Free Car Damage Documentation Resources

Start with a repeatable inspection

Walk around the vehicle once before the handoff and once after it returns. Capture wide shots of every side, the wheels and glass, then take close-ups of any existing scratch, dent, chip, or curb rash. Keep the photos in their original order and make a note of the location, date, and time. The goal is not to predict a dispute. It is to make the record easy to understand if one occurs.

Use the templates below as a starting point, then adapt them to the vehicle and the handoff. They are educational resources, not legal advice or a substitute for an insurer's requirements.

Free templates and checklists

• Valet damage claim letter template
• Rental car inspection checklist
• Car damage photo guide
• Car condition report template
• Valet dispute email template

Turn the checklist into a record

Templates make it easier to know what to capture. CarShake helps organize the capture itself by guiding a before-and-after sequence at the handoff. Review the walkthrough, then use the free proof tool when you are ready to document a vehicle.

For the clearest comparison, use similar lighting and angles at both stages. A quick walkaround takes less time than searching through an unorganized camera roll after a problem is reported.