What kind of pictures do insurance companies need?

Asked by: Prof. Marquis Herman I  |  Last update: July 23, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (73 votes)

Photos should include clear shots of the roof, when possible, as well as the ground around the building. This includes all buildings, garages, sheds and dwellings.

Do insurance companies need photos?

While photos are not strictly essential to the claims process, insurers will likely send an insurance adjuster to investigate and take pictures of the damage for their own records.

What kind of pictures do I need for home insurance?

Pictures are worth a thousand words (and a faster settlement): First, take 360-degree photos of each room, capturing major furniture and appliances. For valuable collections (silverware, coins, etc.), photograph them individually and consult your insurance agent to ensure adequate coverage.

How to take pictures for an insurance claim?

Get Accident Scene Photos from Every Angle

Taking photos from different angles gives an accurate representation of the accident and serves as strong evidence in the insurance claims process. Take close-up shots of specific damage, like dents or a cracked windshield, and document the scene in an organized manner.

Do insurance ask for pictures?

The pre-insurance inspection (or photo audit) is usually required when you first secure your policy. This involves taking photos of your vehicle to document its condition and any pre-existing damage. The post-accident inspection, on the other hand, is used to document damage after a car accident occurs.

Here's What Insurance Companies Look at When Inspecting a Home!

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What is an insurance photo inspection?

The inspector will take photos of your car, record the number of miles on the odometer, and document other details about the vehicle that might affect repair costs if you need to file a claim. When the inspection is complete, you must sign the report.

Why is my insurance company asking for pictures of my car?

Taking photographs of a vehicle can help insurers evaluate the condition of the insured vehicle, avoid fraudulent claims, assess the vehicle's value and estimate claim payouts.

Should I upload photos to an insurance claim?

The more detail you can provide the insurance company, the better off your claim will be. You'll want to take detailed pictures of the damage which means you'll need to use a high-quality camera. Avoid disposable cameras or old point-and-shoot digital cameras with low resolution.

How do I make a successful insurance claim?

You'll need to include copies of all paperwork that will help your claim, including receipts or medical certificates. You should also keep copies of the originals in case your claim is queried or refused. Your insurer may ask if you have other insurance that may cover the claim.

Do insurance companies look at camera footage?

Video surveillance footage is the most useful type of evidence that insurance companies use as it provides a factual account of the accident as opposed to statements from witnesses or those involved, which could be biased or clouded.

Why does my insurance company want pictures of my house?

An adjuster or third-party contractor will assess the damage. Pictures will help them document damage and come up with an estimate for repairs. The adjuster needs to submit his findings to the insurer so you can receive a payout, and the pictures support his or her findings.

How to take pictures for house insurance?

Take pictures from several different views and angles. This will show the full extent of the damage. Include any information that identifies the property within the picture. For example, if your roof was damaged during a storm, try to take a picture that shows the numbers on the house.

Why is someone taking pics of my house at night?

It could be that the person taking the photos is a burglar scouting the area, but another common reason may be that the person taking photos is a real estate professional at work.

How do I send photos to insurance companies?

Email: You can take pictures of the documents or damage and email them directly to your insurance company's claims department. Make sure to include your policy number and any other relevant details in the email.

How much does photo inspection cost?

There is no charge to you for the photo inspection, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, including the report and photographs.

How often do insurance companies inspect homes?

Periodic Inspections for Renewals

The frequency can vary, but exterior inspections typically occur every 1-5 years as long as you maintain continuous coverage with that insurer. These periodic inspections allow the insurance company to reassess any changes to the property's condition since their last review.

What should you not say when making an insurance claim?

Don't discuss the specifics of the accident with other drivers, witnesses or passengers. Don't make any oral or written statements as to responsibility or blame. Don't tell others involved in the accident how much liability insurance you carry.

Is it worth making a home insurance claim?

In general, it's only worth filing a claim if the potential repairs are significantly higher than your policy deductible. For more minor repairs, you may be better off paying out of pocket.

Can I keep my homeowners insurance claim check and make the repairs myself?

Can I keep my homeowners insurance claim check and make the repairs myself? Your ability to complete your repairs on your own will depend on your policy and the nature of the repairs. Many insurance companies will allow you to complete simple repairs yourself, though they may require supervision.

Can you file a claim without pictures?

Hence, if you are pursuing a California car accident claim for compensation, you must have evidence showing that the other party's actions directly caused the crash. One crucial piece of evidence that insurance providers evaluate when determining liability in an auto crash is the photos of the accident.

Do insurance companies look at your social media?

Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. One of the ways they achieve this is by scrutinizing claimants' social media accounts to find information that could discredit their injury claims. They may look for posts, photos, or even comments that suggest you are not as injured as you claim to be.

Why does Progressive want pictures of my car?

State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, and Progressive are some insurance companies that use photo inspections to report vehicle statuses. Many insurance companies will require an inspection when purchasing higher-level coverage or after a traffic accident when a claim is issued.

How to take pictures for insurance companies?

9 Tips for Taking Pictures After a Car Accident
  1. Take photos as soon as you can after the accident. ...
  2. Get accident scene photos from different angles. ...
  3. Document every detail. ...
  4. Take the same pictures with and without a flash. ...
  5. Capture photos of the surrounding area. ...
  6. Photograph your injuries.

What is a photo inspection?

The photo inspection creates a record of the physical condition of the vehicle. In addition to taking photos of your vehicle, the inspector likely will record your vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, the vehicle's condition, options, and accessories.

Why do people cover their license plate in car pictures?

While some people haven't considered this before, others might be wondering constantly: Why do people cover license plates in photos? There are two reasons. You either want to protect your privacy or avoid incriminating yourself.