How to Photograph Vehicle Damage for SG Insurers While in Malaysia | MyMechanic

Safety first, camera second

• Stabilise: hazards on, triangle on a straight line of sight, stay on the safe side of traffic.
• Control the space: keep traffic‑side doors closed; only step out when safe—evidence matters, but safety comes first.

The 12‑shot foundation set (before anything moves)

• Scene wide: all vehicles, lane markings.
• Second scene angle: opposite corner for depth.
• Each vehicle front: include plates and damage.
• Each vehicle rear: include plates and damage.
• Left side of each vehicle: full length.
• Right side of each vehicle: full length.
• Close‑ups of all damaged points.
• Wheels/tyres: cuts, bulges, bent rims.
• Underbody leak area: drips or puddles.
• Dashboard cluster: warnings, temp, fuel.
• Odometer: current mileage.
• Nearby marker: KM marker or landmark sign.

Upgrade set for complex claims

• VIN areas and stickers: door jamb/windshield tag.
• Interior trim damage: airbags, belts, pretensioners.
• Road context: skid marks, debris, potholes, surface, and weather.
• Impact transfer: paint/material transfer between vehicles.

Lighting and angle tips

• Step back then zoom to reduce distortion.
• Keep main light behind the shoulder to avoid glare.
• Hold the phone level; align with panel lines so gaps are obvious.
• Take “before touch” shots—no straightening parts.

Plates and identifiers

• Plates readable in at least two images (front/rear).
• If positions change, capture plates again at the new location.
• Include side identifiers for bikes/commercials if visible.

If towing is required: document the handover

• Tow truck plate and operator ID.
• Job card: date/time, destination, loading method, signatures.
• Loading setup: ramps, wheel straps, attachment points before tension.

People and privacy

• Keep photos focused on vehicles, roads, and signs; avoid faces and personal documents.
• If someone declines photos of IDs, focus on vehicles/plates and note exchanged details.

File handling and backups

• Shoot in sequence; don’t delete at scene.
• Create folders: Scene, Vehicles, Close‑ups, Documents, Tow.
• Back up immediately (cloud/second device).

Clean captions that help assessors

• “Right rear quarter—dent through paint, bumper misaligned 5–8 mm.”
• “Front left wheel—rim bend at 2 o’clock, tyre sidewall bulge.”
• “Underbody—fresh coolant‑like drip under front right, small puddle.”
• “Scene—KM 213.8 southbound, dry road, light traffic.”

When not to move vehicles before photos

• Multi‑vehicle incidents or visible fluid leaks.
• If final positions show sequence of impacts—document thoroughly first.
• If authorities/organisers instruct otherwise, photograph first, then move.

How MyMechanic helps SG drivers document right

• Checklists by message: what to shoot, in order.
• Evidence‑first towing: loading photos, job card, and destination for a clean paper trail.
• End‑to‑end continuity: from roadside to workshop handover with clear documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions