Take photos to support your claim

Camera set up

• You can take photos using a mobile phone, digital camera or film camera.
• Turn the date stamp on if you’re using a digital camera.
• If the date is not automatically recorded by your camera or phone, take note of the date the photos were taken.

Photograph all the visible damage

• Make a list of each area you photograph as you go to help you identify the photos later and make sure you capture everything.
• Take both wide shots and close-ups of damage. For example, photograph an entire wall, then take close-up photos of details of the damage.
• Include a photo of your house number or mailbox to show the location of your property.
• If possible, use a tape measure in the photo, to show the size of damage or area being photographed.

Photos of your home

Photograph all sides of your home, and any other insured separate buildings such as your garage. If you can, fit the whole building into the photo. This helps the assessor understand the scale and extent of the damage.

Photos of your land

Take photos of any visible damage to your land around your home, and under your home if it is safe to do so.

If you have been affected by storm or flood, take photos of any debris or silt inundation left by flood water on your land, including under your home, if possible.

Photograph damage to any retaining walls, bridges or culverts, especially those within 8 metres of your home and any insured separate buildings, as well as under or supporting your main access way (for example under your driveway), up to 60 metres from your home.

Take photos of landslips on your property or near your home, if it is safe to do so.

Review your images as you go

If you are using your phone or digital camera, check the photo on the screen to make sure the detail is clear and you’ve captured what you need.  

Blurry images make it harder to assess damage. If your images are appearing blurry, try to brace yourself against something, stand your camera on a solid surface, or use a tripod.

If the photo looks too dark, open curtains to let in as much light as possible, then stand with your back against the window. You can also turn on the flash or turn up the camera’s brightness control (which might be called EV or exposure compensation).