How to photograph car damage so we can quote it properly

Six photos, taken in daylight, and we can usually give you a price without seeing the car. Here's what to take and why each one matters.

1. The wide shot

Stand three or four metres back and photograph the whole side (or front, or back) of the car with the damage in it. This tells us which panels are involved, whether the damage spreads further than you think, and what the car is. One shot per side that's damaged.

2. The close-up

A metre away, straight on to the damage. We're looking at the paint: is it scuffed, scratched through, cracked or flaking? That decides whether it's a polish, a localised repaint or a full panel.

3. The angle shot

Crouch down and take the damage at a low angle so a reflection runs across it (a fence line, a roof edge, the sky). Dents show up in the reflection far better than straight on, and a sharp crease looks different from a soft dent. This is the photo that tells us whether paintless dent removal is an option.

4. The edge or gap

If a door, bonnet or boot is involved, photograph the panel gap next to the damage. A gap that's opened up or closed tells us the panel has moved on its hinges or the structure behind it has shifted, which changes the job.

5. Behind or underneath

For a bumper, a photo looking up at the underside or at the wheel-arch edge shows whether the mounting tabs are broken or the bumper has popped out of its clips. For a guard, open the door and photograph the edge where the guard meets the door.

6. The paint code sticker

Usually on the driver's door jamb, under the bonnet, or in the boot. A photo of the whole sticker (the compliance plate or build plate) gives us the exact colour code, which we need for a colour match.

Tips that make the photos useful

• Daylight, not under a carport light. Overcast is perfect; harsh sun makes reflections that hide damage.
• Wash the area first if it's muddy or dusty.
• Don't zoom, walk closer. Zooming on a phone drops the quality.
• Hold the phone level and tap the damage on screen to focus.
• Landscape orientation for the wide shot; either for close-ups.

What to write with them

Your name and mobile, the car (year, make, model, colour), and one or two lines on what happened: "reversed into a bollard" tells us the likely direction of impact, which helps. Mention if it's an insurance claim. The quote form has fields for all of this and takes up to six photos.

When we'll still need to see the car

Multi-panel damage, anything near a wheel, suspension or the structure behind the headlights, and most insurance claims. We'll say so when we reply, and you can drop in to Moss St six days a week.

It takes two minutes and saves a trip. Send your photos and we'll come back with a price.