I can’t tell you how many homes I’ve visited that had storm-related damage—but no photos to document what the property looked like before the event. Most homeowners aren’t told to take photos of their home as a preventative step, so they don’t realize just how critical it is until it’s too late.

Documenting your property before storm season isn’t just smart—it’s a necessity. A few simple photos can mean the difference between a smooth insurance claim and one that’s delayed, denied, or heavily reduced.

Picture this: a strong windstorm hits, lifting shingles and causing interior leaks. You file a claim, but you don’t have any pictures of your roof or interior before the storm. Now the insurance adjuster can’t confirm that the damage is new. They may argue it’s pre-existing—and just like that, your claim is under scrutiny.

It’s such a simple step, but it can save you from major headaches later. Take photos of your home—inside and out—before storm season rolls in. Store them somewhere safe. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and make sure your insurance works for you when you need it most.