Car Damaged During Transport? Here’s What to Do

On a vacation, relocation, or a business trip, cars have become an essential part of each person’s life, and no one is willing to leave them behind, no matter how short their leave is. The need for auto transport companies and their convenient shipping services have become unparalleled in the last decade, especially with the car prices decreasing and accessibility to most US citizens.

Despite the transport services’ popularity and saleability, many people still prefer the traditional way of driving and delivering their car to the required destination; it’s to ensure the vehicle will be in good hands and arrive safe and sound. People still doubt the reliability of auto transport companies and try to avoid collaborating with them as much as possible to avoid having their cars damaged during transport.

But things aren’t like some people think; if a client had their car damaged during transport, there’re many things to do to compensate for the harm. What happens if a vehicle is damaged during transport, and how to avoid this unpleasant scenario? Here’s all that a car owner should know. 

Learning about the company’s policies is a must

Terms and conditions for inspections and damage claims differ from one auto transport company to another. So, before handing a car’s key to any carrier and trusting them with it, a client must know how the company deals with car damage during transport, what kind of damages they cover, and what insurance policies they follow.

But, in general, auto transport companies’ insurance doesn’t cover loose parts damage, lost personal belongings, mechanical damages, or undercarriage issues.

How to spot new damages 

Policies of all auto transport companies require clients to run a full inspection of their car before shipping. This inspection usually takes place when the carrier driver picks up the vehicle. A client and a driver inspect the car’s body and note all external damages in the Bill of Lading (BOL.). The record could be by writing down notes or taking pictures and videos; it’s up to each client’s preferences and the company’s regulations.

Once both the client and the driver have a clear idea about the existing damages and everything is documented in writing or pictures, there will be no chance of a mistake. The car owner can compare their car’s post-shipping state with the pre-shipping one reported in the BOL.

What to do if you find a new damage

Once the driver delivers the car to the client, the latest must inspect it fully by looking at its roof, doors, windows, etc., and compare its current state with the pre-shipping one. If the client finds any new damage the company covers, they must immediately inform the carrier driver to write a new report to file an insurance claim.

How to minimize the chances of car damage during transport 

Hiring an experienced auto transport company

Car damage during transport is usually the result of insufficient planning and an inefficient workforce. So, picking a company known for providing high-quality services is the first step towards guaranteeing the shipped car the utmost safety.

Super Auto Transport  is among the market’s most well-known and seasoned auto transport companies. Its wide network of carriers and customer service agents have never failed to provide the most trustworthy service each client looks for.

Transporting the car in an enclosed trailer

A skillful carrier driver will try their best to deliver the shipped cars exactly like their pre-shipping state, safe and sound. However, the weather conditions, road hazards, and sudden natural disasters are in no way controllable.

So, car owners, on their part, have to go the extra mile to rest assured that nothing will harm their dear cars. And that’s by opting for the most secure auto transport method, the enclosed carrier. An enclosed carrier is a hard box that comfortably contains up to six medium-sized cars, protecting them from all hazardous external elements.  

Ably preparing the car for shipping

No auto transport company, no matter how professional, will take responsibility for clients’ neglect and irresponsibility. A client has to deliver their car fully ready and prepared, and that’s to minimize the chances of any damage. Preparing a vehicle for shipping involves removing personal items to avoid theft or loss. A car owner must also secure the vehicle by locking its doors to prevent vandalism. Emptying the gas tank and addressing mechanical issues or leaks also guarantee the car’s safety.

And to be able to document the car’s pre-shipping state, a client has to clean their vehicle by removing all dust and dirt piled on the car’s body, hiding existing scratches, bores, and rust.

The bottom line 

When dealing with a trustworthy auto transport company like Super Auto Transport, the possibility of having a car damaged during transport is minor. But getting to know the process in detail and being supplied with sufficient knowledge to act the right way in case damage occurs is worth it. 

Remember, proper car preparation and collaboration with a professional company are key to a successful, safe shipment.