I’ve actually run into this with my ‘89 SL. The analog odometer is tough to photograph clearly, especially in low light or if there’s any glare on the glass. I’ve had a couple of submissions questioned—not outright rejected, but they asked for a retake. It’s a bit frustrating since the numbers are legit, just hard to capture. I do wonder if some insurers are stricter than others about photo quality or if it’s just luck of the draw with who reviews your submission. Honestly, I wish they’d accept a quick video instead... would make things easier for those of us with older cars.
Yeah, those analog odometers are a pain to photograph, especially if the numbers are kind of tucked in or the glass is scratched. I’ve had to do the whole “move your phone around until the glare disappears” routine more times than I can count. One trick that sometimes helps: turn on your car’s interior lights instead of using your phone flash. The light’s softer and you get less reflection. I agree, a video would be so much easier—just pan across the dash and done. Some insurers seem pickier than others, but I guess it depends who’s checking that day.
I’ve had to wedge my phone between the steering wheel and the dash just to get a shot where you can actually read the numbers. The glare is brutal, especially on sunny days. Honestly, I wish they’d just let us text in the number—feels like they make it harder than it needs to be.
I hear you on the glare—my dashboard turns into a solar flare every time I try to snap a pic for these insurance apps. But honestly, I kinda get why they want the photo instead of just letting us text in the numbers. If it was just a text box, I bet people would fudge their mileage left and right. Not saying I would, but... you know, temptation is real when you’re staring at those premiums.
That said, the struggle is real. Last time I tried, I ended up with a blurry shot of my knee and half the steering wheel. Maybe they could meet us halfway and let us upload a video or something? Or at least give us a “glare mode” filter like Instagram does for bad lighting. Until then, I guess it’s me vs. the sun every renewal period.
That said, the struggle is real. Last time I tried, I ended up with a blurry shot of my knee and half the steering wheel.
Yeah, I’ve been there. I swear, every time I try to get a clear pic, the sun’s either blasting right onto the dash or my phone decides to focus on literally anything except the odometer. I get why they want proof, though. If it was just a number entry, I’d be tempted to shave off a few miles myself, especially since my rates are already sky-high from a couple of tickets. Not worth risking more trouble, but I get why people might.
Honestly, I wish they’d make it easier for folks who actually care about doing it right. Like, maybe let us upload a short video where we pan from the VIN to the odometer? That way they know it’s legit and not just a random photo from Google or something. Or at least give us some tips for getting a good shot—like, “hold your phone at this angle” or “try at this time of day.” Right now it’s just trial and error, and half the time I’m sweating bullets hoping the app accepts my blurry mess.
I also wonder if these apps realize how different dashboards are. My old car’s got this weird curve over the gauges, so unless I’m basically sitting in the passenger seat, there’s always a shadow or glare. I’ve even tried using a piece of paper to block the sun, but then I’m juggling my phone, keys, and paper like some kind of circus act.
I do think the photo thing keeps people honest, but it’s definitely not foolproof. I’ve heard of people rolling back their odometers (which is wild to me), so maybe nothing’s totally secure. Still, I’d rather jump through a few hoops than pay even more because someone else is gaming the system.
Anyway, here’s hoping they come up with something less frustrating soon. Until then, it’s me vs. dashboard glare, round 47...