Why do insurance companies ask for photos?

Asked by: Felton Olson  |  Last update: June 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (25 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.

Why do insurance companies ask for pictures?

Insurance companies often take steps to verify the authenticity of photos submitted with insurance claims. This is part of their due diligence to prevent fraud, which can be a significant issue in the insurance industry. Here are some ways insurer...

Why would an insurance company need pictures of your house?

Reasons the insurer might want photos: to confirm previous damage has been properly repaired to confirm overall condition is safe to confirm they are complying with insurance agreement (eg, this is a unit for one person and not 4 beds crammed into one room)

Should I submit photos to an insurance claim?

Post-Loss Documentation

These images will be invaluable when filing your insurance claim, providing a clear, visual representation of the destruction. Be sure to: Take wide shots of each affected area. Capture close-ups of damaged items and structures.

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.

Do I need to use the photo app process for some insurance companies? - Ask A Body Shop

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Why is Progressive asking for pictures of my car?

If you need to file an auto insurance claim after an accident, your insurer may send an adjuster to inspect your vehicle to get an accurate repair estimate. The adjuster may take photos of the entire vehicle to document the damage and make sure it matches the information in the accident report.

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.

What should you not say when making an insurance claim?

Eight things NOT to say to an insurance adjuster are:
  1. admitting fault,
  2. anything about your injuries,
  3. anything on the record,
  4. speculating about the crash,
  5. that you do not have a lawyer,
  6. providing unnecessary information,
  7. accepting a settlement, and.
  8. sharing medical records.

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.

Will your insurance go up if you file a claim?

Insurance claims can cause your insurance rate to increase for a temporary amount of time, typically three to five years.

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.

Do insurance inspectors come inside?

Insurance inspectors will typically contact you to schedule an appointment and get your permission to enter and inspect your property. If the inspection is only external, you do not need to be home, but you'll need to be there for an interior inspection. Standard, in-person inspections review the exterior of your home.

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.

Is it normal for insurance companies 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.

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.

Can I refuse a home insurance inspection?

Yes, you can refuse a home insurance inspection, but doing so may result in the insurance company declining to provide coverage, canceling your existing policy, or increasing your premiums. Inspections help insurers assess risk, so cooperation is typically necessary to maintain or obtain.

Should I submit photos to insurance claim?

However, pulling out your camera should be the first thing you do following one of these issues. Photos of the damage immediately following an accident or disaster, and then documenting the repairs as they happen, are a key part of a smooth, efficient insurance claims process.

When should you not file a claim?

If the claim amount equals or is less than the deductible, there's not much sense in filing a claim. “Most car insurance policies have a deductible in place which you have to pay before their coverage kicks in,” says Ross. “If your damages are minor, you're much better off just paying out of pocket.”

Can you file an insurance claim with just a license plate number?

Insurance companies often require more than just a license plate number to process a claim. They may need the other driver's name, contact information, and insurance details. Without this information, there can be significant delays in your claim.

What are red flags in insurance claims?

No witnesses to the alleged injury-producing incident. Insufficient detail was provided surrounding the injury-producing incident. Alleged injury seems inconceivable considering the work which the claimant performs. Injury is not visible (e.g., soft tissue injury)

What are the 3 most common mistakes on a claim that will cause denials?

Here, we discuss the first five most common medical coding and billing mistakes that cause claim denials so you can avoid them in your business:
  • Claim is not specific enough. ...
  • Claim is missing information. ...
  • Claim not filed on time (aka: Timely Filing)

What should I not tell my insurance company?

The insurance adjuster doesn't need to hear your entire life story. Sharing personal anecdotes or irrelevant experiences might even hurt your claim. Stick to the facts and avoid extra details about your family, job history, prior injuries, or unrelated accidents.

Can insurance companies check your Internet history?

Did you know that data miners provide insurance companies with all manner of personal data about you? This information includes your shopping, browsing, and messaging habits, along with a comprehensive history of status updates, tweets, and the like.

Can insurance companies see your SSN?

There is no law prohibiting insurers from requesting a social security number. An insurer has the right to ask for a social security number where the information is reasonably related to underwriting. One such purpose is to obtain a credit report of an insured.

Do insurance companies look at cameras?

Yes, insurance companies may use video surveillance after a car accident if such footage is available.