Brisbane Insurance Repair Guide

HOW TO DOCUMENT DAMAGE
FOR AN INSURANCE CLAIM

Good documentation can help make for a smoother, more accurately assessed claim. Here's exactly what to capture, and when.

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Quick Rule of Thumb

Wide shots establish the full picture, close-ups capture the specific damage, and timing matters: document before you touch, clean or repair anything.

Photograph the whole boat or caravan first, then the damage itself
Take close-ups from multiple angles, with something for scale if possible
Don't throw away damaged parts or materials before the claim is finalised
Keep a simple record of dates, what happened, and any communication with your insurer

Good documentation doesn't need to be complicated: it just needs to be thorough and done early.

Why Documentation Matters So Much

Insurers assess claims based on the evidence provided. Clear, comprehensive documentation helps them understand exactly what happened, what's damaged, and what's needed to repair it properly, which generally means a faster, smoother claims process with fewer back-and-forth requests for more information.

Poor or incomplete documentation, on the other hand, can slow things down, lead to disputes about the extent of damage, or in some cases affect the outcome of the claim itself.

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Step-by-Step: What to Photograph

01
Wide establishing shots
Capture the whole boat or caravan from multiple angles before focusing on the damage. This gives context for where the damage sits in relation to the whole vessel.
02
Close-up shots of every damaged area
Get tight, well-lit photos of each area of damage. If there are multiple damaged spots, photograph each one individually as well as in context.
03
Photos with scale reference
Where practical, include something for scale in close-up shots: a coin, ruler, or your hand can help convey the actual size of the damage.
04
Surrounding context
Photograph the area around the damage too: sometimes the cause or extent of damage is clearer when you can see what's nearby (a fallen branch, storm debris, the point of impact).
05
Photos of any temporary repairs
If you've made a reasonable temporary fix to prevent further damage, photograph both before and after.
06
Ongoing documentation through the repair
Once repair work begins, photos of the repair in progress and the completed work help create a clear record from start to finish.

What Else to Keep, Beyond Photos

Your claim number and any correspondence with your insurer
Dates and a brief written account of what happened
Any repair quotes or assessments you receive
Receipts or records of previous maintenance, which can help if wear and tear is raised as a question

A Few Things to Avoid

Cleaning up debris or damage before photographing it
Throwing away damaged parts before the claim is finalised
Making permanent repairs before your claim is lodged or assessed
Relying on memory alone instead of writing down dates and details early
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How many photos should I take?
More than you think you need. Wide shots, close-ups, multiple angles, and context shots all help build a complete picture for your insurer.
Do I need professional photos, or are phone photos fine?
Phone photos are generally fine, as long as they're clear, well-lit, and show the damage in detail. Good lighting and a steady hand matter more than the camera quality.
What if I've already cleaned up before thinking to take photos?
Document what you can now, and be upfront with your insurer about the timeline. A professional assessment can sometimes still identify the extent of damage even after initial cleanup.
Should I keep damaged parts, or can I dispose of them?
It's best to hold onto damaged parts until your claim is finalised, in case your insurer or assessor wants to review them.
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Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and is not financial, legal or insurance advice. Policy terms, exclusions and claim outcomes vary by insurer and individual circumstances. Always refer to your specific Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), or speak with your insurer or a licensed adviser, for advice relevant to your situation. LBM Fibreglass accepts no liability for any action taken in reliance on this general information.