How to Take Good Photos for Your Damage Report

Why Are Good Photos Important?

Good photos are often the most important evidence you attach to the damage report after a traffic accident or a parking incident. The quality of the images affects how quickly and accurately the insurance claim is processed by the insurance company. Uncertain or unclear images can lead to delays or the need to send additional documentation.

Before You Start: Prepare for Photo Documentation

Turn on your hazard lights and ensure it is safe to exit the vehicle. Wipe the lens of your phone, as grease or moisture from rain can reduce image quality. Have paper and a pen ready to note down the registration number, but with Skademeldinger.no you can fill everything out digitally with the other party on the spot.

Do This Before Taking Photos:

• Do not move the cars unless it is dangerous to leave them, or if the police request it (Police).
• Mark the distances between the vehicles as they were after the accident.
• Check the phone's battery and storage space.

Tips on Which Photos You Should Take

The documentation should be detailed enough for the insurance adjuster to understand what happened, even without further explanation.

• Overview Shots: First, take pictures that show the entire situation, both vehicles, and relevant road signs (signals, pedestrian crossings, traffic lights).
• Close-ups of the Damage: Take several close-up shots of all visible damages – scratches, dents, broken glass, rim damage, or paint damage.
• Pictures of the Whole Car: Document the car from all sides to show the extent of the damage and which parts are unharmed.
• Detail Pictures: If the airbag has deployed, take a picture of this. Do the photos show traces of a collision like plastic pieces, fluid spills, or marks on the asphalt? Photograph everything.

Examples of Good Situation Photos:

Overview photos should clearly show both vehicles, the road, road markings, and any obstacles.

How to Take Sharp and Clear Photos

• Ensure daylight – photograph in daylight when possible. In the evening, use flash or the phone's built-in flashlight.
• Keep the phone steady and use both hands, or brace your arm against the car.
• Make sure the photo isn’t blurry or out of focus – double-check the screen before taking more.
• Avoid reflections from sunlight or raindrops; change angles if necessary.

Special Tips for Photos in the Dark or Bad Weather

• Use parking lights, hazard lights, and a reflective vest to make yourself visible.
• If the photos turn out dark or unclear, take more, use flash, or illuminate with another phone.
• Be aware of rainwater and snow – wipe sections of the car before taking close-ups.

Digital Tools Make Documentation Easier

When you use Skademeldinger.no, you can easily upload the photos directly into the digital damage form. This ensures that both you and the other party have the same photo documentation and everything follows the case to the insurance company – without misunderstandings or manual intermediaries. Additionally, both parties can sign digitally on the spot, providing both security and efficiency.

What Photos Does the Insurance Company Need?

The most relevant photos include:

• Overview photo(s) of the entire situation and the placement of the vehicles
• Close-ups of all damages and details
• Photos of registration numbers and any signs around
• Any traces of a collision, oil stains, pieces of plastic, etc.

Remember to include all photos directly in the digital damage report to avoid delays.

Take Photos of Witnesses and Other Relevant Details

If there are witnesses to the incident, you can take a picture of their vehicle and possibly note down contact information directly in Skademeldinger.no. This makes it easier to clarify the case later.

After Photographing: Check the Photos!

Review all photos before leaving the scene. You can take more pictures than you think you need – in digital forms, you can easily choose to exclude those that shouldn’t be sent. The most important thing is to have organized and clear documentation.

Avoid the Mistake Many Make

Some only upload one or two photos, but insurance companies and repair shops often request more and more detailed photos. This way, you avoid being contacted later for additional documentation, and the entire process becomes faster and easier for everyone involved (Police).

Summary: How to Ensure Good Photos

• Take many photos in both overview and close-up, and check that everything is clear.
• Include the surroundings and the registration number on both cars.
• Upload the photos together with the damage report digitally – with Skademeldinger.no, both you and the other party will have the same documentation, ready for further processing.

Digital filling and signing saves you time, reduces the risk of errors, and helps both you and the other party to achieve a fair and efficient resolution. For more advice on handling after a traffic accident, see also Police advice in case of accidents and be aware that terms and conditions may vary between insurance companies.