Car Damage Estimate | See Your Repair Cost in 30 Seconds | Otto
Car Damage · Free Estimate

Car Damage Estimate: See Your Repair Cost

Upload a photo of the damage and see what the repair should cost in about 30 seconds. Photo tips are below.

Free · No account needed · Independent of any insurer

Whatever happened to your car, a fender bender, a parking lot ding or a key scratch, Otto shows you what the repair should cost before you call anyone.

1,400+Drivers a month
~30 secPer estimate
$0Always free
As seen on CBS Los Angeles · Repairer Driven News · Autobody News
01

Damage we estimate

Collisions

Fender benders, rear-end hits and side impacts.

Parking lot damage

Door dings, shopping cart dents and hit-and-runs.

Paint damage

Scratches, key marks and paint transfer.

Bumpers

Cracks, scuffs and minor impacts.

Debris

Fallen branches and road debris on body panels.

Needs a shop

Frame, mechanical and glass damage need an in-person inspection.

02

How to get the best estimate

Better photos, better estimates.

Two angles

One straight on, one from the side at about 45 degrees.

Daylight

Natural light works best. Avoid harsh shadows and night shots.

The whole area

Include the full damaged section plus some undamaged panel for scale.

Close-ups

Add a close-up of deep scratches, cracks or dents so depth shows.

03

What happens next

  1. Your estimate, instantly. A price range based on your photos, with the damage listed out.
  2. A shop connection, where we have one. In Southern California, a vetted Otto partner shop near you, usually within a business day. See all our shops.
  3. Your choice. No obligation. Use any shop you want, use the estimate with your insurer, or keep it for reference.

Filing a claim or paying yourself? Compare the two with our claim vs. out-of-pocket guide.

04

Common questions

How accurate are Otto's AI estimates?
Otto prices your repair the way a body shop does. The AI reads your photo to identify each damaged panel and what it needs (repair, refinish or replace), then applies real labor hours to current body, paint and structural labor rates for your area, and adds parts and materials. Those hours and rates come from real shop estimates, and we calibrate the price ranges against what shops actually charged. A photo can't show hidden damage behind a bumper cover or panel, so a shop's final number can move once parts come off.
What happens after I get my estimate?
The estimate is yours to keep and use however you like: for your own planning, for a conversation with your insurer, or to take to any shop. Where Otto has a partner shop nearby, we'll also connect you with it, usually within a business day. There's no obligation and no account to create.
Is Otto really free?
Yes. Otto is free for vehicle owners. Otto is paid by the shops and partners you choose to work with, never by you. There are no hidden fees or obligations.
What types of damage can Otto estimate?
Auto body damage: dents, scratches, bumper damage, paint damage and collision damage to body panels. Frame, mechanical and glass damage need an in-person inspection.
Do I have to use one of Otto's partner shops?
No. You're free to take your estimate to any shop you choose or use it with your insurance claim.
How do I know the shops are trustworthy?
Every partner shop has agreed to help with your insurance claim, work with any insurer, tow your car in and offer rental car discounts. If something goes wrong, reply to any Otto email and we'll follow up with the shop. You can see every partner shop in our SoCal shop directory.
Is my information secure?
Yes. Your photos and personal information are stored securely. We share your contact details with a shop or partner only when you ask us to connect you, for example by submitting a form. Our privacy policy has the details.

Hit while parked? Read someone hit my parked car. Want typical prices? See collision repair costs in 2026.

See what your repair should cost

Free, about 30 seconds, no account needed.

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