October 11, 2022

What to Do If Your Car Gets Damaged During Auto Transport

It can be more than a little nerve-wracking to hand the keys to your vehicle over to an unknown car transport company. The good news is that millions of cars are transported across Canada yearly, and damage during auto transport is very rare. However, that doesn’t mean the damage never happens.

Accidents or events outside a car transport company’s control can cause your vehicle to arrive at its destination damaged. However rare, this type of situation is understandably frustrating for vehicle owners who now need to navigate the process of vehicle repairs and assign financial responsibility.

Here is what you can do in the unlikely event that your car is damaged during auto transport and the steps all vehicle owners should take before a car transport company picks up your ride.

Research Car Transport Companies Before Selecting a Carrier

Due diligence is crucial for a hassle-free auto transport experience. Before choosing a carrier, research car transport companies in your area, ensuring to read multiple reviews, preferably from more than one source. Few car transport companies will have all 5-star reviews but pay attention to what customers are saying and how the business owners handle concerns.

Before Pick Up, Do A Thorough Inspection and Document Damage

All car transport companies will ask you to sign a legally binding bill of landing before accepting your car for shipment. This document includes not only the details of your auto transport but also the condition of your vehicle at pick up.

Before your auto transport carrier arrives, it’s a good idea to clean your car (inside and out) and inspect it thoroughly, looking for any visual or mechanical signs of damage. Any damage will be noted on the BOL and signed by both parties.

Inspect Your Car a Deliver Before Signing Off

Once the transport company delivers your car, make sure you carefully inspect it for any signs of damage. Pay special attention to areas that could be damaged during loading and unloading, including bumpers, mirrors, and doors. Inspection is important because you’ll be asked to sign the BOL, and if you sign off and find damage later, you may have no recourse against the auto transport company.

What to Do If Your Find Vehicle Damage

In the unlikely event that you find your vehicle has been damaged during transport, take lots of photos to document the damage. Share this with the delivery driver and note the damage on the BOL (bill of landing).

Take your car to your mechanic or auto body repair shop and get an estimate for repair costs, then notify the auto transport company of the damages along with the repair estimate. In many cases, if the damage was minor, the car transport company may want to pay for repairs without going through their insurance; otherwise, an insurance claim will be required.

Before submitting a claim, keep in mind that most car transport companies have a $500 deductible on insurance claims, or as stipulated in your contract.