Documents and photo checklist for EU accident claims
A clear, complete set of photos and details speeds up any insurance claim. Insurers need to see what happened, who was involved, and what was damaged — and the easier you make that, the faster you get an answer. Use this checklist on the scene so nothing is missed before vehicles are moved or details slip from memory.
Photos
- Vehicle positions and overall scene (wide angle, before anything is moved)
- Damage close-ups for each vehicle (every dent, scratch, broken light)
- Licence plates and road signs (clear, readable shots)
- Driver documents if needed (licence, insurance certificate, registration)
Details & documents
- Names, phone numbers and email addresses for both drivers
- Vehicle registration numbers and VIN if available
- Insurers and policy numbers for both drivers
- Country codes and a contact email for report delivery
Practical tips for photos
- Lighting: shoot from the shadow side so your phone does not silhouette the damage. Use a flash for dark scenes and wipe the lens.
- Angles: take close, wide and side-on shots of each vehicle. A top-down photo (e.g. from a kerb or higher position) helps reconstruct the layout.
- Plates close-up: get a sharp, readable photo of each vehicle's licence plate before anything is moved.
Practical tips for documents
- Where to find the VIN: usually visible at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, or on the driver's door frame. The vehicle registration document also lists it.
- Where to find the policy number: on your insurance certificate or in your insurer's app. Keeping a digital copy on your phone means you can read it out even if the paper version is at home.
- Use a contact email you actually check: insurers often send claim updates by email. A personal address you read daily is safer than a work or shared address you might miss.
Related guides
- How to fill the European Accident Statement
- Cross-border accident in the EU: what to do
- Neutral steps to start an insurer claim
- If the other driver refuses to sign
FAQ
What photos should I take?
Take wide-angle shots that show vehicle positions and the wider scene, close-ups of every area of damage, clear shots of each licence plate, and pictures of any relevant road signs. Move around the scene before anything is moved — more angles are better than fewer.
Which documents do I need?
Driver licence, vehicle registration, insurance policy details, Green Card if applicable, and a contact email for delivery. Both drivers should swap registration numbers and insurer details on the spot.
Do I need a sketch?
Yes. Sketch where each vehicle was, the direction of travel, and the exact location on a map. Minsas guides you through placing vehicles A/B, adding directions, and picking the location.
How many photos should I take?
Take multiple angles of each vehicle, close-ups of damage, the wider scene, road signs and licence plates. More is better — choose the clearest ones when you submit to your insurer.
Do photos from a phone camera suffice?
Yes. Ensure good lighting and sharp focus. Include context shots and close-ups, and use a flash if it is dark. Wipe water or dirt off the lens before shooting.