Which photos improve the calculator result?
Good damage photos help bring the calculated price as close as possible to the final repair price. A consistent set of four photos shows the location, scale, shape and surrounding area clearly, allowing a specialist to verify that the correct parts and repair work were selected.
- Around 90% accurate on average
- Overview per part
- Specialist photo review
A concrete calculation in one minute
- With complete and correct input, the calculated price is on average about 90% aligned with the final repair price in our practical experience.
- Every selected part and repair action directly affects the amount.
- Photos allow a specialist to verify that the input matches the visible damage.
- The largest differences arise from omitted damage, a damage level selected too low or hidden technical damage.
The four photos you usually need
1. Vehicle overview
Photograph the complete side or corner so the damage location is clear.
2. Full damaged panel
Include the complete door, wing, bumper section or other panel.
3. Close-up
Capture scratches, paint breaks, cracks, dents and distortion without digital zoom.
4. Reflection photo
Shoot along the surface at an angle to reveal dents and waves.
For damage across several panels, repeat the panel and detail photo for each affected part while keeping the overall location clear.
Lighting and background
Even daylight is usually best. Hard sunlight can overexpose reflections and deep shadows can hide scratches or dents. A reasonably clean vehicle and calm background make contours easier to read.
Use flash only when the image would otherwise be too dark. On glossy paint, direct flash can create a bright white spot; move slightly sideways and shoot at a gentle angle.
Photos for different damage types
| Damage | Extra photo | What to show |
|---|---|---|
| Dent | Angled reflection from two directions | Show whether the paint is intact and whether a sharp crease is present. |
| Scratch or paint damage | Close-up without flash plus the full panel | Show whether the scratch has penetrated the paint layers. |
| Bumper damage | Lower edge and connections to adjacent panels | Capture gaps, loose corners and visible mountings. |
| Several panels | One overview plus each panel separately | This helps identify combined repair work. |
| Hail damage | Reflections across a larger area | Individual close-ups often fail to show the total spread. |
Common upload mistakes
- Uploading only an extreme close-up without location context.
- Taking photos in a dark garage with heavy shadows.
- Using digital zoom until the detail becomes soft.
- Photographing a wet or heavily dirty vehicle.
- Covering the damage with a hand, ruler or label.
- Showing only the paint mark while leaving panel gaps and mountings out of frame.
Review the photos on your phone before sending them. If you cannot immediately tell which part is shown, the specialist may have the same difficulty.
An efficient upload process
Take the photo set before startingThis avoids going back outside halfway through the calculation.
Select all damaged parts firstThis makes it easier to match photos to panels.
Upload the clearest imagesFour strong photos are better than ten almost identical ones.
Request a specialist reviewThe specialist compares the photos with the selected repair route.
Photos and privacy
Avoid prominently showing people, documents, house numbers or other unnecessary information. The vehicle registration may be relevant to vehicle selection, but other personal information does not need to appear in the damage photos.
Only upload images of the vehicle for which you are requesting the calculation and follow the file-format instructions shown by the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos should I upload?
Four good foundation images are usually a strong start. Add panel and detail photos for each additional damaged part.
Should I hold a ruler next to a dent?
It can provide extra context, but do not cover the damage. Overview and reflection photos are more important.
Can I take photos at night?
You can, but even daylight usually provides a more reliable image. Avoid harsh flash reflections on glossy paint.
What if the damage is barely visible in a photo?
Take an angled photo from another direction and use reflections from a light line or surroundings to reveal the distortion.
Calculate your vehicle damage
Enter the vehicle registration, select the damaged parts and receive a concrete repair calculation with a price for each damaged part. Add photos when you want the calculation reviewed by a specialist.
With complete and correct input, the calculated price is on average about 90% aligned with the final repair price in our practical experience. The amount may change when damage was omitted, classified incorrectly or only becomes visible after dismantling.