How to Improve a Car Insurance Settlement with Photos

The old adage, a picture is worth a thousand words, is also true when it comes to filing a claim on your auto insurance. In fact, pictures that document an accident or damage to your car could be worth a thousand dollars or more in a settlement. You don't have to hire a professional to record the evidence. Just follow the steps outlined below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Disposable camera

1. Take pictures of your car before you get into an accident. The principle is pretty basic. Simply take a few snapshots of the exterior of your car from every angle and a few snapshots of the interior of your car from every angle.

2. Carry a disposable camera in your car at all times. You never know when you'll need it. If all else fails, use your camera phone to record the scene.

3. Photograph the damage to your car and any other car involved in the accident.

4. Take pictures of the scene of the accident if possible. Take shots from about 30 feet, 15 feet and 5 feet away from the scene. Include pictures of the exact location of the accident and the road conditions.

5. Make copies of the photos for your insurance company and for the insurance company of the other drivers involved in the accident. Hang on to the negatives and to the original photos.

6. Send the photos to the insurance companies to prove how much damage your car suffered.

7. Use close-ups of the damage to enhance how much damage was done to your car. If there's damage under the hood, take photos of that damage in particular to show exactly which parts of your car will need replaced and how much it will cost to replace them.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to take pictures of any injuries to yourself and any passengers in your car. This can greatly improve your car insurance settlement.