Binding auto coverage shouldn’t be a hassle.
Whether you are insuring a personal family car or adding a new truck to your commercial property photo guide, carriers need to see the vehicle. They need proof of its condition, the VIN, and the current mileage.
But submitting the wrong photos means delays. It means underwriters kick the application back. It means waiting longer to get your vehicle on the road.
Here is exactly what you need to photograph to get your auto coverage approved on the first try.
The Golden Rules of Vehicle Photos
Before you walk out to the driveway or the fleet lot, keep these three rules in mind.
Use your cellphone. Carriers require the built-in timestamp metadata embedded in smartphone photos to verify exactly when the image was taken.
Keep it recent. All photos must be taken within the last 14 days of submitting your application.
No internet photos. Images sourced from dealership websites, Carfax, or stock photo sites are strictly prohibited. You need current, original photos of the actual vehicle.
Required Exterior Photos
Park the vehicle in a well-lit area with enough space to walk around it. Capture these specific angles.
The Front View
Stand back far enough to get the entire front of the vehicle in one frame. Ensure the front bumper, grille, and windshield are clearly visible.
The Back View
Walk to the rear of the vehicle. Capture a clear, complete view of the back, including the rear bumper, trunk/tailgate, and license plate if one is attached.
The Driver Side
Photograph the entire driver side of the vehicle from bumper to bumper.
The Passenger Side
Photograph the entire passenger side of the vehicle from bumper to bumper. Carriers need a full 360-degree perspective to assess the exterior condition.
Required Interior and Detail Photos
The exterior only tells half the story. You also need to document the vehicle’s identification and mileage.
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Take a clear, close-up photo of the VIN. You can usually find this on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Make sure the numbers are legible and not blurry.
The Odometer
Turn the vehicle on so the dashboard lights up. Take a clear photo of the odometer showing the current mileage reading. This confirms the mileage declared on your application.
Specialty Vehicles and Additional Requirements
Some vehicles require additional photos beyond the standard set.
Classic and Collector Vehicles
For agreed value or stated value coverage on a classic car or collectible, your carrier will typically need interior shots, engine bay photos, and photos of any custom modifications. These help establish the agreed value and document the vehicle’s condition.
Vehicles with Existing Damage
If the vehicle has pre-existing damage – a dent, a cracked bumper, a chipped windshield – photograph it clearly and document it on your application. Carriers will not cover pre-existing damage, and clear documentation protects both parties.
Commercial Fleet Vehicles
Fleet vehicles may require photos of company branding or lettering, cargo areas, and any specialized equipment installed on the vehicle.
What to Do With the Photos
Send them to your broker directly in their original, unedited format. Do not crop, filter, or compress the images. The embedded timestamp metadata must remain intact.
If you are working with Falcon West, you can email them to hello@falconwest.com or drop them in a shared folder if one has been set up for your account.
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Questions? Email hello@falconwest.com
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