In the aftermath of a hurricane, the sheer scale of the damage can be overwhelming. Before you make a single phone call, before you even start to clean up, there is one action you can take that will become the foundation of your entire insurance claim: documentation.

Most people think the claims process is a negotiation. It is not. It is a presentation of facts. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step process to create the powerful proof you need to secure a fair and full settlement from your insurance company in North Carolina. This is how you take back control.

First, Safety Before Documentation

Your well-being is the only thing that matters. Do not let the urgency of the situation compromise your safety. Before you enter your home or begin documenting, follow this cardinal rule: if you have any doubt about the structural integrity of your home, do not go inside.

Quick Safety Checklist:

• Look for downed power lines. Assume every wire is live.
• Smell for gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the area immediately and call 911.
• Be aware of wildlife. Snakes, insects, and other animals may have sought shelter inside your home.
• Wear protective gear. At a minimum, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Your Simple Documentation Toolkit

You do not need special equipment. The tools you need are likely in your pocket or your car.

• Your Smartphone: This is your primary tool for photos and videos. Make sure it's charged.
• A Notebook and Pen: For creating a written log of the damage.
• A Flashlight: To see in dark areas without power.
• A Tape Measure or Ruler: To show scale in your photos.

The Methodical Photo Process: From the Big Picture to the Smallest Detail

Your goal is to take photos that tell a complete story. You can never have too many. When you think you have enough, take more. The guiding principle is to move from the outside in, from the wide view to the close-up.

1. Start Outside: Walk the perimeter of your property. Take photos of the entire house from every angle (front, back, both sides). Capture damage to the roof, siding, windows, and landscaping. This establishes the overall impact of the storm.
2. Move Inside, Room by Room: Do not just wander. Be systematic. Start at the front door and work your way through the house in a logical order (e.g., entryway -> living room -> kitchen).
3. Capture the Room, Then the Damage: In each room, first take a wide shot from the doorway to show the entire space. Then, move in and take close-up photos of every single damaged item.
   • Is there a water line on the wall? Photograph it, and then place a tape measure next to it and photograph it again.
   • Is the carpet soaked? Take a picture of the whole floor, then a close-up of the ruined carpet.
   • Is the television shorted out? Photograph it, then turn it around and get a picture of the model and serial number.
4. Don't Forget What's Hidden: Open cabinets and closets. Photograph the contents. Water can ruin much more than what is immediately visible.

Video is Your Storyteller

Photos capture moments, but video captures the experience. After you've taken photos, use your smartphone to take a slow, steady video walkthrough of your property.

As you walk, narrate what you are seeing out loud. Your voice adds a powerful layer of context.

"I am now walking into the master bedroom. The window here is broken, and you can see glass all over the floor. The water came in and has completely ruined the mattress and the dresser."

"This is the kitchen. The refrigerator tipped over. You can see the water line on the wall is about two feet high."

Create a Written Inventory of Your Losses

A written list transforms the chaotic images into organized data that the insurance company can process. In your notebook, create a simple chart for each room and list every item that was damaged.

Crucial Mistakes to Avoid

What you don't do is just as important as what you do.

• DO NOT Throw Anything Away: It is tempting to start clearing debris, but you must resist. The adjuster needs to see the damaged items. Piling your ruined couch or carpet on the curb is like throwing away your most important evidence.
• DO NOT Begin Permanent Repairs: You have a duty to prevent further damage (for example, putting a tarp on a hole in the roof is a good idea). However, do not hire a contractor to start rebuilding the wall. The insurance company must inspect the damage before permanent repairs are made.

Now that you have a comprehensive record of your damages, your next step is to understand the full insurance claim process in our state. This documentation is your first, most powerful tool as you move forward.

To understand exactly what to do with this evidence and how to navigate the system, read our Complete North Carolina Hurricane Claim Guide.