Over 150,000 vehicles are shipped each month (not including new vehicles), and the vast majority are delivered free of any damage. Nevertheless, damage does occur during some shipments. So, it is good for you to be properly prepared when shipping your car.
Your first step is to carefully inspect your car upon delivery in a place that well-lit enough to see any potential damage. (Some car carriers have been known to deliver a vehicle when it is dark if there is some damage they hope you will over look.) You want to look for dents, scratches, broken glass, and any other potential damage that may have occurred while shipping your car. Be sure to inspect the roof and under the front and rear bumpers, which are areas that are frequently overlooked.
If you identify any damage, record it on the Bill of Lading, which is sometimes called the Original Inspection Report. Any damage that was identified by the driver at the time of pick-up should already be recorded on the Bill of Lading. Of course, you should only report new damage to your car or truck. Once any damage is noted, have the driver of the car carrier sign it before they depart. This is critical, because you have little recourse if the driver does not sign the document before departing.
Finally, contact your car shipping company. You will need to provide them with a copy of the Bill of Lading (be sure to keep one for yourself as well) and photographs of the damage your car has sustained. They may also request body shop estimates for repairing the damage.
A reputable shipping company will want to resolve the matter with you as quickly as possible in order to avoid any complaints or bad reviews. However, 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.
MoveCars.com is a directory of car shipping companies . Since 1997, MoveCars.com has been providing a comprehensive directory of car shipping companies, including international, motorcycle, and enclosed car transporters , as well as car shipping tips for first-time car shippers.