Photographs and video
Source, rooms, migration, materials, contents, demolition, equipment, and progress.
Why it matters: Images are strongest when dated, organized, and connected to a location or event.
Claim Documentation
A well-organized claim file connects events, conditions, work, requests, and payments.
Documentation is not a guarantee of payment, but incomplete records can make it harder to understand what happened, what was performed, and what remains unresolved.
Incident timeline
Discovery, source control, calls, inspections, mitigation, drying, estimates, payments, repairs, and open issues.
Why it matters: A single chronology helps reconcile contractor and carrier records.
Moisture records
Initial readings, affected materials, daily progress, equipment changes, and final conditions.
Why it matters: The record should identify location, material, date, and instrument context.
Equipment records
Type, quantity, placement, start date, movement, removal date, and reason for use.
Why it matters: Duration and quantity are common review points.
Mitigation scope
Extraction, cleaning, removal, containment, drying, monitoring, and final verification.
Why it matters: Mitigation scope is distinct from repair scope.
Repair estimate
Quantities, methods, materials, labor, taxes, permits, code, overhead, and specialty trades.
Why it matters: Carrier and contractor estimates may use different assumptions.
Contents inventory
Item description, quantity, age, condition, replacement information, and photographs.
Why it matters: Do not rely only on broad categories when detail is available.
Temporary expense records
Housing, meals, storage, travel, pet costs, and emergency purchases.
Why it matters: Eligibility and limits depend on the policy.
Communication log
Date, person, role, request, promise, deadline, and response.
Why it matters: Summaries reduce confusion when multiple adjusters or contractors are involved.
Payment ledger
Date, amount, payee, coverage category, payment adjustment, deductible, mortgage status, and balance.
Why it matters: Multiple checks may correspond to different parts of the claim.
scope updates packet
Changed condition, omitted item, photograph, measurement, estimate, invoice, and explanation.
Why it matters: The packet should connect the added request to the documented loss.
Completion records
Final invoice, completion photos, permits, inspections, warranties, and payment adjustment request.
Why it matters: Completion evidence may be required for later payment.