Totally get where you’re coming from. The hoops they make you jump through are wild sometimes. I remember trying to get a “clear, well-lit” photo of my bumper dent at 7pm in December… yeah, good luck with that when it’s pitch black by 5. Ended up using my phone flashlight and a neighbor’s porch light, which probably made it look even sketchier.
I get why they want all the details, but man, when you’re already dealing with the stress of an accident, it just feels like one more thing piled on. At least you know you’re not alone—seems like everyone’s got a story about insurance photo gymnastics. Hang in there, it does eventually work out (even if your camera roll is now 90% car close-ups).
Yeah, the photo requirements can feel like a bit much, especially when you’re dealing with winter daylight hours. I’ve seen people try everything from car headlights to balancing their phone on a trash can just to get the right angle. It’s not ideal, but I will say, those detailed photos really do help speed things up once they’re in the system. I’ve had claims where someone sent in blurry or dark shots and it just dragged out the process—more back-and-forth, more stress.
That said, I totally get how it feels like one more hurdle when you’re already frazzled. Honestly, I wish there was a better way for folks to submit evidence without feeling like they’re auditioning for a photography contest. Maybe someday the tech will catch up and make it easier... For now, at least you’re not alone with a camera roll full of bumper close-ups and weird lighting experiments.
Yeah, I hear you on the photo thing. Last winter, I had to file my first claim and it was a mess. It was getting dark at like 4:30, and by the time I got home from work, there was barely any light left. I tried using my phone’s flash but all it did was bounce off the snow and make everything look worse. Ended up dragging a lamp outside and almost slipped on the ice just trying to get a clear shot of my bumper. Felt ridiculous.
Honestly, I get why they want good pics, but sometimes it feels like they’re expecting everyone to have pro gear or something. I get that blurry photos slow things down, but not everyone’s got time to set up a whole photoshoot after an accident, especially when it’s freezing out. Maybe they could at least give some tips for getting decent shots in bad lighting? Or just accept that not every photo’s gonna be perfect.
Anyway, my claim took forever because my first set of pics were too dark. Had to redo them and wait for the next day. Just added more stress to an already crappy situation. I’m with you—wish there was an easier way. For now, guess we’re all stuck with weird car selfies and hoping for the best.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I think the photo thing is kind of fair—at least from their side.
I mean, if they can’t see the damage clearly, it’s just more back and forth for everyone. I usually keep one of those cheap headlamps in my glove box (learned that trick after a flat tire at 10pm in Idaho), and it’s saved me more than once. Not perfect, but better than dragging a lamp outside and risking a slip. Maybe not ideal, but beats waiting another day.“I get that blurry photos slow things down, but not everyone’s got time to set up a whole photoshoot after an accident, especially when it’s freezing out.”
I get the need for clear photos, but honestly, in some situations it’s just not safe or practical. If it’s pouring rain or there’s traffic whizzing by, I’m not going to stand around fiddling with a flashlight and my phone. Sometimes you just have to do your best and hope the insurer gets it.
