Why Home Insurance Companies Require Photos
When your insurance company asks for photos of your home, they aren’t just checking a box—they’re evaluating your property’s condition and ensuring it meets coverage requirements. Knowing how to take the right photos can help you avoid unnecessary scrutiny while making sure your home is properly documented.
Insurance companies request photos for several reasons:
• Assessing Property Condition: They want to confirm that your home is in the state you described—roof condition, siding, railings, and general upkeep.
• Risk Evaluation: Insurers look for potential hazards, such as missing railings or deteriorated structures.
• Verification & Compliance: Some companies use this as a test to see if homeowners can provide necessary documentation when asked.
• Underwriting & Renewals: Depending on the carrier, external or internal inspections may be required. In many cases, homeowners are asked to submit their own photos rather than having an inspector visit.
A lot of times, this is going to vary case by case, so your agent should be your go-to for specific requirements.
What Photos to Take
Insurance companies generally ask for the following:
✅ All four sides of your home (preferably at the corners to capture two sides in each shot).
✅ Roof visibility (clear angles that show the roof’s current condition).
✅ Decks, porches, and stair railings (ensuring safety features are intact).
✅ Siding, soffits, and gutters (checking for deterioration or missing sections).
✅ Painted surfaces (making sure they are well-maintained).
✅ Detached structures (garages, sheds, pools, and fences).
📸 Tip: Remember, these aren’t real estate listing photos. You don’t need perfect lighting or staging, but a well-framed, well-lit image helps ensure accurate assessments.
Avoiding Red Flags in Your Photos
When taking these photos, be mindful of what’s visible in the frame to avoid unnecessary scrutiny. Insurance companies may raise concerns over:
🚩 Missing or broken railings on decks or stairs
🚩 Peeling paint or visible damage
🚩 Loose or sagging gutters, missing soffits, or water damage
🚩 Unkempt structures (sheds, fences, etc.) that appear unsafe
If your home has any of these issues, consider addressing them before submitting photos or be prepared to provide explanations if the insurer asks questions.
💡 Framing tip: Avoid extreme angles that exaggerate damage, and make sure key features aren’t obscured by landscaping or objects.
How to Store & Submit Your Photos
Once you’ve taken your photos, follow these best practices to keep things organized and make submission easier:
📂 Rename Your Files:
• If you’re uploading to a computer, renaming your files with your last name or home address can prevent them from getting lost in email chains.
• Example: Smith_Front_House.jpg, 123Main_RoofView.jpg
📷 File Format Considerations:
• Modern iPhones save photos in HEIC format, which may not be compatible with insurance company systems.
• If you receive an error when submitting, convert the files to JPEG before sending them. Try this free converter if needed.
📨 Submission Options:
• Online Uploads: Some insurers have portals for direct submission.
• Email: Attach files with a clear subject line (e.g., “Home Insurance Photos – [Your Address]”).
• Printed Copies: Rarely required but may be an option in some cases.
