My Insurance Gave Me a Photo Estimate, Now What?
If you’ve recently been in an accident and filed a claim, your insurance company may have requested photos of the auto damage to provide a Photo Estimate or even an AI or Artificial Intelligence Estimate. This is a quick and easy way to get an auto claim started and get payment issued, it provides a basic repair estimate. It can create unrealistic expectations about the timelines for repairs and even repair cost. Here’s why—and what you need to do to ensure your car is properly repaired.

1. Photos Can’t Capture Hidden Damage
Modern vehicles are designed with layers of parts and structural components, meaning what looks like a simple bumper dent could hide frame or other structural damage. A few photos won’t reveal:
- Internal structural damage behind panels
- Sensor and electrical malfunctions (especially in newer vehicles with advanced driving systems)
- Alignment or suspension issues that affect handling and safety
Without a hands-on inspection, often including a dis-assembly, insurance estimates based only on photos can underestimate the true cost of repairs.
2. Insurance Companies Provide Initial Simple Estimates
Insurance companies use photo estimates as a starting point, providing a document to confirm coverage and claim communication channels. They are looking to capture the scope of work needed, not necessarily everything needed to complete a repair. This can help streamline the claims process on their side, but it may not account for all necessary repairs and procedures for a complete repair to your vehicle. As a result, additional damage found during the repair process may require further approval, which can extend the timeline and rental car costs if applicable.
3. Parts Pricing and Options
At Bumper to Bumper Body & Paint, we prioritize the use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to maintain the integrity, safety, and value of your vehicle. However, we understand that the choice of parts ultimately belongs to you.
Insurance companies often source alternative parts from nationwide vendors and they may not be available in our local market, short term pricing guarantees, or they may not factor in shipping. Because these parts are selected through large parts sourcing databases they may not always be the correct match for your vehicle either. We will work directly with you to ensure that the parts used in your repair meet the highest standards for safety, performance, and long-term reliability. Your vehicle deserves the best, and we’re here to make sure it gets it.
4. Supplements Are Normal in Collision Repairs
A supplement is an additional request for repair costs once hidden damage is discovered. At Bumper to Bumper Body & Paint, we work with insurance companies to submit supplements, ensuring your vehicle gets the complete auto body repairs it needs.
5. Why a Professional In-Person Estimate Matters
While photo estimates can provide a starting point, they should never be the final say in your repairs. A proper in-person inspection at a trusted body shop allows:
✅ A thorough damage assessment beyond what’s visible in photos
✅ Identification of safety concerns insurance might overlook
✅ A more accurate repair estimate, reducing surprises
What Should You Do?
- If your insurance requests a photo estimate, it is your choice to submit the photos but don’t stop there.
- Bring your vehicle to Bumper to Bumper Body & Paint for a professional assessment.
- If it isn’t safe to drive, call us we can tow it to our facility.
- Let us handle the insurance process and assist to help ensure all necessary repairs are covered.
- Remember – It is YOUR CHOICE where you repair your vehicle.
Your Safety & Vehicle Value Matter
At Bumper to Bumper Body & Paint, we prioritize transparency & quality auto body repairs. Don’t settle for an incomplete photo estimate—bring your car to us for a thorough evaluation and expert auto body repairs.