Binding commercial coverage shouldn’t hold up your business operations.
When you apply for or renew commercial property insurance, underwriters need to see exactly what they are insuring. They need proof of the building’s condition, the roof, and any detached structures on the premises.
But submitting the wrong photos means delays. It means back-and-forth emails with underwriters. It means waiting longer for your policy to bind.
Here is exactly what you need to photograph to get your commercial coverage approved quickly.
The Golden Rules of Insurance Photos
Before you walk the property, keep these three rules in mind.
Use your cellphone. Underwriters require the built-in timestamp metadata embedded in smartphone photos to verify the exact time the image was taken.
Keep it recent. All photos must be taken within the last 14 days of submitting your application or renewal.
No internet photos. Images sourced from Google Street View, LoopNet, or property listings are not accepted. You need current, original photos.
Essential Exterior Shots
Walk the perimeter of your commercial property and capture these specific angles.
Front of Building
Stand back far enough to get the entire front facade in one frame. The building address or suite numbers must be clearly visible. If the address is located on a separate monument sign or marquee, take a second photo showing just the sign with the building in the background.
Back of Building
Walk to the rear of the property. Capture a clear, complete view of the back exterior, including any loading docks, roll-up doors, or utility areas.
Building Sides
Photograph all remaining sides of the building. Underwriters need a full 360-degree perspective to assess the condition of the exterior walls, windows, and foundation.
The Roof
Take the clearest photo of the roof possible from street level. You do not need to climb onto the roof. Step back far enough to show the roofline, parapets, and any visible HVAC equipment or skylights.
Detached Structures
Do you have a detached garage? A storage barn? A standalone maintenance shed? Photograph them. If it sits on your property and requires coverage, the insurance carrier needs to see it. Capture at least two angles of each detached structure.
What to Do With the Photos
Send them to your broker directly in their original, unedited format. Do not crop, filter, or compress them. The timestamp metadata embedded in your smartphone photos must remain intact.
If you are working with Falcon West, you can email them to hello@falconwest.com or drop them into a shared folder if one has been set up for your account.
Insuring a personal residence? See our home insurance photo guide.
Need to submit vehicle photos too? See our auto insurance photo guide.