How many pictures do you need?

For a normal collision, thirty to fifty. They cost nothing and you cannot go back for the one you missed.

My phone is old. Is the quality good enough?

Almost certainly. Daylight and steady hands matter far more than the camera. Get closer rather than zooming.

Can I send them by WhatsApp?

Yes — send as file where possible so the resolution is preserved. If the set is large, send it in batches; we would rather have too many than too few.

Printable checklist: the photograph protocol

A remote assessment is only as good as the pictures it is built on. This is the set we ask for, in the order that works, and it takes about ten minutes.

Context first

The vehicle from all four corners, whole vehicle and ground in frame.
Where it stands: the yard, the street, the campsite pitch, the parking space.
The scene, if you are still there: lane, markings, signs, direction of travel.

The damage, three steps per area

Wide: where on the vehicle the damage is.
Medium: the whole damaged area.
Close: every deformation, crack, paint break — with something for scale where size is not obvious.
Underside where accessible, wheels and tyres on the impact side.
Engine bay; deployed airbags and interior if they went off.
Any fluid on the ground.

Identification — without this a report cannot be tied to your vehicle

Number plate.
VIN plate.
Odometer with the ignition on.
Registration document.

Finally

A short video walking once around the vehicle.
For a camper: roof from above, rooflights, vents, air conditioning, solar panels, awning rail.
For a motorcycle: both sides, front end straight on, the gear and the helmet.

What ruins the evidence

Washing the vehicle — dirt patterns and transferred paint are evidence.
Repairing or "tidying up" before assessment.
Sending screenshots instead of the original files — a screenshot loses the resolution and the date, time and location information.
Direct sunlight on paint damage, and flat midday light on hail damage.

Frequently asked questions

How many pictures do you need?: For a normal collision, thirty to fifty. They cost nothing and you cannot go back for the one you missed.
My phone is old. Is the quality good enough?: Almost certainly. Daylight and steady hands matter far more than the camera. Get closer rather than zooming.
Can I send them by WhatsApp?: Yes — send as file where possible so the resolution is preserved. If the set is large, send it in batches; we would rather have too many than too few.