Photo Evidence Mistakes That Can Cost You in a Property Damage Claim

Benji Licht
Jun 18
2 min read

📸 Photo Mistakes That Hurt Property Damage Claims

When filing a property damage claim, one of the most important aspects of documenting the damage is the use of photos. Whether it’s storm damage, fire damage, or other types of property loss, insurance claim pictures are often the key evidence that supports your claim. However, homeowners frequently make photo mistakes that can hurt their chances of getting a full payout.

❗ Why Proper Photo Documentation Matters

When filing a claim, insurance claim pictures provide the primary evidence that insurers use to assess the damage. The more thorough and accurate your documentation, the better your chances of receiving a fair payout. Poor or incomplete photos can lead to claim disputes or delays, and in some cases, even result in a denied claim.

Proper photo documentation can:

✅ Ensure Comprehensive Coverage: By showing all aspects of the damage.
⏩ Prevent Delays: Well-documented evidence speeds up the claim process.
💰 Help Negotiate a Fair Payout: Thorough evidence supports full compensation.

🚫 Common Photo Mistakes That Hurt Property Damage Claims

❌ Taking Blurry or Unclear Photos

Bad photo evidence makes it hard for adjusters to assess damage severity.📷 Tip: Use a high-resolution camera and take multiple shots from different perspectives.

🧍‍♂️ Failing to Capture the Big Picture

Zooming in is great, but wide shots that show the full context are crucial.📷 Tip: Start with wide-angle shots, then zoom in on specific damage.

🔍 Not Taking Photos of Unseen Damage

Hidden water or smoke damage inside walls often gets overlooked.📷 Tip: Get a professional inspection and document unseen issues properly.

⏰ Not Photographing the Scene Immediately

Delaying your photos can mean altered evidence or missed details.📷 Tip: Take photos immediately after the event—before any cleanup or repair.

🪟 Overlooking Small Damages

Even small water stains or cracks can add up to big problems.📷 Tip: Photograph everything, no matter how minor it seems.

🌑 Inadequate Lighting

Poor lighting hides details, creating bad photo evidence.📷 Tip: Use natural light or a flashlight to ensure visibility.

🛠️ How Base Claims Helps You Document Property Damage Correctly

Proper photo documentation is essential for a smooth claims process. Base Claims helps you avoid the common mistakes:

🧑‍🏫 Expert Guidance for Taking Photos

We guide you on:

📐 Best angles
💡 Correct lighting
🔍 Critical areas to photograph (including hidden damage)

🏚️ Professional Property Inspections

We identify hard-to-detect damage, like:

🔥 Hidden fire damage
💨 Smoke damage inside walls
💧 Moisture damage not visible on the surface

🗂️ Assistance with Claim Documentation

From start to finish, we help you:

Organize all claim-related materials
Submit thorough and proper documentation
Ensure nothing is missed

📷 Photo Tips for a Strong Property Damage Claim

Here are a few expert tips to improve your photo documentation:

🔭 Take Wide and Close-up Shots: Show overall damage and zoom in on specifics.
📏 Include Context: Use objects (furniture, doorways) to provide scale.
🏠 Document All Areas: Include surrounding spaces that may be indirectly affected.
🛠️ Capture Temporary Fixes: If you’ve made quick repairs, document them and save all receipts.