.
- Write a Detailed List: Make an inventory of damaged items, including:
- Type of item
- Estimated value
- Brand/model (if possible)
- Age of the item
- Document the Source: Take photos of the cause, whether it’s a burst pipe, overflowing appliance, or leaking roof.
- Capture Moisture Readings: Our technicians will use infrared cameras and moisture meters to verify water intrusion inside walls and floors.
Professional Reports for Insurance Adjusters
We create professional inspection reports with:
- Moisture mapping
- Damage location diagrams
- Photos with timestamps and descriptions
- Recommended scope of repairs
We also provide these directly to your adjuster, upon request.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Throwing away damaged items before documenting them
- Waiting too long to take photos (damage may worsen or change)
- Not documenting areas behind walls or under floors
- Forgetting to show the water source (e.g. pipe or appliance)
Do You Need to Wait for the Insurance Adjuster?
No — you should begin documenting immediately. You don’t need to wait for the adjuster to visit before cleaning up, but you should take plenty of photos first and keep any receipts for emergency services like emergency water removal.
We Serve All of Salt Lake City and Nearby Areas
Our team is ready to help you document water damage and start your claim in:
Call 385-289-3885 or contact us online to schedule an inspection and get your documentation started right away.