If your car gets damaged during transport, don’t panic. There are clear steps to protect yourself and your vehicle. While most shipments go smoothly, accidents and mistakes can happen. A driver may hit rough weather, or a car might not be secured properly. Even a small scratch or dent can feel stressful when it happens to something as valuable as your car.
Your car is more than transportation. It’s an investment, and when it’s in someone else’s hands, you want to know you’re protected. This guide focuses on trust and security, showing you how to ship a car to another state, document damage, file a claim, and understand your coverage.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
In this guide, you’ll find answers to the biggest questions car owners ask:
What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?
How do I file a claim and get compensated?
What steps should I take to lower my risk before shipping?
Overview
Before Shipping: Protect Yourself Early
The best way to handle car shipping damage starts before your vehicle even leaves your driveway. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your investment.
Do a thorough inspection: Walk around your car and check for dents, scratches, or paint chips. Write everything down. Pay attention to details like mirrors, bumpers, and wheels since they’re more likely to get hit.
Take clear photos: Use your phone to snap pictures from every angle. Include close-ups of any existing marks. These photos serve as proof of your car’s condition before transport.
Review the Bill of Lading carefully: This document works as both a receipt and a condition report. Make sure every detail about your car’s condition is correct before you sign it. If something appears to be incorrect, request that the carrier update it immediately.
Taking these simple steps before shipping gives you strong evidence if your car is damaged during transport. It puts you in control from the start.
During Transport: What Could Go Wrong?
Even when you prepare, things can still happen while your car is on the road. Most carriers do their best to deliver without issues, but a few risks are always present.
Weather conditions: Storms, hail, or flying debris can damage cars during long trips. Open carriers, while affordable, leave vehicles more exposed to the elements.
Accidents on the road: Like any driver, carriers can face unexpected accidents. Even minor collisions can leave dents or scratches on a transported vehicle.
Improper loading or unloading: Cars must be secured correctly on the trailer. If straps or ramps aren’t handled properly, the vehicle can shift or scrape against other cars.
Carrier communication: If something does go wrong, professional carriers will contact you right away. They’ll explain what happened and how they plan to handle it.
Delivery Inspection: Spotting Issues Fast
The delivery inspection is your chance to confirm your car arrived in the same condition it left. Take your time with this step because it matters.
Inspect the car carefully: Walk around the vehicle and check every side. Look for scratches, dents, or broken parts that weren’t there before. Don’t rush, even if the driver seems in a hurry.
Compare with your photos and the Bill of Lading: Pull up the pictures you took before shipping and match them against the car’s current state. Use the Bill of Lading as your official checklist.
Don’t sign too soon: If you spot damage, note it directly on the Bill of Lading before signing. Signing without recording the issue can make it harder to file a claim later.
By inspecting right away, you protect yourself from disputes and have clear evidence if you need to report damage.
Filing a Claim: Your Action Plan
If your car is damaged during transport, act right away. Quick action keeps the process smooth and helps you get compensated faster.
Contact the carrier immediately: Call the transport company as soon as you notice the damage. Let them know what you found and that you’re filing a claim.
Gather your documentation:
The Bill of Lading with the damage noted
Photos of the vehicle before and after shipping
Repair estimates from a trusted shop
Follow the claim process: Carriers have their own claim procedures. Some may handle everything through their insurance, while others ask you to submit documents directly. If the carrier’s coverage isn’t enough, you may need to involve your own auto insurance policy.
Handling the claim step by step gives you the best chance of a quick and fair resolution.
Insurance and Liability Explained
Insurance coverage for a damaged vehicle during transport depends on the type of insurance in place. Knowing what’s included helps you avoid surprises.
Carrier insurance: Most carriers carry a vehicle transport damage insurance that covers shipping damage, but this coverage may have limitations or exclusions. For example, some policies may not pay for weather-related damage.
Your personal insurance: If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your auto policy may help if the carrier’s coverage falls short. It’s a good backup when disputes happen.
Supplemental coverage: For added peace of mind, you can buy extra protection. Programs like AmeriFreight Auto Transport’s AFTA plan cover certain out-of-pocket expenses.
What If the Carrier Refuses to Pay?
Sometimes a carrier may deny responsibility for the damage. If that happens, you still have options.
File a complaint: You can contact the Better Business Bureau or your state’s transportation authority. Both can put pressure on the carrier to respond.
Seek legal help: If the damage is serious and the carrier won’t cooperate, a lawyer experienced in transport claims can guide you through the next steps.
Strengthen your case with documentation: Keep all photos, inspection notes, the Bill of Lading, and repair estimates. The more proof you have, the harder it is for the carrier to avoid responsibility.
Taking these actions gives you a stronger chance of getting your repair costs covered, even if the carrier refuses to pay.
Preventing Future Problems
You can’t stop every risk, but you can lower the chance of auto transport damage with smart choices before you ship.
Choose a reputable, insured carrier: Work only with licensed companies that carry proper insurance, and research reviews and ratings before booking.
Consider enclosed transport: For high-value or classic cars, enclosed transport provides more protection than open carriers. It shields vehicles from weather, road debris, and other hazards.
Repairing Your Car After Damage
Once your claim is approved, the focus shifts to fixing your vehicle. The right approach saves time and money.
Get multiple estimates: Visit more than one repair shop. Different shops may give very different prices for the same work.
Decide on repair type: Cosmetic damage, like scratches or small dents, may not affect performance but can hurt resale value. Performance-related repairs, such as alignment or suspension issues, should be handled right away.
Find a trusted repair shop: Choose a shop with solid reviews and experience handling transport-related repairs. A reliable mechanic will explain the damage clearly and help you decide what work is necessary.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Car Every Step of the Way
Car damage during transport can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and quick action, you can stay in control. From pre-shipping inspections to filing a claim, each step you take makes the process easier. And by choosing a reliable partner like AmeriFreight Auto Transport, you gain the extra security and peace of mind that your vehicle deserves.
Take The Worry Out Of Car Shipping
With AmeriFreight Auto Transport, you get more than just a car shipping broker. You get protection, support, and peace of mind that comes from more than two decades of industry experience. From careful carrier vetting to optional gap coverage with the AFTA plan, we’re here to help you prepare, prevent, and handle anything that comes your way.
Get your free instant quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?
The carrier is usually responsible. You’ll need to note the damage on the Bill of Lading, take photos, and file a claim.
Who pays for car shipping damage?
Most carriers have liability insurance that covers transport damage. Coverage may have limits, so review the policy and think about extra protection like AmeriFreight’s AFTA plan.
Should I use my personal auto insurance if my car is damaged during transport?
In many cases, the carrier’s insurance will cover it. If not, your own comprehensive or collision policy may apply.
How does vehicle shipping impact car value depreciation?
Vehicle shipping impacts car value depreciation by preventing extra mileage and avoiding wear from long drives, while also reducing risks of scratches, dents, or weather damage that can lower resale value.
How can I prevent damage during car transport?
Choose a licensed, insured carrier. For high-value cars, use enclosed transport. Clean your vehicle, remove personal items, and take photos before shipping.
What if the carrier refuses to pay for damage?
You can escalate by filing complaints with the BBB, contacting your state’s transportation authority, or seeking legal help. Keep thorough documentation to strengthen your case.
