Hail Damage Photo Documentation That Wins Claims

A clean photo package turns a 2-hour adjuster visit into a 45-minute one and raises approval rates on marginal claims by 20-30%. A sloppy photo package raises questions, delays decisions, and gives the adjuster ammunition to deny.

Camera and Settings

A modern phone camera is enough. What matters more than the lens:

• HDR on for outdoor shots to preserve shingle detail in shadow
• No filters, no edits, no crop
• Native camera app, not a third-party with proprietary compression
• Landscape orientation for slope overviews, portrait for close-ups
• Flash off in direct sun (it blows out detail), on in deep shade

Carriers increasingly require metadata. Keep GPS tagging on. Timestamps should reflect the actual inspection date.

Scale Objects

Every close-up needs a scale object. Options:

1. Quarter: universal, about 25mm diameter. Place next to the impact.
2. Chalk circle around hit: white chalk preferred, diameter 2-3x the hit size. Circle does not cover the hit, it surrounds it.
3. Tape measure: only on larger damage patterns where a quarter is too small. Extend tape straight, visible measurements.
4. Rep's hand or glove: only as last resort. Adjusters complain that hands obscure the hit and vary in size.

Do not use keys, rocks, or random objects. Consistency across your photo set builds credibility.

The Shot List

Property Overview (4-6 shots)

• House from the street, full address visible
• Address numbers close-up
• House from each cardinal direction
• Wide shot of any storm debris in yard or landscaping

Roof Overview (8-12 shots)

• Each slope, full view, one shot per slope
• Ridge and hip lines
• All penetrations: plumbing boots, vents, skylights, chimneys
• Gutters from ladder showing granules collected

Damage Close-Ups (15-30+ shots)

• Each unique hail hit, one photo with scale object
• At least 8 hits per slope on approved-size hail (1" diameter)
• Bruised/granule-loss shingles
• Matte areas where shingle asphalt is exposed
• Soft spots on hand inspection (note in photo caption)

Collateral and Auxiliary (6-10 shots)

• Dinged gutters (hail side pattern)
• Damaged window screens
• Cracked siding or dents
• AC condenser fin damage
• Dented mailbox, grill, or other metal yard objects
• Neighbor's property damage if visible from the street (no close-ups without permission)

Slope-by-Slope Ordering

Name slopes by compass direction: N, S, E, W. For complex roofs, subdivide: NW-upper, NW-lower. File photos in folders by slope.

Within each slope, order photos:

1. Slope overview
2. Hit 1, wide
3. Hit 1, scaled close-up
4. Hit 2, scaled close-up
5. (continue)
6. Granule loss in gutter below this slope

Adjusters review by slope. Mismatched ordering confuses and delays.

Wind Versus Hail Distinctions

Carriers increasingly deny hail claims by reclassifying as wind. Know the difference and document accordingly:

IndicatorHailWind Shingle damage patternRound impact marksLifted, creased, or torn corners DistributionRandom across slopesDirectional, usually one side Granule lossLocalized to impactAlong lift lines Mat damageBruised, no fractureCan see clean break CollateralYes: gutters, screens, finsRare unless debris carried

If you have both, document both in separate shot sets. Never label wind damage as hail or vice versa.

What to Avoid

• Marking hits with a Sharpie before photographing. Looks like you drew the damage. Use chalk (which washes off).
• Editing photos to boost contrast or brightness. Carriers detect this and it invalidates the claim.
• Photographing "representative samples" instead of every hit. Adjusters count hits per square. Missing hits lose you squares.
• Staging. A moved mailbox or "repositioned" item to be more visible is staging. Do not do it.

Filing the Photo Package

Upload to the carrier portal as:

• PDF compilation with captions (preferred)
• Zipped folder structure mirroring slope-by-slope layout
• Separate supplement photo folder if supplement items were added

RoofKnockers organizes photos by slope and generates the PDF compilation automatically from the inspection record. See the photo documentation feature.

What This Does to Your Numbers

MetricSloppy PhotosProfessional Photos Adjuster inspection time2.5-3 hours45-90 min Approval on marginal claims50-60%75-85% Supplement approval rate40%70% Claim decision delay14-21 days5-10 days

Related: moisture meter inspection, drone use for roof inspection, and adjuster scope dispute playbook.

See pricing or start a trial.

FAQ

How many photos per inspection?

40-60 is typical for an approved-size hail event. Below 30 looks thin. Above 100 looks like noise. Quality over quantity, but err toward more.

Can the rep use a drone for overview shots?

Yes, and it is increasingly expected. FAA Part 107 certification matters if the flight is for commercial purposes. See drone use for roof inspection.

What about night photos with flash?

Avoid. Night photography on a roof is dangerous and the light quality is poor. Schedule during daylight. Partly cloudy is actually the best light for hail close-ups because direct sun creates harsh shadows.