The Importance of Post-Damage Video Walkthroughs for Your Insurance Claim

Benji Licht
Jun 18
3 min read

Why Post-Damage Video Walkthroughs Matter

When your property suffers damage—from hurricanes to fires—documenting that damage properly can mean the difference between a fair insurance payout and a denied or delayed claim. While photos have long been a standard part of insurance documentation, video walkthroughs offer a more complete and compelling way to show the scope of property loss.

The Power of Video in Insurance Claims

Photos capture still moments. Videos, on the other hand, bring adjusters into the scene, showing the condition of your property in real time—from the way water tracks through flooring to the way smoke damage spreads through ceiling vents. A thorough, post-damage walkthrough video offers:

Full-scale perspective: Wide shots and panning sequences offer context to the damage.
Sequential documentation: Videos allow you to show the progression of damage (e.g., from ceiling to walls to floor).
Improved credibility: Real-time visuals and spoken context (date, time, conditions) help verify the legitimacy and timeline of the event.

Common Mistakes in Damage Walkthrough Videos—and How to Avoid Them

Even though videos are powerful, they can backfire if done poorly. Below are common missteps and how to avoid them:

1. Not Capturing the Full Property

Focusing only on major or obvious damage is a mistake. Adjusters need to see the full scope, including affected but less obvious areas like attics, basements, or behind furniture.

✅ Tip: Walk room by room, and include exterior areas. Think like an adjuster—what would you need to see to fully understand the damage?

2. Poor Video Quality

Shaky, blurry, or poorly lit footage undermines your credibility and makes assessment harder.

✅ Tip: Use a steady hand or tripod. Use a high-resolution smartphone or camera. Film in daylight whenever possible, and use extra lighting indoors if needed.

3. No Mention of Date or Time

Without stating the date and time, insurers may dispute the relevance or authenticity of the footage.

✅ Tip: Begin the video by stating your name, the date, time, and the nature of the incident (e.g., “This video was taken on June 1, 2025, the morning after the storm”).

4. Failing to Zoom In on Key Damage

Wide shots alone aren’t enough. You also need close-ups of cracks, water lines, scorch marks, or debris.

✅ Tip: Start with wide angles for context, then zoom in on details—even small cracks or stains could be vital to your claim.

What a Post-Damage Walkthrough Video Should Include

To ensure your video helps, not hurts, your claim, be thorough and methodical. Here’s a checklist to follow:

✅ Start Outside:

Film roof damage, fallen trees, fence breaks, and exterior walls.
Show the surrounding area to document how widespread the event was.

✅ Go Room by Room:

For each room, begin with a 360° wide view, then focus on:
- Damaged furniture or appliances
- Cracks in walls or ceilings
- Wet flooring or watermarks
- Burn or soot marks

✅ Highlight Hidden Damage:

Check closets, attics, and crawl spaces.
Film under sinks or behind drywall (if already opened).
Mention signs of water damage like musty smells or warping.

✅ Include Verbal Descriptions:

Say what you’re seeing: “Water damage starts here and continues across the entire wall.”
Describe any temporary fixes already done (e.g., tarping the roof).

How Base Claims Uses Video to Strengthen Your Case

At Base Claims, we know that smart video documentation can dramatically improve your insurance outcome. Our team helps homeowners across South Florida take strategic steps to record, organize, and present damage through video.

Here’s how we help:

Walkthrough Video Coaching: We teach homeowners what to film, how to narrate damage, and what adjusters look for.
Professional Inspections: Our experts identify and help document hidden damage like water inside walls or fire residue in ventilation systems.
Claim Assembly: We compile your video evidence with your photos, receipts, and reports into a strong, claim-ready package.
Negotiation Support: When adjusters undervalue your claim, we use your footage as credible evidence to challenge low payouts or denials.

Final Tips for a Strong Damage Video

🎥 Use high-res gear (1080p or better).
💡 Film during natural daylight if possible.
🎙️ Narrate clearly and consistently.
🔁 Take multiple shots from different angles.
🕓 Include the date and time on-camera.

Don’t Let a Weak Walkthrough Weaken Your Claim

Video walkthroughs are more than just visual documentation—they're your first line of defense in proving the true impact of damage to your property. With Base Claims on your side, we’ll help you get the evidence right the first time—so your claim has the power it needs from day one.