Free Car Damage Photo Guide

Learn how to take car damage photos that insurance companies and valet operators accept without dispute. This guide covers the exact angles and techniques used by professional auto claims adjusters....

Learn how to take car damage photos that insurance companies and valet operators accept without dispute. This guide covers the exact angles and techniques used by professional auto claims adjusters.

Wide shot: stand 6-10 feet from the vehicle and capture the affected area in context. This shows WHERE on the car the damage is located. Take this from both sides of the damage area.

Detail shot: stand 1-2 feet from the damage. Use a flash at an angle to show depth. Include a coin or ruler for scale. This shows the EXTENT of the damage and helps justify the repair cost.

Angle shot: shoot from the side to show the depth and three-dimensional nature of dents and scratches. Professional adjusters use angle shots to determine if repair or replacement is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone's flash?

Yes, but use it thoughtfully. For dents, position the flash at a 45-degree angle to create shadows that reveal the dent's depth. For scratches, direct flash works better to show paint transfer.

Should I take photos in RAW format?

RAW format is not necessary. Standard JPEG from a 12MP+ camera is acceptable. The key factors are lighting, focus, and multiple angles—not file format.

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