Yeah, emails can be a bit hit-or-miss when you're dealing with storm damage. I've found that the best approach is to email first, then give it a day or two before calling—it gives you a chance to say, "Hey, I already emailed the pics, can you pull them up?" Usually speeds things along since they've got some visuals handy already.
Also, quick tip from experience: when you're taking pictures for insurance or contractors, snap close-ups of specific details like loose shingles, damaged flashing, or dents in gutters. Then step back and grab wider shots that show context—like where the tree branch fell from or how water runoff might've caused erosion. I've noticed having both kinds of shots really helps when explaining things later on. Glad you got it sorted out eventually though... storms are stressful enough without billing headaches added on top!
Yeah, good call on the wide-angle shots. Last year when a storm knocked down part of my fence, I only took close-ups of the broken posts. Insurance kept asking for context shots... ended up delaying things by a week. Lesson learned, I guess.
Had a similar issue a couple years back when a tree limb smashed into one of our rental properties. I thought close-ups would be enough to show the damage clearly, but nope—insurance kept asking about the overall condition of the roof and surrounding area. Ended up making multiple trips back just to get wider shots. Makes you wonder, is there ever such a thing as too many photos when dealing with insurance?
Totally agree—insurance adjusters often want context, not just specifics. From my experience, adding wider shots that clearly illustrate drainage patterns and overall roof integrity can significantly streamline claims. I learned this the hard way too... comprehensive documentation really is key.
Man, reading this thread makes me feel a little better about my own storm fiasco. First-time homeowner here, and I swear I thought insurance adjusters were like CSI detectives or something—just show them one dramatic close-up of a broken fence post and they'd nod knowingly, whip out a checkbook, and save the day. Nope. Turns out they want the whole Netflix documentary: wide shots, drone footage, character backstories...
I learned pretty quickly that context is king. After fumbling around with blurry phone pics of random debris, I finally got smart and took wider shots showing how the water pooled up near my foundation. Suddenly, the adjuster was nodding like I'd just cracked the case wide open.
Anyway, glad to hear I'm not the only one who learned this lesson through trial and error. Comprehensive documentation really does seem to be the magic ticket. Hang in there—sounds like you're already ahead of the game!
