# How to Film Slope Mowing for Insurance Claims - Expert Tips
Documenting slope mowing work for insurance claims can feel like walking a tightrope—one misstep and your claim might tumble down the hill of bureaucracy. Whether you're dealing with all-terrain mowing on steep inclines or maintaining tricky landscapes, proper documentation is your safety net. Here’s how to capture every crucial detail without getting lost in technical jargon.
Start with the Right Equipment
You don’t need Hollywood-level gear, but a decent smartphone or action camera will do. If you’re using a commercial remote mower, consider mounting a GoPro to the machine itself—this gives insurers a first-person view of the terrain. For larger properties, drones work wonders, especially when showcasing the scale of the job.
Capture Before, During, and After
Insurance adjusters love a clear timeline. Think of it like telling a story:
Before – Film the untouched slope, highlighting hazards like loose rocks or uneven ground.
During – Show the slope mowing solutions in action, emphasizing safety measures.
After – Pan across the finished work, proving the area is now stable and well-maintained.
A client of mine once faced a denied claim because they only submitted "after" shots. The insurer argued the slope was already in poor condition. Lesson learned.
Focus on Problem Areas
Not all slopes are created equal. If you’re using orchard maintenance equipment near delicate trees, zoom in on roots or erosion risks. For robotic lawn care jobs, highlight how the machine nigates obstacles autonomously—this can justify higher labor costs if something goes wrong.
Use a Checklist for Consistency
Here’s a simple table to ensure you don’t miss anything:
| What to Film | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Full slope panorama | Shows overall condition |
| Close-ups of hazards | Proves risks existed pre-mowing |
| Equipment in operation | Demonstrates proper technique |
| Workers following safety | Reduces liability concerns |
Add Narration or Notes
A silent video lees room for interpretation. Throw in voice notes like, "Notice the exposed tree roots here—we’ll need extra passes with the robotic lawn care unit to oid damage." This turns raw footage into a compelling case.
Final Tip: Keep It Organized
Label files clearly (e.g., "NorthSlope_Before_2024.mp4") and store backups. One landscaper lost a 15K claim because his phone died before uploading. Don’t let that be you.
By treating documentation like evidence in a courtroom—detailed, deliberate, and downright thorough—you’ll turn slope mowing claims from uphill battles into smooth victories.