Blog Post

What’s the worst thing that can happen during the shipping of your car, truck, or SUV? Damage. Even the most skilled and experienced vehicle transporters occasionally encounter this issue. It might stem from an accident caused by another driver, or unexpected weather conditions like hail may damage your vehicle. Windblown debris could also strike your car. Alternatively, inadequate research might lead you to choose a subpar auto transporter. So, what steps should you take if your car sustains damage during transport?

Safeguard Yourself from the Beginning

Preparing for potential vehicle damage begins well before any incident occurs. Before handing over your keys to the carrier, thoroughly document the condition of your vehicle. Inspect external parts for both functional and cosmetic issues, check interior components for damage, and ensure all windows and sunroofs are securely closed. Examine moving parts like windshield wipers, tires, wheels, and headlights for any operational problems. Note any existing issues and take multiple photos of your vehicle from various angles.

The driver will also perform an inspection of your vehicle before loading it onto their trailer. They need to verify its condition, mobility, and suitability for transport. Don’t be alarmed if the driver appears meticulous; this thoroughness is essential. Conversely, be cautious if the driver conducts only a superficial check, as a detailed assessment is crucial. They may also photograph any existing damage to confirm it was pre-existing.

After these inspections, you and the driver should reconcile your notes to ensure mutual agreement. You will both then sign a Bill of Lading, sometimes referred to as a Condition Report. This document serves as a formal acknowledgment of the vehicle’s condition at pick-up and marks the transfer of responsibility from you to the driver.

Journeying Forward

Transport services should promptly inform you, the owner, of any known damage, such as accidents or incidents, that occur during transit. This includes situations where the carrier is affected by severe weather events like tornadoes or hurricanes, as well as reportable accidents and incidents, such as multi-vehicle collisions or hitting a low-clearance bridge. A responsible vehicle transport team will ensure these issues are communicated immediately, avoiding any surprises upon delivery.

Delivery Inspection

Upon the transport’s arrival at the designated drop-off point, you’ll need to inspect the vehicle once it’s unloaded and the keys are in your possession. At this moment, the car should be parked and stationary, and the carrier driver will no longer need to operate or handle it.

Together with the driver, conduct a thorough inspection. Compare any previously noted damage to ensure it hasn’t worsened and check for any new issues. Pay close attention to the sides of the vehicle, which are vulnerable to scratches during loading and unloading. Examine beneath the bumper for any scratches or dents that might result from improper ramp usage. Inspect the roof for dents or scratches that could be caused by a hydraulic deck, and be aware of any fluids or debris that might fall from a vehicle above onto the roof, hood, or trunk.

Both you and the driver should verify everything against a copy of the Bill of Lading (BOL) from the start of the trip. Ensure there is no new damage indicated on the BOL. If you sign the BOL without noting any potential new damage, you forfeit the right to file a claim. Do not accept delivery of your vehicle until all issues are documented and the driver acknowledges any potential claims.

Resolving Issues

If damage occurs during transit, it is the carrier’s responsibility to address and resolve any issues. Often, carriers prefer to settle damage claims directly and promptly, as this can resolve the customer’s issue without resorting to an insurance claim. While this immediate action might seem costly for the carrier, it can prevent higher long-term insurance expenses. In such instances, once you accept the carrier’s compensation, you will likely need to sign a waiver indicating you will not pursue further claims for this transaction.

In the uncommon event that the carrier opts to involve insurance, typically for more significant damage, it is crucial to have your pick-up notes and Bill of Lading (BOL) ready. These documents serve as proof that the damage was not present when the vehicle was transferred to the driver. The signed BOL confirms that both you and the driver documented the condition at delivery. Following this, the matter will rest with the insurance company to settle the claim.

Do i have to pay for auto transport if my car is damaged?

Auto transport can be a convenient and efficient way to move your car from one place to another. However, many people wonder if they will have to pay for auto transport if their car gets damaged during the process.

The short answer is yes, you may have to pay for damages that occur during auto transport. This is because most auto transport companies operate under a limited liability policy, which means they are only responsible for a certain amount of damage or loss that occurs during the transportation of your vehicle.

To understand this better, let’s take a closer look at how auto transport companies work. When you book an auto transport service, you will be asked to sign a contract with the company. This contract will outline all the terms and conditions of the service,

I Didn’t Realize!

Perhaps you felt pressured to quickly sign off on the BOL, or you accepted delivery at night or in adverse weather, rushing through your inspection. Now, days or even weeks later, you’re noticing damage that may have escaped your attention initially.

Regrettably, the situation isn’t in your favor. Once the BOL is signed, any subsequent damage discovered is no longer the carrier’s responsibility. Without clear evidence that the damage occurred during transit, it could be attributed to a parking lot mishap, a bump from a shopping cart, or a neighbor with parking challenges. The carrier cannot be held accountable unless it can be definitively proven that the damage resulted directly from the transport.

Consider Final Alternatives

In rare cases, the carrier’s liability insurer might deny your claim despite having sufficient evidence. If the insurer rejects your claim, consider these last-resort options worth exploring:

Submit a Complaint to the FMCSA

You can file a complaint against the auto transport broker and carrier with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Although the FMCSA cannot force the insurance company to compensate you, it can investigate the auto transport company and impose penalties if any wrongdoing is found.

Submit a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau

Submit a complaint to the Better Business Bureau or any professional organization associated with the auto transport company. While these organizations, like the FMCSA, cannot directly alter the outcome of your claim, they can exert pressure on the carrier to find a resolution.

Explore Legal Action

Litigation is typically not advisable due to its time-consuming, costly, and stressful nature. However, it might be worth considering as a last resort if your vehicle has sustained significant damage.

Choose a Safe Auto Transportation Company

Partnering with a reputable and insured auto transport team like Safe Car Hauling minimizes the risk of damage to your car, truck, or SUV. We understand how much you value your vehicle, which is why we collaborate with top carriers renowned for delivering vehicles safely and without damage. Our commitment ensures an exceptional experience, transporting your vehicle to its next destination without flaws from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about working with our team!