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How Do I Photograph Hail Damage for an Insurance Claim?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Gather Your Tools

Before you start, grab a digital camera or smartphone with a high-resolution setting. A ruler or a coin helps show the size of the dents. Also bring a notebook to jot down the date and location of each shot. Consider a flashlight to help highlight subtle dents in shaded areas.

If you have a drone and know how to use it safely, aerial photos can capture roof damage that is hard to see from the ground. Otherwise, a ladder works, but only if you are comfortable and stable. Never risk a fall for a photo. If you are unsure about roof access, stay on the ground and use a zoom lens instead.

  • Camera or smartphone
  • Ruler or coin for scale
  • Notebook and pen
  • Ladder if safe to use
  • Drone only if you have one

Shoot the Whole House First

Take wide shots of every side of your home. Stand far enough back to include the entire wall and roofline. These overview photos show the overall extent of the damage and help your insurance company understand the context. Overlap each shot slightly so the entire perimeter is covered without missing a section.

Move around the house to capture each elevation. Include any detached structures like a garage or shed. Keep a written record of where you took each photo so you can match them to your notes later. Note the time of day and lighting conditions, as these can affect how visible the damage appears.

Zoom in on Each Impact

For every dent or crack, take a close-up photo with the ruler or coin placed next to it. This gives a sense of scale that a bare photo cannot provide. Shoot from a slight angle so the light catches the depression, making it visible. Move the light source or your position to get the right contrast.

Photograph the same spot from two or three different angles. Hail damage can look different depending on lighting. More angles mean fewer questions later. Do not edit or enhance the photos; keep them as true to life as possible. Include a photo of the roof from the street to show the overall pattern of impacts.

Document Personal Property

Hail can damage more than your roof. Check window screens, skylights, patio furniture, and vehicles. Photograph any torn screens, cracked glass, or dented metal. If personal belongings inside got wet from a leak, document those too. Look for water stains on ceilings or walls that might indicate a hidden leak.

For each item, take a wide shot showing where it sits, then a close-up of the damage. Include any serial numbers or model tags if you can. This helps with your inventory and makes the claim process smoother. Also photograph the surrounding area to show how the damage occurred.

Organize and Back Up Your Photos

After you finish shooting, sort the photos by location and date. Rename the files so they are easy to identify, like 'roof-north-side-01.jpg.' Keep a folder on your computer and also back up to a cloud service or external drive. Create a simple spreadsheet listing each photo, its location, and the date taken.

Print a few key photos and keep them with your insurance documents. If you need professional water damage documentation, local pros can help assess the full scope. Check your policy to understand what your insurer requires for a claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep your photos for at least a year after the claim is settled.

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Frequently asked questions

How soon should I take photos after hail?

Take photos as soon as it is safe. Damage can worsen or be obscured by weather. Quick documentation gives your insurance company accurate evidence of the initial impact. If you notice hail, start shooting within a day or two, before repairs or weather changes alter the evidence. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

What if I cannot reach the roof safely?

Do not climb if you are unsure. Use a camera with a zoom lens or a drone to capture the roof from the ground. Photos taken from a distance are better than no photos, but close-ups help more. You can also ask a neighbor or friend with a safe vantage point to take shots for you.

Should I get a professional inspection before filing?

A professional inspection can identify hidden damage that you might miss. The pros can document everything thoroughly, but you should still take your own photos as a backup. Check your policy for any deadlines. A written report from the pros can also serve as additional evidence for your claim.

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