Thousands of vehicles are shipped each day without incident. However, damage does occasionally occur. So, it is good for you to be properly prepared.
Your first step is to carefully inspect your vehicle upon delivery. Be sure to inspect it someplace that is well-lit. (Some auto haulers have been known to deliver a vehicle at night if there is some damage they are hoping you will over look.) It is critical that you identify any damage before the driver departs. You should check for dents, scratches, broken glass, and any other possible damage that may have occurred during car shipping. Areas that are frequently overlooked are the roof and under the front and rear bumpers, so don’t forget to check those as well.
If you identify any damage, record it on the Original Inspection Report, also known as the Bill of Lading. Any damage that was identified on pick-up should be identified on this report as well. Of course, you should only report any new damage. Once damage is noted, have the driver of the auto hauler sign it. You have little recourse if the driver does not sign the document before departing.
Finally, contact your car shipping company. They will likely request a copy of the Original Inspection Report and photographs of the damage to your vehicles. You may also need to provide body shop estimates for repairing the damage.
A reputable shipping company will want to resolve the matter with you as quickly as possible. In the event that your shipping company does not respond to your claims, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau located in the company’s primary location.