After a leak, good records make an insurance claim much smoother. Thermal images and moisture readings can be part of that record — but they’re supporting evidence, not proof on their own. Here’s what to keep.
Note: We’re not insurance advisers, and every policy is different. Check your own policy and talk to your insurer.
Can thermal images be used as evidence for a water damage claim?
They can help. Thermal images show how far damp may have spread, and moisture readings confirm it at specific points. Insurers generally also want dated photos, a description of what happened, the plumber’s finding and invoice, and records of any urgent work. Talk to your insurer early about what they need.
What to record
- Dated photos and video of the damage before you move or throw anything out — wide shots and close-ups. The Natural Hazards Commission recommends this approach for natural hazard claims, and it’s good practice for any claim.
- The source: what failed and how it was fixed. Keep the plumber’s or roofer’s invoice and any written finding.
- Thermal images, if a scan is done, showing the extent of possible damp. If our technician is testing, take your own phone photos or videos of the screen.
- Moisture readings with locations and dates — again, photograph the meter display yourself while the reading is taken.
- Urgent work: what you did to stop damage getting worse, with receipts.
- Contents list of damaged items.
- A timeline: when you noticed, when you stopped the water, when each trade came.
Why the cause matters
Insurers often treat sudden damage differently from gradual damage. For example, Vero’s FAQ says water damage from a burst pipe is generally covered, but whether the pipe itself is covered depends on the cause, and many policies exclude gradual damage. That’s why a clear plumber’s finding is important.
What thermal images can and can’t prove
| Shows | Doesn’t show |
|---|---|
| Patterns that may indicate damp | The cause of the leak |
| How far damp may have spread | How long it has been leaking |
| Change over time (with repeat scans) | Hidden damage to framing or mould |
Before you start drying
- Stop the water and make it safe first.
- Contact your insurer as early as practical, and ask whether they want an assessor to see the damage before drying.
- Photograph everything before equipment goes in.
Our part
When you hire our Drying Combo, our technician delivers the equipment and, where suitable, does a free on-site thermal imaging and moisture check. While our technician is testing, you’re welcome to take your own photos and videos on your phone of the thermal images and moisture readings for your records. Our technician doesn’t supply photos or reports, and we don’t assess claims or write insurance reports.
See also first 24 hours after a leak.
| Drying Combo | What you get |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Commercial 90 L dehumidifier + two drying fans |
| Testing | Free on-site thermal image assessment and moisture test, included where suitable |
| Delivery | Our technician delivers the equipment and does the testing on site; Auckland delivery and pick-up, subject to booking timing and site access |
| Price | $75 + GST per day (3-day minimum) or $400 + GST for 7 days |
See the full offer: free thermal imaging and moisture testing with the Drying Combo.
What thermal imaging and moisture testing can’t do
We’d rather be upfront:
- Thermal imaging indicates, it doesn’t prove. The camera reads surface temperature. A cool patch can be damp, but it can also be a draught, missing insulation, a cold-water pipe or shade from the morning sun. Our technician checks suspicious areas with a moisture meter on site before treating them as wet.
- Meters read accessible spots. A moisture meter gives a reading where it touches. It can’t see right through a sealed cavity, and we don’t cut open walls.
- It isn’t a plumbing repair. We can help show where water has spread. Finding and fixing a failed pipe, shower tray or fitting is a job for a licensed plumber.
- We’re drying specialists, not plumbers or inspectors. We aren’t a licensed plumber, a pre-purchase building inspector or an acoustic/tracer-gas leak detection specialist, and we’ll tell you when you need one.
- It isn’t a building report. This check supports your drying setup. It isn’t a pre-purchase inspection, a weathertightness report or a code compliance document. For roof, cladding or structural concerns, talk to a qualified building surveyor or inspector.
Frequently asked questions
What evidence do I need for a water damage insurance claim?
Dated photos and video, details of what happened, the plumber’s or roofer’s finding and invoice, records of urgent work, moisture readings if available, and a contents list. Check with your insurer.
Will my insurer accept thermal images?
They can support a claim by showing the extent of possible damp, but they don’t show the cause. Ask your insurer what they need.
Is water damage from a burst pipe covered?
Policies differ. Vero’s FAQ says water damage from a burst pipe is generally covered, but cover for the pipe depends on the cause and many policies exclude gradual damage. Check your policy.
Should I wait for the insurer before drying?
Make the home safe and stop the water first. Contact your insurer early and ask whether they want to see the damage before drying starts.
Does Dry Me Now provide insurance reports?
No. We provide drying equipment, and where suitable a free on-site thermal and moisture check with Drying Combo hire. Our technician doesn’t supply photos or reports, but you can take your own photos and videos of the thermal images and moisture readings on your phone while the testing is done.
Book the Drying Combo with a free moisture check
If you’ve had a leak, overflow or flood in Auckland, call Dry Me Now on 021 877 504 or use the enquiry form on our thermal imaging and moisture testing page. Tell us what happened and which rooms are affected, and we’ll confirm availability and delivery. Our technician delivers the machines and does the testing on site.