Shots to take

Photo log

#
1
Date
Area
Rear seat
What it shows
Stain from spilled drink
#
2
Date
Area
Rear footwell
What it shows
Damp carpet under mat
#
3
Date
Area
What it shows
#
4
Date
Area
What it shows

When a log helps

A photo log is useful if you file an insurance claim, dispute a charge with a rental company, sell the car, or hire a detailer who needs to know what happened. It also helps you remember details later, such as which seat the spill was on or how long the carpet stayed wet.

Keep original photos with their dates. A short note per photo is enough.

Keeping it simple

  1. Make an album

    Create a phone album named with the date and incident.

  2. Add a note

    Write one line per photo in the log or the photo caption.

  3. Store receipts with it

    Keep cleaning and repair receipts in the same place.

Labeling photos clearly

Each photo should answer where, what and when. A note like rear passenger footwell, damp carpet under mat, found Sunday morning is far more useful later than an unlabeled image. Take a wide shot first to show location, then a close-up to show detail. If you are documenting for an insurer or rental company, add the date and time to the log even if the photo has it, since metadata can be lost when files are shared. Store the log and photos together, backed up somewhere other than your phone, so they are available if the question comes up months later during a sale or claim. If you sell the car later, the same log helps you answer a buyer's questions honestly and shows that a past problem was handled properly.

Common questions

Do I need video?

A short walk-around video is a good extra, but photos are easier to reference.

Should I photograph the car's exterior too?

Yes, if exterior damage caused the odor, such as hail, a broken window or a collision.

What if I already cleaned before taking photos?

Photograph what remains and write down what you saw and removed while it is fresh in your mind.

General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.