A better record
starts with better photos.

01 / Set up the shot.

• Use daylight or even lighting. Avoid deep shadows, glare, and reflections that hide the surface.
• Clean your lens. Hold the camera steady and check that each image is in focus.
• Keep the vehicle stationary in a safe location. Do not move or dismantle damaged parts just to get a photo.
• Preserve the original files. Do not use filters or edits that change the appearance of the damage.

02 / Show the whole vehicle.

Take front, rear, left-side, and right-side views, plus corner views where safe. Leave enough space around the vehicle to see where the damage sits.

Record the make, model, year, and relevant vehicle details accurately. If you photograph a VIN or odometer for your records, keep identifying information private and share only when needed.

03 / Move from wide to close.

1. Context: show the entire affected side or corner.
2. Panel: include the full damaged panel and adjacent seams, lights, or trim.
3. Detail: capture scratches, cracks, dents, missing pieces, and gaps from multiple angles.
4. Scale: when safe, include a ruler or another clear size reference without covering the damage.

A shallow angle can make a dent easier to see. A straight-on view helps show location. Include both rather than choosing just one.

04 / Keep observations separate.

Note when the damage was documented and describe only what you know. Identify known pre-existing damage separately. Don’t treat a photo as proof of when or how damage occurred.

Keep any incident notes and existing records for your own review. Do not include unrelated people, personal documents, or sensitive information unnecessarily.

05 / Review before you rely on it.

Check that the photos match the vehicle and clearly show the affected areas. Then review the AI-assisted estimate for errors, missing visible damage, and assumptions that need checking.