Every professional mobile detailer needs a consistent pre-service vehicle inspection process. Without one, you're one difficult client away from a dispute you can't win. This checklist covers everything — from the exterior panels to the documentation your client needs to sign — so you have an airtight record before you pick up a wash mitt.

Use this checklist on every job. Click the items below to track your progress.

Interactive Inspection Checklist

Phase 1 — Exterior Panels

Front bumperCheck for chips, cracks, scuffs, and paint transfer

HoodLook for rock chips, scratches, and panel dents

Driver side front quarter panelCommon area for parking lot damage

Driver side door(s)Check door edges and handles closely

Driver side rear quarter panelCheck near fuel cap area

Rear bumperLook for reverse parking damage and tow hitch wear

Passenger side rear quarter panel

Passenger side door(s)

Passenger side front quarter panel

RoofUse a step stool — disputes often start here because clients never look

Trunk lid / tailgate

0 of 11 completed

Phase 2 — Glass & Lights

WindscreenChips and cracks — note exact location and size

Rear window

All side windowsLook for chips in bottom corners

HeadlightsNote oxidation, cracks, or condensation inside

Tail lightsCheck for cracks and stone damage

MirrorsHousing cracks, mirror glass chips

0 of 6 completed

Phase 3 — Wheels & Underbody

All four rims / wheelsCurb rash is extremely common and a major dispute trigger

Tyre sidewallsNote any cuts, bulges, or severe scuffing

Wheel archesStone chips and rust are common here

Sill panels / rocker panelsCheck for scrapes from high kerbs

0 of 4 completed

Phase 4 — Interior (if applicable)

Seat conditionTears, stains, burns, fading

Dashboard and centre consoleCracks, broken trim, sticky residue

Carpets and floor matsNote severe staining or damage before shampooing

Door cards and panelsScuffs, broken handles, worn leather

HeadlinerSagging, stains, or tears

0 of 5 completed

Phase 5 — Documentation

Photographed every damage item found

Described each item with type, location, and severity

Client reviewed all documented damage on your screen

Client signed the pre-service inspection document

Timestamped copy sent to client's email

Copy saved or sent to your own email

0 of 6 completed

Damage Types Reference Guide

When documenting damage, be specific about the type. Vague descriptions don't hold up in disputes. Use these standard categories:

ScratchThrough clear coat only, doesn't catch fingernail

Deep ScratchThrough paint or into primer/metal

Paint ChipSmall area of paint missing, often from stone impact

DentPanel deformation, paint intact

Swirl MarksFine circular scratches visible in direct light

ScuffSurface abrasion, often from contact with another object

Curb RashRim damage from kerb contact

Windscreen ChipGlass impact damage, note size and location

Cracked TrimPlastic or rubber trim damage

OxidationPaint or headlight fading/cloudiness

Photography Tips for Documentation That Holds Up

Always take two shots per damage item — one from 3 feet showing panel context, one close-up showing the damage detail
Use natural light or a torch — flash photography flattens damage and makes it hard to see
For paint defects, angle the light — raking light across the panel reveals swirl marks and fine scratches that disappear in direct light
Don't crop before documenting — the wider shot with recognisable panel features proves which part of which car this is
Check the roof every time — roof damage is the most commonly missed and most commonly disputed because clients rarely look up

The one thing that separates professional documentation from a camera roll of photos: the client's signature. Photos prove you saw damage. A signature proves the client confirmed it was pre-existing. Both together make disputes almost impossible to win against you.

Stop Managing This Manually

Damage Shield replaces this entire manual process. Open the app before a job, photograph each damage item, hand the phone to the client to sign. Both of you get a timestamped PDF with everything documented. Under 60 seconds per job.

Start Free — No Download Needed

Works on any phone. First 5 reports free.