Digital Photography Hacks [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

Hack 81 Rental-Car Tips and Other Auto Hacks

A camera phone can help you prove that you
didn't put those dents in a rental car. And if you
do get in an accident, it can document what really
happened.

As you've probably figured
out, many camera-phone hacks are also appropriate for regular digital
cameras. What makes your camera phone unique is that you probably
have it with you in some odd situations, such as when
you're renting a car or find yourself involved in a
fender bender.

7.8.1 Rental-Car Checkout

At most rental-car shops, an agency rep walks around the automobile
with you before sending you off into the world. This is a great time
to pull out your camera phone and photograph any scratches or dents
he points out. Be sure to get his hand in the picture to make an
identifying element that is unique to that car.

Then take a few more shots: one from the front, looking down one side
of the car, and another from the back, looking up the other side. Be
sure to get the license plate in at least one of these pictures.
Also, get one full shot of the agency rep standing next to the
automobile. Work quickly, so that you don't
interfere with the regular flow of business.

When you return the car to the lot, take your basic photos again to
prove that you returned it in good shape. Be sure to get at least one
shot that shows where you are, and if there's an
agent accepting the return, get him too. This documents that you
returned the car in good shape.

7.8.2 Fender-Bender Documentation

Nobody likes being involved in a fender bender, but they happen all
the time. After you've interacted with the other
parties and exchanged insurance information, pull out your camera
phone and snap a few pictures like the one in Figure 7-13.

Figure 7-13. Quick documentation of a fender bender

First, record the overall scene, including the placement of vehicles,
damage incurred, debris in the roadway, skid marks, and anything else
that looks important. Also try to photograph the point of impact,
especially if one of the cars crossed a centerline or barrier.

You can even be a good citizen and take some pictures as a witness of
an accident you weren't involved in. Then, contact
the police department and let them know what you have.

7.8.3 Timestamp

In any of these scenarios, send at least one picture via email to
yourself to create a reliable timestamp of
the event. With rental cars, you can prove that on this particular
day this car was in good shape. As for the fender bender, by sending
an email minutes after the event, you can help establish when the
accident actually happened.

Nobody wants to have rental-car hassles or incur damage to their car,
but if trouble arises, your camera phone can help establish the facts
and help resolve the situations quickly and accurately.