How do I file a damage claim if my vehicle is damaged?

If you discover new damage to your vehicle at delivery, the first and most important step is to document it on the Bill of Lading before you sign. Do not sign a clean Bill of Lading if there is damage — your signature on a clean BOL can be interpreted as confirmation that the vehicle arrived in the same condition it was picked up, which makes filing a claim much more difficult. Note the damage clearly on the BOL, have the driver acknowledge it, and both of you should sign the annotated document.

Next, photograph the damage immediately — multiple angles, close-ups, and wide shots that show the damage in context with the rest of the vehicle. Compare these photos against the photos you took before pickup (which is why we strongly recommend photographing your vehicle before shipping). Then file the claim directly with the company you booked, right away — their cargo insurance covers damage in transit. You will typically need to obtain a written repair estimate from a body shop, which you will submit along with your photos and the annotated BOL.

The carrier's insurance company will review the claim, compare the pickup and delivery condition reports, and process payment for the repair. Most legitimate damage claims are resolved within 30-60 days. Damage during transport is rare (it occurs on less than 1% of shipments), but when it does happen, having proper documentation makes the claims process straightforward.