What is photo inspection for car insurance?

Asked by: Prudence Cole  |  Last update: July 2, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (40 votes)

The inspector will take photos of your car, record the number of miles on the odometer, and document other details about the vehicle that might affect repair costs if you need to file a claim. When the inspection is complete, you must sign the report.

Why is insurance asking for pictures of my car?

In the case of a claim, pictures of your car can be used to verify the exact damage caused and estimate your payout amount. In the case of pre-insurance photo inspections, the pictures are used to document any pre-existing damage so that you can't file a fraudulent claim for damage that existed before you got coverage.

How much does a photo inspection cost?

There is no charge to you for the photo inspection, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, including the report and photographs.

What kind of pictures do insurance companies need?

In the case of damage caused by storms or falling trees, many of the photos your insurance company takes will be of the exterior of your home. However, the adjuster will likely wish to take pictures inside the house as well. They will likely be searching for structural damage, leaks, or similar unsafe conditions.

Why does my insurance company want to inspect my car after?

After an Accident: If you file a claim for collision repair, the insurance company will likely want to inspect your vehicle to assess the damage and estimate repair costs.

Which photos to take at the time of Car insurance Inspection?

45 related questions found

How long does an insurance inspection take?

The inspection process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the type of inspection scheduled. During this time, your home inspector will look for potential risks not clearly listed on your application. They'll also adjust your policy if the estimated replacement cost should be adjusted.

How does a car fail inspection?

Common reasons for a failed vehicle inspection include: An active check engine light. Broken headlights and taillights. A faulty gas cap.

What is an insurance photo inspection?

The inspector will take photos of your car, record the number of miles on the odometer, and document other details about the vehicle that might affect repair costs if you need to file a claim. When the inspection is complete, you must sign the report.

Why is Progressive asking for pictures of my car?

Uploading a few photos and/or videos to the Progressive app is a quick and easy way to share your vehicle's damage with your Progressive representative. Once we receive your submission, our team will assess the damage and get back to you with next steps.

Do insurance ask for pictures?

The pre-insurance inspection (or photo audit) is usually required when you first secure your policy. This involves taking photos of your vehicle to document its condition and any pre-existing damage. The post-accident inspection, on the other hand, is used to document damage after a car accident occurs.

Are car insurance photo estimates accurate?

Unfortunately, photo estimates are often notably less compared to the final cost of repairs. Remember insurance adjusters are writing based off what they can see. They cannot crawl under the vehicle or run a diagnostic scan to assess all the damage.

Does Geico ask for a picture of a car?

Give yourself room to move around your whole vehicle so you can take pictures from all sides. Proof of ownership. We need a photo of the vehicle title or registration to verify ownership and issue payment.

What is the meaning of image inspection?

Visual inspection is a technique for detecting defects by using the naked eye to ensure that equipment is working properly or that manufactured products are being made to specification. This can include visual inspections done in person or remotely by using digital images.

How do insurance companies know where your car is?

How do car insurance trackers work? Insurance trackers plug into your car using a port typically found below your steering wheel. This is the same connection that a mechanic uses to read your car's computer data and discover any problems with your vehicle. The insurance company's device also reads your computer's data.

Should I send photos to insurance adjuster?

Sending photos of an accident to your insurance company, especially if you didn't cause it, is something you certainly should do as this can protect you. The burden of collecting evidence to support your auto insurance claim falls to you.

Do car insurance companies look at cameras?

Yes, insurance companies may use video surveillance after a car accident if such footage is available.

What happens if I opt out of Progressive snapshot?

Opting Out

You'll lose any Participation Discount immediately, but keep your standard Progressive rate. If you stop participating more than 45 days after you sign up, we'll remove any Participation Discount immediately and apply a charge when your policy renews.

Why does my insurance company want to inspect my car?

A: A vehicle inspection is done to determine the damage and condition of the vehicle involved in the accident, and to provide evidence to support a personal injury case.

Why is Progressive charging me so much?

If your car insurance goes up for seemingly no reason when you renew your policy, it's likely due to an increase in risk that's outside of your control. This could include reasons like increased claims in your area (due to more extreme weather damage, more accidents, etc.) and higher car repair and replacement costs.

Do I have to pay for insurance inspection?

For insurance purposes, the home inspection cost is typically free to the homeowner and paid by the insurance company requesting the inspection. If you are asked to pay for a home insurance inspection, you may contact your insurance agent or company to find out if this is correct before paying the inspector.

Do carco inspections cost money?

CARCO inspections require fees and often take no more than 15 minutes.

Why do insurance companies take pictures?

Having the insurance company come take pictures or inspect your house is a good thing. They are looking for hazards that could cause a claim or even a lawsuit. The purpose is to protect you better and save you hassle & money in the long run.

How much does it cost to get your car inspected?

The cost of an inspection also depends on the test you need to perform. Some states require both an emissions test and a safety inspection. A full car inspection can take several hours, and you can expect to pay between $50-$200.

What are the three types of vehicle inspection?

There are three types of vehicle inspections – a courtesy inspection, an insurance inspection, and a 12-point inspection. Courtesy Inspection – a visual inspection of common components (such as lights, oil, and wipers).

What happens if you don't get an inspection?

If you waive an inspection, you might lose your right to sue even if the owner did not reveal big issues with the house. In addition, if you agree to buy the home "as is," then you are stuck with it in terms of problems and repairs.