Insurance Adjuster Checklist: The Evidence Pack to Bring, Before, During, and After a Visit
The Most Important Step: Have a Contractor Present
A written inspection report is valuable, but having a contractor physically on hand during the adjuster’s inspection is even more important. The adjuster typically has a limited amount of time on site, and a contractor walking the property with them can make sure the full scope of damage gets seen and discussed in real time.
● Point out what’s easy to miss: a contractor knows where to look, including damage that isn’t obvious from the ground.
● Explain the scope of repair work: when the adjuster has questions about what a repair actually requires, the person who would do the work can answer them directly.
● Answer questions on the spot: disagreements are easier to resolve while everyone is standing at the damage than in a back-and-forth after the visit.
● Support your own documentation: your photos and report are strongest when someone qualified can walk through them with the adjuster.
HRTI can meet with your adjuster on site. As soon as your appointment is scheduled, reach out through our Storm Damage & Free Inspections page so we can coordinate timing.
Before the Adjuster Arrives
● Line up your contractor for the appointment: share the date and time as soon as you have it so they can attend.
● Photograph every elevation: wide shots of all four sides of the house, plus close-ups of specific damage.
● Capture soft-metal impact marks: hail often shows up clearest on HVAC housings, vents, and window screens before it’s visible on the roof.
● Date-stamp everything: take photos as soon as it’s safely possible, before any cleanup happens.
● Book a free storm-damage inspection: a written, third-party report backs up your own photos and gives your contractor a starting point for the visit.
● Confirm the storm actually happened at your address: local news coverage or a hail-tracking service can verify the date and location.
● Pull your policy’s declarations page: know your deductible, coverage limits, and any relevant endorsements going in.
● Gather records of recent maintenance or repairs: they help show the damage you’re claiming is new, not pre-existing wear.
What to Bring the Day Of
● Your contractor, on site with you, ready to walk the property alongside the adjuster.
● Printed or digital copies of your photos, video, and inspection report.
● Your policy’s declarations page and any relevant endorsements.
● A way to take notes, your phone or a notepad, to record what the adjuster says and any next steps.
During the Walkthrough
● Walk the property with the adjuster and your contractor if the adjuster allows it.
● Let your contractor point out damage and explain the repair scope, especially anything that isn’t immediately visible from the ground.
● Point out damage from your own documentation, so your photos and the adjuster’s findings line up.
● Ask directly whether all the damage you documented was included in their assessment.
● Avoid agreeing to a specific dollar figure on the spot; it’s reasonable to say you’ll review the written estimate before responding.
After the Adjuster Leaves
● Request a copy of the adjuster’s written estimate or scope of damage.
● Review it with your contractor, who saw the same inspection and can tell you whether the scope matches the work actually needed.
● Compare it against your own documentation and your contractor’s inspection report.
● Follow up in writing on any damage that seems to be missing from their assessment.
● Ask about your policy’s appraisal process if you disagree with the adjuster’s assessment and can’t resolve it through follow-up.
Want the Full Explanation Behind Each Step?
This checklist is a fast, scannable companion to HRTI’s full guide on preparing for the insurance adjuster, which walks through why each piece of evidence matters, what to expect during the visit, and what to do if you disagree with the adjuster’s assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the single most important thing to have at an adjuster appointment?
A contractor on hand for the inspection. Having a contractor walk the property with the adjuster is the best possible course of action, because they can point out damage that’s easy to miss and explain the scope of repairs in real time. Timestamped photos and video and a written inspection report are the next most important pieces.
Should I have a contractor present when the adjuster visits?
Yes. A contractor present during the inspection is even more valuable than having an inspection report in hand, since they can answer the adjuster’s questions and make sure the full scope of damage is considered. HRTI can meet with your adjuster on site.
Should I also get a written contractor inspection before the adjuster visits?
Yes, if possible. A written report gives you a documented reference point to compare against the adjuster’s assessment, and HRTI’s storm-damage inspections are free. Think of it as support for, not a substitute for, having your contractor there in person.
What if the adjuster’s estimate doesn’t match my documentation?
Request a re-inspection, submit your additional documentation in writing, or ask about your policy’s appraisal process if your policy includes one. Your insurance agent or a licensed Colorado public adjuster can advise on the best path for your specific policy.
Does this checklist apply to wind damage too, or just hail?
It applies broadly to storm-damage claims, hail, wind, or a combination of both. The documentation an adjuster needs to see is largely the same regardless of which type of storm caused the damage.
HRTI: Windows, Doors, Siding, Painting & Roofing, Done Right, From the Studs Out
HRTI has been a full-service exterior remodeling contractor in the Denver metro area and foothills since 1972. Whatever brought you to this page (a siding repair, a re-roof, new windows, or an exterior paint job), our crews inspect what’s behind the surface (sheathing, flashing, moisture barriers, framing) before we ever touch the finish material, because the finish is only as good as what it’s fastened to.
We install and service:
● Windows & Doors: energy-efficient replacement windows and entry/patio doors from Pella, Sierra Pacific, Simonton, Sunrise, Weathershield, and more
● Siding: James Hardie fiber cement, LP SmartSide DiamondKote with RigidStack, vinyl, metal, and specialty wood siding, installed over the correct sheathing every time
● Exterior Painting: full prep, repair of rotted or damaged substrate, and premium Sherwin-Williams coatings
● Roofing: asphalt shingles, synthetic shingles (including DaVinci slate and shake), stone-coated steel, and Class A fire-rated options like CeDUR synthetic shake
Need a contractor on site for your adjuster appointment, or a free storm-damage inspection beforehand? Call HRTI at 303-984-6159 or email info@hrti.com for a free consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page.
Sources & Further Reading
● HRTI Storm Damage & Free Inspections
● HRTI: Preparing for the Insurance Adjuster: The Evidence Pack You Should Bring