Collecting Documentation After a Disaster

In the aftermath of a disaster, one of the most important things you can do is gather accurate documentation. Whether you're filing an insurance claim, working with contractors, or preparing for potential disputes, having the right evidence makes all the difference. This Rallybacks chapter walks you through the essential types of documentation you’ll need to support your recovery—organized, detailed, and ready when it matters most.

Below is a preview of each article in the Documentation Gathering series:

Photos of the Damage

Learn how to systematically photograph structural and Personal Property damage after an incident. This article provides step-by-step guidance on capturing wide views, close-ups, and timestamped images to support your claim.

Pre-Loss Photos

Even if you didn’t take inventory before the disaster, you likely have evidence buried in personal photos, social media posts, or real estate listings. This article explains how to find and use those pre-loss images to establish what your home and belongings looked like before the event.

First Responder Reports

Fire and police departments often generate reports that can help establish the official cause, timeline, and scope of damage. This guide shows you how to request those reports and how to use them in your insurance submission.

Temporary Housing Documentation (Loss of Use / ALE)

When you’re forced to relocate, extra expenses can add up quickly. This article explains how to document hotel bills, rent, meals, travel, laundry, pet boarding, and more to support your Additional Living Expense (ALE) claim.

House Documents (Construction, Permits, Systems)

Gathering Blueprints, past permits, Contractor invoices, and system specs helps show how your home was built and what materials or systems were in place. This guide walks through where to find these records and how they support your rebuilding claim.

Personal Property Documentation

High-value items like electronics, jewelry, appliances, clothing, and collectibles often require proof beyond just listing them. This article covers how to gather receipts, user manuals, serial numbers, appraisals, and photos to verify ownership and value.

Photos of the Rebuild

As your home is repaired or rebuilt, documenting progress is just as important as documenting loss. This article offers a timeline and checklist for photographing each construction phase—useful for tracking repairs, justifying costs, and future resale.

Learn More

Recovering from a disaster doesn’t just mean replacing what was lost—it means proving what you had. Every receipt, photo, and report strengthens your claim and puts you in a better position to rebuild with confidence.

Let’s start gathering.