Good repair quotes come from good photos. Shoot the damage in daylight, take one wide shot showing the whole panel and one close-up of the damage itself, and hold the camera steady. Two or three angles help a repairer judge depth. That's usually enough to get an accurate fixed price without an in-person visit.
Why the photo matters
A repairer quotes from what they can see. Clear, well-lit views help them judge the repair method and scope; a blurry or incomplete view may require follow-up questions or an on-site check.
The three shots to take
- The whole panel — stand back so the repairer can see which panel it is and where the damage sits.
- The damage close up — fill the frame with the scuff, scratch, dent or wheel, close enough to see its depth and edges.
- An angled shot — take one from the side. Dents and scratches show up at an angle in a way they don't face-on.
Getting a clear image
- Shoot in daylight if you can — natural light shows the real colour and depth.
- Clean the area first so dirt isn't mistaken for damage.
- Hold the phone still and let it focus before you tap — sharp beats close.
- Avoid harsh direct sun or your own shadow across the damage.
- For alloys, get down to the wheel so you're level with the kerb damage.
What repairers look for
A repairer is judging three things from your photos: how big the damage is, how deep it goes (has it broken the paint or just marked the surface), and where it sits on the panel. The wide shot answers the last, the close-up and angled shot answer the first two. Get those and you'll get an accurate quote.