Collision estimates
Which photos make a preliminary collision estimate more useful?
Clear photographs help a shop understand visible damage and prepare the next step. They do not replace inspection, but the right framing prevents important context from being lost.
Published August 26, 2026 · Calibri Motorsport editorial team
Start wide
Take one full-vehicle photograph from enough distance to show the damaged side and its relationship to the rest of the vehicle.
Add straight-on views
Photograph every visibly damaged panel, bumper, lamp, wheel, tire, edge, and nearby gap. Keep the camera steady and avoid extreme angles.
Include a three-quarter view
A wider diagonal photograph often shows depth and how several damaged areas relate to one another.
Capture warnings safely
If the dashboard displays a warning, photograph the exact message. Do not include login screens, personal account details, insurance documents, registration, payment information, or identity documents.
Use clean, even light
Daylight or even shop lighting works best. Clean the lens and avoid filters, annotations, or effects that cover the damage.
What photographs cannot show
Hidden damage, internal mounting conditions, parts requirements, and final repair cost may become clear only after inspection or disassembly.