Arrange a suitable location
Take photographs only where you can stand safely and have permission to access the vehicle. Use available light and avoid creating reflections that hide the affected area. If the vehicle cannot be accessed safely, ask the shop how it wants to arrange an assessment.
Show the vehicle and the area
Include an overall view, the affected side and closer views of visible damage. Keep enough surrounding detail to identify the panel. Photograph more than one angle where practical, and check the images before sending them so the shop can understand their context.
Add the useful background
Provide the vehicle year, make and model, a short description of what happened and any relevant previous repair. Explain what you have observed without claiming a diagnosis. Ask the shop which additional information it needs and use its preferred contact channel.
Confirm the next step
Ask whether the images support a preliminary discussion or whether the shop needs to inspect the vehicle. Clarify appointment and estimate arrangements before making plans. Photographs do not show every possible issue, so agree how further findings and approvals will be handled.
Find local options in our body shops directory. Read comparing collision repair estimates for another step in your plan.
Published 2026-11-02 · reviewed with each rebuild, last November 2026.
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