Guide
How to document water damage
The NC Department of Insurance tells policyholders to take photographs of damage before and after emergency repairs and to keep every receipt. Here is a way to do it without losing an hour.
Tap the number to call. The line connects you with an independent restoration contractor, not with this website.
A five-step record
Wide shots first
Stand in each doorway and photograph the whole room. Include the ceiling and floor.
Close-ups of damage
Photograph stains, swollen trim, wet carpet and the source of the leak, such as a split hose.
List what was affected
Write down each item by room: furniture, rugs, electronics, boxes. The NC Department of Insurance suggests listing everything you want the adjuster to see.
Keep damaged items
Do not discard damaged property until the adjuster has seen it or you have been told you can.
Save every receipt
Tarps, fans, plumber visits and hotel nights all belong in one folder, paper or digital.
A short video helps
Walk through the house slowly and describe what you see aloud. A video captures the order of events and the extent of wet areas better than a handful of photos.
Back the files up to a cloud drive or email them to yourself before cleanup begins.
Dates and names
- When you discovered the damage and when you shut off the water.
- The date and time you reported the claim, and who took the report.
- Names and license numbers of anyone who worked on the house.
- The meter readings the contractor takes, if you are given them.
Water is still spreading while you read
Call the number and describe what happened. The line routes your call to an independent restoration contractor who serves your ZIP code. Early calls leave more of the home dry.