Homeowner questions.

How does the assessment work?
You answer a short wizard about your property (ZIP, property type, damage type, affected rooms, visible conditions) and upload photos of the damage. Caro, our vision-language AI system, analyzes the information and returns a severity score, detailed observations, a broad cost range, recommended next steps, and risk flags. The whole process takes about 3 minutes.

Is this an insurance estimate?
No. Property Claim Guide provides educational guidance only. It is not an insurance estimate, not a binding repair quote, and not a substitute for a licensed professional inspection. The platform is designed to help you prepare for conversations with licensed professionals and your insurance company.

How accurate is the severity score?
Caro's severity rating uses a 1–10 scale (1 = cosmetic or very minor, 10 = uninhabitable). It is designed to help you prioritize next steps, not to replace professional evaluation. Each result includes a confidence score (0–1) that tells you how reliable that particular finding is.

Do I need to create an account?
No. You can complete an assessment without creating an account. You'll receive a unique result token that lets you return to your results page at any time. You'll also receive your report by email.

How many photos should I upload?
Upload 1 to 15 photos. Include wide shots showing the room context and close-ups of visible damage. More clear, well-lit photos typically produce more useful results.

What happens to my photos?
Photos are transferred securely over HTTPS, stored with encryption at rest, used only to generate your educational report, and automatically deleted after 90 days. They are never shared publicly or with third parties beyond the GPU provider that processes them (with no access to your contact information).

Can I delete my data?
Yes. You can request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us at [email protected]. We will soft-delete your data immediately and hard-delete it within 30 days, as required by law.

What does the severity score mean?
The severity score is a 1–10 rating of how extensive the damage appears based on your description and photos. 1 = cosmetic or very minor, 2 = minor localized damage, 3 = moderate damage requiring professional attention, 4 = significant damage with multiple affected areas, 5 = severe damage potentially affecting habitability.

What are risk flags?
Risk flags highlight conditions that may need urgent attention: standing water, visible mold, structural concerns, odor, active leaks, or electrical hazards near water. These are prompts to seek professional help promptly.

What does the cost range mean?
The cost range is a broad educational band (e.g., $1,500–$7,500) that reflects the general scope of work suggested by your damage description. It is not a quote. Actual costs depend on local labor rates, hidden damage, material choices, and contractor pricing.

Can I forward my report to a contractor?
Yes. After receiving your results, you can choose to forward your report to verified contractors in your ZIP code who specialize in your damage type. This is completely optional. The contractor sees your damage description, photos, and severity assessment.

How are contractors verified?
Contractors must submit their state license number, proof of insurance, and business details. Each application is manually reviewed before the contractor is marked as verified.

Does forwarding cost anything?
No. Forwarding your report to contractors is free for homeowners. Contractors pay for lead access on their side.