What to Do If Your Car Is Damaged During Shipping (Step-by-Step)

Damage during car shipping is uncommon — the vast majority of vehicles arrive exactly as they left — but it does happen, and the difference between a smooth claim and a frustrating one comes down to a few things you do at pickup and delivery. Here’s exactly what to do, and how to make it very unlikely in the first place.

First, how often does this actually happen?

Rarely. Cars are loaded and secured by professionals every day without incident. But trailers share the road with rocks, weather, and traffic, so a chip or scuff is always possible — which is why every reputable shipment is documented and insured. Treat the steps below as cheap insurance, not a reason to worry.

Prevention starts at pickup

Your protection is built before the truck ever leaves:

• Wash the car so existing marks are visible.
• Do a joint inspection with the driver and make sure every existing scratch, dent, and chip is noted on the Bill of Lading (BOL) — this is the legal condition report for your shipment.
• Take date-stamped photos and a video from every angle, including close-ups of wheels, bumpers, and the roof. Keep your copy of the signed BOL.

Choosing the right company up front matters too — vetted, insured carriers are how you avoid the operators behind most car-shipping scams.

At delivery: inspect before you sign

This is the most important moment. Before you sign the delivery BOL:

• Walk the entire car in good light. If it’s dark or raining, that’s a reason to be extra careful — do your best and note the conditions.
• Compare against your pickup photos.
• If you find new damage, write it on the delivery BOL before signing and have the driver acknowledge it. Photograph the damage and the noted BOL.

Signing a clean BOL means you accepted the car as undamaged — so never let the driver rush you past this step.

If you find damage: step by step

1. Document it on the BOL at delivery and take clear photos.
2. Notify us right away. We help you identify the responsible carrier and start the claim.
3. File against the carrier’s cargo insurance. Provide the BOLs (pickup and delivery), your photos, and a repair estimate.
4. Keep records of every call and email, with dates.
5. Follow up until it’s resolved — we stay in it with you.

How carrier cargo insurance works

Every legitimate carrier must carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle while it’s in their care. That coverage — not your personal auto policy — is the primary path for a transit-damage claim. For the full breakdown of what’s covered and how to verify it, read our car shipping insurance guide.

The best protection is choosing well

Most damage headaches trace back to an unvetted, underinsured carrier booked purely on the lowest price. Booking with a company that screens carriers and confirms active insurance is how you avoid the problem entirely. See how to evaluate companies on our auto transport companies compared page.

Frequently asked questions

What if I notice damage after the driver leaves?

It’s much harder to claim once you’ve signed a clean BOL, which is why inspecting before signing matters so much. If it happens, contact us immediately with your photos — we’ll advise on options.

Does my personal auto insurance cover shipping damage?

The carrier’s cargo insurance is primary. Some personal policies add a layer, but you shouldn’t rely on that — verify the carrier’s coverage first.

How long does a claim take?

It varies by carrier and the damage, but thorough documentation (BOLs, photos, estimate) is what moves it fastest.

Ship with carriers we actually vet

Honest, all-in pricing with licensed, insured carriers — $0 upfront, no spam. Get your instant quote, or call (713) 766-6633.