Make sure there’s evidence of the water damage that occurred to your property. After you’ve performed a basic cleanup and lockdown of the scene, take lots of photographs of all the damage that occurred. One of the most important things to remember, when dealing with any type of insurance claim, is to always have more evidence than you think you need. So take dozens of photos of all areas of damage, from several distances and angles. Remember to keep organized records of your evidence, and all communications between you and your insurer while you’re at it. Combine your photographs with a written inventory of lost or damaged property. This inventory should include: Description of the item Make and model number of the items Age of items Replacement cost of the item (which is the price it would cost to replace the item today, not what you paid for the item 10 years ago), and the item’s real cash value (the value of the item at the time of the loss) The more detailed you are with photographs and inventory, the better off you’ll be. When it comes time to dealing with the insurance company adjuster that comes to your home to inspect water damage, having all of your photos and evidence organized will be a huge help.