taking those VIN photos is like playing Twister with your phone... and then you find out you missed a number because of glare or your finger.
That’s honestly the most accurate description I’ve heard. VINs are always in the weirdest spots—half the time I’m convinced they’re hiding them on purpose. The glare thing is real, too. I usually tell folks to try at different times of day or even use a piece of paper to block the sun, but it’s still a pain.
I get what you mean about the checklist, though. They do try to make it “simple,” but sometimes it ends up feeling like a scavenger hunt. If it helps, I always recommend double-checking each photo before sending—zoom in, make sure every digit is clear, and don’t be afraid to take a few extras just in case. It’s tedious, but it can save you from having to redo stuff later.
It’s not just you—everyone finds this process frustrating. But once you get through it, things usually move along a lot smoother. Hang in there; you’re definitely not alone in feeling like you’re back in school with an assignment due.
Honestly, the VIN photo thing drives me nuts too. Here’s what I tell people: wipe the windshield first (smudges make it worse), use your phone’s flash even in daylight, and take at least three shots from slightly different angles. If you can’t read it, neither can we. It’s not rocket science, but it’s way more annoying than it should be.
If you can’t read it, neither can we. It’s not rocket science, but it’s way more annoying than it should be.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I think the VIN photo thing is a necessary evil. I’d rather spend an extra minute making sure it’s clear than risk someone else misreading it and messing up my claim. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I’ve seen what happens when there’s a typo or a wrong digit—suddenly you’re chasing paperwork for weeks.
That said, I do wish insurance companies would give better instructions upfront. Half the time people don’t even know where to look for the VIN or why it matters so much. And sometimes those windshields are scratched up or foggy from the inside—no amount of wiping helps. I’ve had to crawl halfway into my car before just to get a halfway decent shot.
It’s definitely not rocket science, but it feels like they could make this part of the process less of a pain. Maybe an app that guides you through it or something? Anyway, just my two cents...
Honestly, you nailed it about the VIN photos. It’s tedious, but a blurry shot or wrong digit can stall everything. I’ve seen claims delayed for days over a single typo. Clearer instructions would help, but until then, double-checking saves headaches later.
WHY DOES FILING A TOTAL LOSS CLAIM FEEL LIKE HOMEWORK?
That’s exactly it—one wrong digit and you’re stuck waiting for someone to notice. I’ve had adjusters call me back three times just because the VIN was hard to read. Maybe if they let us upload a video instead of a photo, it’d be less hassle? The process just feels unnecessarily picky sometimes.
