What to Do If Your Car is Damaged in Transit

What to Do If Your Car is Damaged in Transit

While very unlikely, there have been times when a vehicle is damaged in transit, most likely minor damage that occurs during the vehicle loading and unloading process from the auto carrier. Before confirming a shipment, we always encourage shippers to do their research and check out the broker’s reviews and customer testimonials to reduce this risk.

Below are the steps you should take before your vehicle is picked up along with what to do if you encounter any damage to your vehicle. Please keep in mind that minor pebbles or road hazards that occur as if you were driving the car are not typically covered by the carrier’s insurance company.

  1. Conduct a strong pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and take photos of the car’s current condition.
  2. Sign and keep a copy of the Bill of Lading when the driver picks up your vehicle.
  3. Request a copy of the driver’s insurance when he picks up your vehicle.
  4. Do not cancel your auto insurance; keep it active throughout the duration of the vehicle’s trip.
  5. Upon delivery, take photos of your car’s condition to compare from the pre-trip photos.
  6. If you notice damage, make sure to document the damage on the Bill of Lading and have the driver sign it to acknowledge the damage. Let the driver know you’ll be filing a claim for the repair.
  7. File a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to the pre & post-trip photos, the BOL that the driver signed and the auto carrier’s insurance information.
  8. Your insurance company will handle the claim and assist you in having your vehicle repaired and the claim paid.
Bill of Laden

Above is an example Bill of Lading that the driver will fill out upon picking up your vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.