I filed a claim for a smashed fog light. Turo denied it. Why? “The pre-trip photos did not clearly show the condition of the fog light.” I had taken 10 photos of the car, but none were close enough. In 2026, the AI algorithms require specific angles. If you miss one, you have zero coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Quantity AND Quality: 50 blurry photos are useless. You need roughly 20-25 specific, high-resolution shots.
- The “4 Corners” Rule: You need a 45-degree angle shot of each corner. This covers the bumper and the side panel in one shot.
- Roof and Rockers: These are the most missed areas. Guests stand on rockers and drop luggage on roofs.
- Dash Cluster: You must prove the mileage and fuel level, plus the absence of warning lights.
The “Why”: The Burden of Proof
The contract states the host must prove the damage did not exist before the trip.
If you have a photo of the front of the car, but it’s from 10 feet away, and the damage is a 2-inch crack, the adjuster will say “Photo inconclusive.” You lose.
The Investigation: The Perfect Checklist
I analyzed the requirements for “Snapsheet” (the software many insurers use).
The Essential 20:
- Front Full
- Back Full
- Driver Side Full
- Passenger Side Full
5-8. The 4 Corners (Close up on bumper corners)
9-12. Each Wheel/Rim (Close up for curb rash) - Roof (from a high angle)
- Front Windshield (Close up)
- Interior Front Seats
- Interior Back Seats
- Dashboard (Engine running – Odometer/Fuel)
- Trunk/Cargo Area (Lift the mat – show spare tire/kit)
- Under Front Bumper (Get low – show scrapes)
- Keys (Show both keys if applicable)
Comparison: Photo Strategy
| Type of Photo | Turo Claim Value |
| “Artistic” Angled Shot | Low |
| Flat Profile Shot | Medium |
| Close-Up of Rim | High (Essential for Curb Rash) |
| Under-Bumper Shot | High (Essential for Parking Blocks) |
| Video Walkaround | Medium (Turo app prefers photos; video is good backup) |
[IMAGE: A “Photo Guide” infographic showing the ghost outline of where to stand for the 4 Corner Shots]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Clean the Camera Lens: Blurry photos get denied by AI bots automatically. Wipe your phone lens.
- Shoot in Sunlight: Night photos are almost useless unless under floodlights.
- Upload to Turo App: Do not just keep them on your phone. If you lose your phone, you lose your coverage. Upload them to “Trip Photos” before the key handoff.
- Take “After” Photos Immediately: You have 24 hours to file a claim. Take the exact same 20 photos at drop-off to create a “Before/After” slider for the adjuster.
FAQ
Can I use a video instead?
You can, but Turo’s claim interface is built for photos. A video is hard for an adjuster to scrub through. Use photos as primary, video as backup.
Do I need to photograph existing damage?
YES. Put a piece of tape or a finger next to existing scratches and photograph them closely. This protects you from the guest claiming “that was already there” about new damage.
What if it’s raining?
Dry off the car if possible. Wet cars hide scratches. If you can’t, take extra close-ups and note the weather.