How Often Do Cars Get Damaged in Shipping?

Worrying about damage costs and the type of coverage needed when shipping your car is natural. You're handing over your vehicle to a transport company and have no idea what could happen during the shipping process.

You may be left wondering, how much damage will your car sustain?

The cold hard truth is that sometimes cars get damaged during shipping, but there are some helpful tips and tricks to avoid this.

Factors That Affect the Risk of Damage During Shipping

Many different things can heighten the risk of damage to a vehicle during shipping. Let's see what factors are the main risks during shipping.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can significantly impact the risk of damage to a car during shipping. Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or snow, can cause hazardous driving conditions for truckers, increasing the chances of accidents or other issues along their route.

It can be a challenging ordeal for truck drivers in these conditions. Debris on the road could puncture a tire or otherwise harm their vehicle, and other elemental factors such as hail or strong gusts could cause damage to the body of the exposed car.

Road Conditions

Road conditions can also play a significant role in the risk of car damage during shipment. Poorly maintained roads and highways are dangerous for truckers, as potholes, bumps, and other road hazards can hinder transportation.

Debris on the can also lead to an increased risk of scratches or dents due to stones or sticks being flicked up from the road.

In the winter or colder months, wet and icy roads can increase the chances of an accident due to less friction and the risk of skidding.

Quality of Loading and Unloading Equipment

The quality of loading and unloading equipment by the auto transport company can significantly impact the risk of car damage during shipping.

Any low-quality or outdated equipment can increase the chance of car damage due to improper handling. Older or run-down equipment also runs a higher risk of mechanical failure.

All auto shipping companies should have adequate quality control measures in place when loading and unloading cars. This could include inspections before and after loading and regular maintenance checks on all equipment used.

Type of Carrier Used

The kind of carrier that is used to transport automobiles can be a significant element in determining the possibility of damage occurring to cars.

Open carriers usually cost less than enclosed trucks, but they also put cars at a greater risk of damage. Enclosed carriers provide a higher level of safety, but in turn, for that, they cost more.

What Types of Damage Are Commonly Seen?

There are many common types of damage, from bonnet dings and dents to other vehicles on the road flicking up road debris.

Let's look at some examples of scratches and scrapes caused by poor loading techniques and more severe issues such as broken axles or wheels.

Scratches and Dents in the Exterior Finish

When it comes to shipping cars, scratches and dents in the exterior finish are common types of damage that can occur. These types of damage typically arise from road debris or poor loading techniques while the car is transported.

Scratches can range from minor surface marks to deeper gouges that require repair. Similarly, dents may range from minor shallow dings to more severe issues, such as caved-in panels or doors that need to be realigned or replaced.

To prevent these types of damage, the shipper must use proper loading techniques and secure all parts of the vehicle properly before transport.

Mechanical Issues from Poor Handling or Vibration During Transport

In addition to scratches and dents in the exterior finish, mechanical issues can arise from poor handling or vibration during transport.

Mechanical problems can range from minor issues, such as loose bolts or fasteners, to more severe cases, like damaged engines or transmissions.

Poor vehicle handling during transport increases the risk of mechanical damage because of the increased vibration and strain on components. Vibration can also cause parts to come loose and cause further damage if they are not appropriately secured before shipping.

Therefore, it's essential for all vehicles being shipped to be inspected before transport to ensure that all parts are securely fastened and in good condition.

Damaged or Missing Personal Items Inside the Vehicle

Sometimes personal items are damaged or go missing while a vehicle is in transit.

Unfortunately, most shipping companies do not cover any damage or losses to personal items within the car.

To avoid this, take extra precautions when packing your sentimental items in the car for transport to prevent potential losses.

Before the vehicle leaves your possession, ensure all valuable items are properly secured and/or removed from the vehicle entirely.

Although there may be no guarantees that your items will remain intact during transit, these steps can help minimize your risk of losing anything valuable during shipping.

Who Is Responsible for Paying for Damage During Shipping?

When shipping a vehicle, be sure to figure out ahead of time who is liable for what payments should any damage occur.

Generally, the carrier is responsible for paying for any damages to the car during transport or insurance companies.

If your vehicle transport company was negligent or poorly handled the vehicle, then they could be accountable for any losses.

Be sure to review your contract with the carrier and know it inside out.

Tips for Minimizing Risk of Damaged Cars During Shipping

Start by researching companies for reviews and customer feedback before selecting one. You must choose a reliable company to avoid any damage in transit.

Reputable auto transport companies will have a good track record and insurance coverage in case of injuries.

Try to take pictures of the car before it gets loaded onto the transporter to help you prove any damage that was done before shipping.

Make sure you have good insurance policies in place for any damage claims.

Make sure to inquire about the auto transport carriers' safety measures and procedures for transporting vehicles.

Preparation is critical when shipping your car, so it's essential to clean out any loose items in the vehicle and secure anything left inside with tape or bungee cords. Be sure to record any damage on the car to have proof if needed later.

It's also essential to document the condition of your vehicle before transport and inspect it thoroughly upon delivery. Select an insurance plan that best meets your needs and provides adequate protection against potential damages or losses during transit.

Wrapping Up

In the end, there is no definitive answer when it comes to shipping cars. Some risks are involved, but the good news is that proper precautions can be taken to protect your vehicle from any potential damage during transit.

Make sure to thoroughly research your chosen shipping provider and take all necessary steps—like packing correctly, ensuring appropriate insurance coverage, and ensuring proper transport conditions—to ensure your vehicle's safe delivery.

A1-Auto Transport makes the transport of cars accessible. We offer an instant quote to compare rates and pick a specific service that fits your budget.