Before an insurance adjuster ever sees your roof, take dated photos and video of every angle of visible damage, keep a written log of when you noticed it and what's changed since, and hold onto physical evidence like fallen shingles or hailstones where you reasonably can. This documentation is often what separates a smooth claim approval from a drawn-out dispute.

Photograph everything, from multiple angles​

  • Wide shots first, then close-ups. Capture the whole roof plane or affected area, then move in on individual damage points.
  • Include a size reference when possible — a tape measure or a common object next to hail damage helps establish scale.
  • Don't forget the "boring" angles. Gutters, downspouts, vents, AC units, window screens, and siding all matter, not just the roof itself.
  • Shoot video, not just stills. A slow walkaround video captures context that individual photos can miss.
  • Get the date stamp right. Most phones timestamp photos automatically, but double-check your camera settings — undated photos are far less useful as evidence.

Keep a written damage log

A simple log — even a few lines in your phone's notes app — adds credibility to your claim:​

  • The date and approximate time the damage occurred
  • What you observed immediately afterward
  • Any changes you've noticed since (a small leak that's grown, additional granules in the gutter, etc.)
  • Names and dates of anyone who's inspected the roof, including contractors

Save physical evidence where you can

If it's safe and practical, hold onto:​

  • Hailstones, if the storm just happened — a photo next to a ruler or coin works if you can't keep the ice itself, though a few stones in a freezer bag can also help
  • Fallen shingles, granules, or debris from your roof specifically, kept separate from general yard debris
  • Any damaged personal property connected to the roof damage, like water-stained belongings from a leak

Get a professional inspection report before the adjuster visits

A written inspection report from your roofing contractor, completed before the adjuster's visit, gives you an independent record of the damage — useful if the adjuster's assessment comes back lower than expected. RS Five's free AI drone inspection produces a documented Roof Condition Report that can serve exactly this purpose, without anyone needing to climb onto the roof.

What not to do before the adjuster arrives​

  • Don't start permanent repairs before the adjuster documents the damage — temporary protection (like emergency tarping) is fine, but permanent repairs can complicate your claim.
  • Don't throw away damaged materials until your claim is resolved, if you have anywhere reasonable to store them.
  • Don't guess at the cause in writing. Describe what you observed, not your theory of exactly how it happened — that determination is part of the claims process itself.

Frequently asked questions

How many photos are enough?
More than you think you need. There's no real downside to over-documenting, and it's much harder to go back and capture evidence after cleanup has started.

Should I get my own inspection before or after the adjuster's visit?
Before, if you can schedule it in time. It gives you an independent point of comparison and ensures nothing gets missed on a fast initial pass.

What if I already threw away damaged shingles or debris?
Don't worry — photos and your contractor's inspection report can still support your claim. Just document what you have going forward.

Last updated: August 2026. If you're preparing for an insurance inspection, schedule a free AI drone roof inspection with RS Five to get a documented Roof Condition Report first.