Sometimes they’ll ask for before/after pics or even drone shots these days... Wondering if that’s just in my area or more common now.
That’s definitely not just your area. I’ve seen a big shift lately—adjusters are asking for way more documentation than they used to, especially after major storms. It’s not just the log anymore. I’ve had claims where they wanted time-stamped photos from before the event, then close-ups after, and even a couple where they requested drone footage to get a better look at steep or hard-to-access spots.
It can feel like overkill, but I get why they do it—there’s so much fraud out there now. Still, it’s a pain if you’re not already in the habit of snapping pics every season. I tell people to just take a few shots with their phone whenever they do any kind of checkup or repair. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just clear enough to show the condition.
And yeah, on tile roofs, I never walk them myself. Too easy to break something and then you’re dealing with a whole new headache. If you’re not comfortable up there, it’s worth paying someone who knows what they’re doing.
I tell people to just take a few shots with their phone whenever they do any kind of checkup or repair. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just clear enough to show the condition.
That’s the trick, right there. I learned the hard way after a hailstorm—couldn’t find a single “before” pic except one from a BBQ where you could barely see the roof behind my cousin’s giant head. Now I snap a few pics every spring, just in case. And yeah, no way am I climbing up on my tile roof... last time I tried, I cracked two tiles and my pride.
- 100% agree with snapping pics, even if they’re just quick ones.
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“couldn’t find a single ‘before’ pic except one from a BBQ where you could barely see the roof behind my cousin’s giant head.”
Been there. I had to dig through old holiday photos once to prove my gutters weren’t already trashed before a storm. Insurance adjuster wasn’t impressed.
- Not worth risking it on a tile roof, honestly. I’ve seen more folks break tiles (and ankles) than actually spot problems up there.
- If you can’t get up there, just zoom in from the ground or use a selfie stick. Not perfect, but better than nothing.
- One thing I’d add: take pics after any big wind or hail, even if you don’t see damage. Sometimes stuff shows up later and you’ll want that timeline.
- Skipping checkups can definitely cost you. Some insurers will look for any excuse to deny a claim if you can’t show the roof was in good shape before the storm.
- I get why people put it off, but a few minutes with your phone can save a ton of hassle.
“couldn’t find a single ‘before’ pic except one from a BBQ where you could barely see the roof behind my cousin’s giant head.”
That’s classic. I once had to zoom in on a Christmas lights photo just to show my insurer the roof was intact pre-hail. Not my proudest detective moment. For anyone with a steep or tile roof, I’d say don’t even bother climbing—unless you want to add “sprained ankle” to your claim. A cheap drone or even a broomstick with your phone taped on (don’t judge) works better than risking your neck. Also, insurers really do love “proof,” so even if you think your roof is fine, snap a few pics after any wild weather. It’s five minutes now or five hours arguing later.
A cheap drone or even a broomstick with your phone taped on (don’t judge) works better than risking your neck.
I’ll admit, the broomstick trick is genius—haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve done something similar with a selfie stick and a whole lot of duct tape. My place has a 12/12 pitch and old clay tiles, so climbing up there isn’t just risky, it’s a recipe for disaster. Every time we get one of those late summer hailstorms, I think about braving the ladder, but then I remember the neighbor who slipped and ended up in a cast for two months. Not worth it.
I do keep a folder on my phone now with dated photos after any big weather event. It started after my first claim got delayed because “the age of damage couldn’t be confirmed.” Spent hours combing through old family pictures just to find one where you could barely see the eaves behind my dog. Lesson learned: insurance companies aren’t taking your word for it, no matter how honest you are.
One thing I’d add—if you’re like me and trying to avoid extra expenses, those $30 drones off Amazon aren’t half bad for quick roof checks. The image quality isn’t pro-level, but it’s enough to show “no visible damage” or at least prove the roof was intact before the next big windstorm. I get that some folks say you should pay for a pro inspection every year, but honestly, that adds up fast if you’re on a budget. A few clear photos from different angles have saved me more than once.
I wouldn’t say everyone needs to be paranoid about it, but if you live somewhere prone to storms or hail, it’s just common sense. Five minutes snapping pics is a lot easier than fighting with adjusters for weeks. And if you do end up needing repairs, having “before” shots can really speed things up.