Filing an Auto Transport Damage Claim

How to File an Auto Transport Damage Claim?

In the vast majority of instances, your auto transport experience will go smoothly and your vehicle will not be damaged at all during the transportation process. When auto transport damage does happen, it's usually not the driver's fault but is due to forces that are mostly out of their control.

However, given the small chance that it does occur, you will want to make sure that you know how to address it and deal with it, including proactively so that you don't suffer any financial damages.

Take a Proactive Approach

You do not want to be placed in a situation in which you have to try to prove that the damage to your vehicle occurred during the transportation process. That's why you need to make sure that you inspect your vehicle fully both alone and with your driver once he or she arrives for the vehicle pickup for any damage that may already exist. You should take pictures of the exterior and interior of the vehicle as further proof of its state, which can come in handy later. Before the driver takes off, both of you should sign an initial inspection report.

What to Do Once the Vehicle is Delivered

After the vehicle is delivered at its destination, a second inspection will occur. You or someone you trust should be there at the time of delivery and should inspect it thoroughly in front of the driver. Don't wait until later, as that will lead to you having a harder time proving that the damage was done during the transportation process. Inspect each and every part of the vehicle with the driver and immediately let him or her know if you spot anything. Once again, also take pictures and make sure that the driver acknowledges the damage and signs a damage inspection report.

Act Fast in Filing a Claim

You will only have 30 days after the vehicle has been delivered to file a damage claim. You should actually do it as soon as possible, even within a few days after delivery. If you procrastinate and wait longer than 30 days, you probably won't be eligible to receive any monetary compensation and will be stuck paying for the repair bill yourself.

You should contact the auto transport broker to explain the situation to them with your order number. Depending on the severity of the damage, they will either pay for it themselves or will go through their insurance company. If you provide them with the inspection report that states the damage and is signed by the driver, as well as with visual proof, that should be enough for you to win your claim. Once you submit all of this to them, you don't have to do anything else except to wait for them to contact you.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we are always fair and honest in how we treat our customers. If you have any questions about how to file a damage claim and/or how the process works, we'll be happy to help. Make sure to contact us today for your free no obligation quote!