Good Photos Get More Accurate Estimates

A clear, honest process that helps you get a fair collision repair estimate.

How to Take the Best Photos for Your Estimate

Get a fair, complete estimate by showing your damage the right way.

Good photos are the foundation of an accurate repair estimate. The better your photos, the more your insurance company or estimator can see, and the harder it is for them to miss or underwrite your damage. Follow these simple steps and you’ll capture your car like a pro.

1. Clean the Car Before You Shoot

Dirt, road film, or shadows can hide small dents and scratches.
Give the damaged area a quick rinse or wipe-down so everything is visible.
You don’t need a full wash — just make sure the surfaces are clean and reflective.
If the car is wet, dry it off so glare doesn’t block the view of the damage.

2. Pick the Right Lighting and Background

Take photos in daylight, but avoid harsh sunlight.
Morning or late afternoon light works best.

Do not shoot under bright midday sun — it makes reflections and shadows that hide damage.

If it’s dark, use soft lighting or a flashlight angled from the side.

Make sure the background is simple and not distracting (driveway, parking lot, or garage is fine).

3. Take These 10 Key Shots

These are the angles real estimators use. Follow this checklist, and you’ll give us everything we need to identify and document all visible damage.

Full vehicle shot – front angle
(Shows overall condition and how the damage fits into the car’s layout.)
Full vehicle shot – rear angle
(Same reason, from the opposite corner.)
Close-up of damaged area
(About 2–3 feet away; fill the frame with the damage.)
Extreme close-up
(8–12 inches away; capture cracks, paint chips, or gaps in panels.)
Side profile
(Shows panel alignment and any pushed-in areas.)
Top-down angle
(Useful for hoods, roofs, or trunk lid damage.)
Tire-to-tire shot of the damaged side
(Shows how the body lines flow and whether the structure is bent.)
Photo of VIN label
(Usually on the driver’s door jamb — confirms exact vehicle build.)
Odometer reading
(Shows mileage, which can affect parts and repair options.)
Interior shot if airbags deployed
(Only if safe — don’t sit inside if the car is unstable.)

4. Take Extra Photos if You See This

Flaked or peeling paint – shows impact area spread.

Broken or cracked lights – take a close-up and wide shot.

Misaligned gaps between panels – shows movement or hidden damage.

Undercarriage or wheel area damage – squat and shoot level with the tire.

Any leaking fluid – back up and capture where it’s coming from.

These shots help prove what can’t be seen from one angle.

5. Check Your Photos Before Uploading

When your photos are ready, upload them using our secure form on the EstiVerify website. You can also email them to [email protected] with your name, phone number, and claim number in the subject line. Once we receive them, one of our certified estimators will review your images, match them against OEM repair data, and start building your detailed estimate report.

Pro Tip: Show, Don’t Explain

Words can be misread ... photos can’t.
When an adjuster sees clean, well-lit photos that show full context and detail, it’s harder for them to argue about what’s damaged or “not visible.”
That’s how you get a better, more accurate estimate.

Bottom Line

Good photos protect you.
They show the truth, prevent missed repairs, and make your estimate stronger.
Follow these steps, and your images will tell the full story — clearly and professionally.
You’ll have what every good estimator wants: the complete picture.

Pro Techniques: Capture Damage Like a Professional Estimator

If you want to go beyond the basics, a few simple tools can help make your photos look like they were taken by a professional. Tools like a line board or contour gauge make subtle dents, ripples, or misaligned panels easier to see in your pictures. A line board uses reflected stripes to highlight surface distortions, while a contour gauge copies the shape of a bent edge or curved panel. When you include these reference shots, our estimators can see the full shape and depth of the damage — even the details that normal lighting can hide. This extra clarity helps us write a more thorough, accurate estimate that reflects the real work needed to restore your vehicle properly.