Why do insurance adjusters take pictures of your house?

Asked by: Lori Kerluke  |  Last update: October 8, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (31 votes)

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.

Is it normal for an insurance company to take pictures of your house?

Having the insurance company come take pictures or inspect your house is a good thing. They are looking for hazards that could cause a claim or even a lawsuit. The purpose is to protect you better and save you hassle & money in the long run.

What not to say to a homeowners insurance adjuster?

Admitting Fault, Even Partial Fault.

Even if you think you may be partly at fault for the accident, do not discuss this with an adjuster. Avoid any language that could be construed as apologetic or blameful. Admitting any level of fault can eliminate or reduce the compensation that may be available.

What happens after adjuster looks at house?

After that, the insurance adjuster will file a report containing their findings and recommendations. Some insurance adjusters can authorize a claim on the spot, but it is more common that you will have to review the report and communicate with the insurance company to finalize the claim.

Do insurance adjusters take pictures?

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.

Why Do Insurance Companies Take Pictures Of Your House? - InsuranceGuide360.com

36 related questions found

How do I prepare for an insurance adjuster visit?

Be Prepared: Before you talk to the insurance claims adjuster, make sure you're organized and have all your documentation in order. This preparation includes all relevant documentation that will support your claim, including police reports, medical records, and bills.

Why does insurance ask for pictures?

A photo inspection helps to reduce insurance fraud and ensure that your claim covers the damage caused by an accident or other incident. By managing the costs associated with claims, photo inspections can help to bring down the overall cost of insurance.

How to scare a home insurance adjuster?

How To Scare An Insurance Adjuster
  1. Step One: Understand the Roles and Goals of an Insurance Adjuster. ...
  2. Step Two: Know How Insurance Adjusters May Try to Minimize Compensation. ...
  3. Step Three: Take Your Time to Review a Settlement Offer. ...
  4. Step Four: Reject a Lowball Offer in Writing.

How long does it take for an adjuster to make a decision?

Typically, under the terms of the insurance policy and/or by state law, the adjuster must complete an initial review and send a response within a reasonable amount of time – usually on the order of 30 days.

What home insurance adjusters won't tell you?

Adjusters may downplay the extent of the damage, offer lowball settlements, or employ various tactics to delay the claim settlement process. To navigate this challenge, homeowners must be prepared, well-documented, and persistent in advocating for their rights.

Can you trust your insurance adjuster?

That said, it's always prudent to use caution when you're speaking to an insurance adjuster after an accident. These individuals have the tough job of thoroughly reviewing your case to determine an appropriate payout, and they may not always have your best interests at the forefront of their minds.

Can you negotiate with adjuster?

Yes, you absolutely can and should negotiate with insurance adjusters. Negotiation is a normal part of the claims process. The first offer is usually not the final one. Insurance companies often start low to see if you'll accept less than what you're entitled to.

Why does the insurance adjuster want to meet with me?

After you file a claim, the adjuster will contact you about the accident. They are looking for facts about the case to determine whether you are entitled to a settlement and for what amount.

Why are they taking pictures of my house?

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.

Do insurance companies look at your house?

The answer to the question is yes. Home insurance companies have to evaluate your house before they can insure it, which means that they will send a representative to take a look at the house. However, an insurance company representative cannot come into your home without your approval.

Can insurance company inspect your home without permission?

You must be present during this type of inspection, and an insurance inspector will never enter your home without your permission. Similar to a standard in-person inspection, the inspector will send a copy of the inspection report to your insurance company and your agent will contact you with any questions or concerns.

What not to tell a claims adjuster?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”

What happens after the home insurance adjuster comes out?

Once the insurance company sends an adjuster and evaluates the damage to your home, they pay a settlement amount in either replacement cost or actual cash value, depending on the provisions in your insurance policy.

How do I argue with my insurance adjuster?

Negotiate Respectfully But Firmly

If an adjuster offers less than you believe is fair, don't be afraid to push back. Voice your disagreement calmly and respectfully. Explain your reasoning and provide evidence to justify asking for a higher settlement. Make a reasonable counteroffer based on your documentation.

What not to say in a home insurance claim?

Avoid any admissions of fault or liability when talking to your adjuster. Such statements can be used to shift blame, potentially decreasing the amount you might be compensated. Instead, focus on describing the damage and the events as they happened, without inserting personal opinions about who might be at fault.

What are insurance adjusters looking for?

Adjusters inspect property damage or personal injury claims to determine how much the insurance company should pay for the loss. They might inspect a home, a business, or an automobile. Adjusters interview the claimant and witnesses, inspect the property, and do additional research, such as look at police reports.

How do you beat claims adjuster?

Show them you're not easily swayed. Be patient, and let them know you're willing to wait for a fair settlement. Don't Accept the First Offer: Insurance adjusters often start with a lowball offer, hoping you'll take it and they can close the case. Show them you're not easily fooled by rejecting their first offer.

Why is my homeowners insurance taking pictures of my house?

Insurance companies protect your home from all sorts of damage. To do so properly, they may need to perform an exterior inspection from time to time to make sure the coverage is sufficient and accurate. This inspection often involves taking pictures.

Should I send photos to insurance adjuster?

Sending photos of an accident to your insurance company, especially if you didn't cause it, is something you certainly should do as this can protect you. The burden of collecting evidence to support your auto insurance claim falls to you.

Do insurance investigators look at cameras?

Insurance companies may conduct their own investigation in response to a particularly costly claim. This can include going to the scene of the accident and looking at surveillance footage or any other available evidence. Insurance companies may look at security camera or dashboard camera footage of the car accident.