Having an accident while driving on the road is like a nightmare. In such a situation, people often get nervous and start getting worried after seeing the damage done to the vehicle. But instead of panicking, this is the time when you should act wisely and with a cool mind. A small carelessness on your part can become a big hindrance in getting the insurance claim, or can even get the claim rejected.
Nowadays almost all insurance companies use digital claim process, where the photos and videos given by you become the biggest basis for getting the claim passed. If you prepare digital evidence (Photos & Videos) properly on the spot, your claim will be approved immediately without any hassle. Let us know what important rules should be followed while making photo-video from mobile after an accident. Important rules for making photos and videos for insurance claims-
1. Start with a wide angle shot (show the whole picture)
Often people take photos of only that part where the dent or scratch has occurred. This is the biggest mistake. First of all, stand a little distance away from the vehicle and take a wide-angle shot, in which your vehicle, the other vehicle (if there is a collision) and the surrounding environment are clearly visible. This helps the insurance surveyor to understand where and under what circumstances the accident actually occurred.
2. Close-up shots (details of damage)
After taking a wide shot, move closer to the affected part of the vehicle. Take close-up photographs of the area where there is a dent, scratch or damage. Take photographs from different angles, so that the depth and severity of the damage is clearly visible.
3. Pictures from all four corners (360-degree view)
Insurance companies want to ensure that there is no previous dent in the vehicle. Therefore, take pictures of all four corners of your car (Front, Back, Left, Right). Even if the damage is only to the front bumper, taking photographs of the rear and sides makes the claims process transparent.
4. Use 'panning' technique while making videos
Not just photos, a short and clear video helps in getting the claim passed without any doubt. Do not rotate the mobile too fast while recording video. Make a video by slowly panning the camera around the entire location and the car. In the video, the number plate and the dented part of the vehicle should be visible continuously in the same frame, so that it can be proved that the video is of the same vehicle.
5. Include number plates and landmarks
The number plate of your vehicle should be clearly visible in the photo and video. If possible, capture a milestone, signboard, shop or street name in the background. This makes it easier to verify the location of the accident.
6. Take special care of lighting
If the accident has happened at night, then use the mobile flashlight or take the photo in the light of the vehicle headlight/street light. Insurance companies may consider blurry or dark photographs as suspicious and stop the claim.
Important advice: Do not move the vehicle from the spot immediately after the accident until you take photos and videos (if there is no traffic jam). Before sending the car to the garage, immediately register a claim with these proofs on the insurance company's app or customer care. Also, if necessary, file an FIR.