Photo logs have saved me more than once, but I’ll admit, sometimes I wonder if I’m overdoing it. I’ve got folders for every roof patch, gutter cleaning, you name it. Still, when the adjuster starts asking about a repair from last year, it’s all right there. Has anyone actually had an insurer push back on too many photos? Also, trampoline claims—why do those always seem to involve wind and neighborly drama?
I’m with you—having photo evidence has bailed me out more than once, especially when adjusters start nitpicking. Never had anyone complain about “too many” pics, though. If anything, I wish more folks did it. Trampolines, though... that’s just asking for neighbor headaches.
I totally get the thing about trampolines—my neighbor has one and every time the wind picks up, I’m just waiting for it to come flying into my yard or smack into my fence. Not sure how insurance companies feel about those, but I can’t imagine they’re thrilled.
As for the photos, I probably went overboard when I bought this place. My phone is full of close-ups of shingles, gutters, even the weird moss patch by the chimney. The inspector thought I was nuts but honestly, it paid off. When the adjuster came out after a hailstorm, he tried to say some of the damage was “pre-existing.” Pulled up my pics and that shut it down real quick.
If anything, I wish I’d done more before moving in. Didn’t realize how much little stuff gets missed until you’re living with it. And yeah, nobody’s ever complained about too many photos—if anything, it’s saved me a headache or two.
Trampolines are a whole separate headache, honestly. I’ve seen more than a few insurance claims where a rogue trampoline did some serious damage, and the adjuster’s first question is always about how it was anchored. Most policies have some pretty specific language about “attractive nuisances” like that, so it’s worth double-checking the fine print if you’re worried.
About the photos—having a bunch is definitely better than not enough, but I’d actually argue that sometimes people get so focused on close-ups that they miss the bigger picture. I’ve had homeowners show me dozens of shingle photos, but nothing that captures the overall slope or flashing details, which is where leaks often start. A few wide shots, especially before and after storms, can really help tell the story for an adjuster. It’s not just about quantity, but making sure you’ve got the right angles and context.
I get what you mean about wishing you’d done more before moving in. The pre-purchase inspection is usually pretty surface-level, and a lot of minor stuff gets missed—especially in older homes. I always recommend folks do a walk-around with a contractor or someone who knows what to look for, not just the inspector. For example, I’ve seen moss patches like you mentioned turn into major rot issues because nobody checked the attic for moisture or looked at the flashing up close.
One thing I’d push back on a bit: sometimes, too many photos can actually slow things down with insurance. I’ve seen adjusters get bogged down sifting through hundreds of images, and they end up missing the important stuff. A well-organized folder with key shots—date-stamped, labeled by area—usually gets better results.
All that said, you’re absolutely right that having documentation is a lifesaver when it comes to proving what was there before a storm. Just don’t forget to back up your photos somewhere safe...phones have a way of dying at the worst possible time.
Trampolines are like the wild cards of the backyard... I once watched mine bounce across three neighbors’ yards during a windstorm, and the only thing anchored was my regret. As for photos, totally agree—my last insurance claim, I gave them a hundred close-ups of one shingle and somehow missed the giant branch sticking out of the roof. Now I just take a few wide shots and call it good.
