I’ve actually had an adjuster ask for inspection records before, but only after a big hail storm when a bunch of claims were coming in at once. I don’t think it’s just a scare tactic, but it probably depends on your insurance company and how picky they’re feeling that day. One time, I had to dig up a roof invoice from three years ago just to prove we’d done the maintenance. It’s wild how much paperwork they expect you to keep around. Anyone else get tripped up by stuff like that?
It’s wild how much paperwork they expect you to keep around.
You’re telling me. I’ve seen folks try to hand over a pizza receipt thinking it was their roof invoice. Step one: find that folder you swore you’d organize last year. Step two: realize you never did. Step three: panic search your email for “roof.” Ever had an adjuster ask for photos from before the storm too, or is that just in my neck of the woods?
That’s not just your area—my adjuster wanted “before” pics too, which I definitely didn’t have. Who takes glamour shots of their roof? I ended up digging through old real estate listing photos from when we bought the place. It’s a mess trying to keep track of all this stuff. I always think I’ll remember where I put things, but then it’s a mad scramble when something actually happens. Guess it’s one more reason to do those checkups and snap a few photos, just in case.
I hear you on the “before” pics. The only time I’ve seen folks with glamour shots of their roof is when they’re trying to sell the place or maybe showing off a new install—nobody’s out there snapping selfies with their shingles for fun. But, from what I’ve seen, insurance adjusters are getting pickier about documentation. It’s not just roofs either. I’ve had clients get asked for “before” photos of siding, decks, even their HVAC units after a storm. Half the time, people end up scrolling through old holiday photos hoping there’s a stray shot of the house in the background.
Honestly, I used to think it was overkill to do yearly roof checkups, but after seeing a few claims get denied because there was “no proof of prior condition,” I get it. I’ve started telling folks to just walk around the house once a year, phone in hand, and snap a few pics—nothing fancy, just enough to show what things looked like before the next hailstorm or wind event. It’s five minutes, and it can save a ton of headaches.
One thing I’m curious about—has anyone actually had an insurer refuse a claim just because they didn’t have those “before” photos? I’ve heard stories, but I haven’t seen it firsthand. Usually, they’ll try to piece things together with listing photos or Google Street View, but that’s not always up to date. I wonder if some areas or companies are stricter than others.
Also, does anyone keep a running file of home maintenance stuff? I always mean to, but my “system” is basically a folder of receipts and a bunch of random phone photos. Not exactly organized. I’d love to hear if anyone’s got a better method, especially for keeping track of roof repairs or inspections.
I’ve never had a claim flat-out denied just because I didn’t have “before” photos, but I did have a weird run-in with my old insurer after a hailstorm last year. They wanted proof my roof wasn’t already trashed before the storm, and all I could dig up was a blurry pic from a backyard BBQ where you could barely see the shingles. They ended up sending out an extra inspector, which dragged things out for weeks. Super annoying.
Honestly, my “system” is about as organized as yours—random phone pics and a shoebox of receipts. I keep telling myself to set up a folder in Google Drive or something, but then life happens. Has anyone tried those home maintenance apps? I’m curious if they’re actually helpful or just another thing to forget about.
Also, does anyone else try to use these yearly walkarounds as an excuse to check for moss or algae? I started doing that after learning how much damage moss can do on asphalt shingles, especially here in the rainy Northwest.
