Your Car Got Dinged During Shipping: Now What?\n\nSo, you shipped your car. It arrived. Now you see some new damage. It’s a gut punch, sure. But before you blow a fuse, understand this: you have rights. Knowing them is half the battle. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s hard facts. Pay attention.\n\nShipping a car, whether it’s from Houston to Los Angeles or relocating to Florida from Texas, involves a lot of moving parts. We at AMG Transport Co. deal with those parts every day. We’re an auto transport broker focused on a stronger customer experience. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, operates as a carrier, so we understand both sides of the coin. We see what happens out there.\n\n## The Real Deal: Carrier Liability and Your Rights\n\nFirst, understand that federal law governs interstate car shipping. The Carmack Amendment is what matters here. It makes the carrier liable for actual loss or damage to your vehicle. That’s the baseline. They are responsible for your car from pickup to delivery. This isn't up for debate. This applies whether you're using open car carrier transport or enclosed auto transport for luxury cars.\n\n### What the Carrier is (and Isn't) Responsible For\n\nCarriers are liable for damage caused by their negligence. This means if they hit something, drop your car, or secure it improperly, they're on the hook. They are generally not liable for pre-existing damage, acts of God (like a hurricane), or damage caused by faulty vehicle parts (like a loose exhaust falling off). This is why the inspection at pickup is crucial. More on that later.\n\n### Insurance: Don't Just Assume\n\nEvery legitimate carrier is required to carry cargo insurance. This is non-negotiable. But cargo insurance doesn’t always cover everything. Basic carrier liability usually covers damage caused by negligence. This is not comprehensive coverage. If you want more, you might need to check your personal auto insurance policy or purchase supplemental insurance through a third party. We always recommend understanding your options, especially for classic car transport enclosed carrier services or luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open. At AMG Transport Co., we only work with vetted, insured carriers. We double-check their policies so you don't have to.\n\n## The Golden Rule: Documentation is Everything\n\nThis is where most people mess up. You need to document everything. Every. Single. Scratch. Before and after. Here’s how:\n\n### The Bill of Lading (BOL): Your Best Friend\n\nThe Bill of Lading (BOL) is more than just a receipt. It's a legal document. When the carrier picks up your car, a thorough inspection is done. This inspection notes any existing damage. Insist on a detailed inspection. Take photos. Lots of them. Date and time stamp them. If the BOL isn't detailed, make them add it. If they refuse, make a note on the BOL yourself. Sign it, and get the driver to sign it. At AMG Transport Co., we recommend VIN scans at pickup and delivery to ensure accuracy and reduce disputes.\n\n### Delivery Inspection: Your Final Stand\n\nWhen your car is delivered, inspect it immediately with the driver present. Don't rush. Don't sign anything until you're satisfied. Compare it to the pickup BOL. Note any new damage on the delivery BOL. Be specific. Take photos of the new damage. Again, date and time stamp these photos. If you don't note the damage on the BOL at delivery, it becomes significantly harder to claim later. Don't let the driver pressure you. This is your car, your money.\n\n## Filing a Claim: The Paperwork Trail\n\nYou've found damage, documented it, and noted it on the BOL. Good. Now, you file a claim. The process usually looks like this:\n\n1. Notify the Carrier: Do this in writing, as soon as possible. Most carriers have a limited window, often 9 months, but sooner is always better.\n2. Gather Evidence: Provide your BOLs, photos, repair estimates, and any other relevant documentation.\n3. Carrier Investigation: The carrier will review your claim and their own records.\n4. Offer for Settlement: They might offer a settlement. Review it carefully.\n5. Dispute (If Necessary): If you disagree with their offer, you can dispute it. This might involve legal action or arbitration.\n\nThis is where an auto transport broker like AMG Transport Co. shines. We don't just find you an affordable car shipping without hidden fees. We vet our carriers for their safety record and reputation. We work to ensure you get a fair shake. Carriers, frankly, don't want to deal with people and their problems. They want to drive. That's why they rely on brokers to solve these issues. We handle the frontend sales, coordinating, and the backend systems. All the things outside of maintaining and driving the trucks.\n\n## The Broker's Role in Damage Claims\n\n\"Why not just go straight to the carrier?\" Good question. Most people couldn't work with most carriers if they wanted to. Carriers don't have the systems, the people, or frankly, the patience to deal directly with individual customers and their unique needs. They handle multi-car transport for dealerships or large-volume clients. For you, the individual shipping a non-running vehicle or relocating your family car, a broker is your lifeline.\n\nWhen you use a trusted car shipping broker, especially one that leverages technology like AMG Transport Co. with Stripe deposits for secure transactions, you get an advocate. We have relationships with these carriers. We work with them constantly, shipping everything from SUVs to sedans. We're incentivized to ensure our clients are taken care of because our reputation, and our business, depend on it. If a carrier consistently mishandles claims for our clients, they don't get our business.\n\nWe provide honest quotes and accurate representations of how long car shipping takes cross country, understanding the nuances of how much does it cost to ship a car cross country or the open car carrier transport cost. We deal with the carrier communication, we push for resolutions, and we ensure you're not left in the dark. We bridge the gap between people who need their cars moved and the professional drivers who move them.\n\n## Choosing the Right Partner: It Matters\n\nWhen you're looking for car shipping services in Texas or nationwide vehicle shipping door to door, don't just pick the cheapest quote. Look for an experienced car shipping broker you can trust. Check reviews. Understand their process. Ask about their vetting of carriers. Ask how they handle disputes. A good broker will be transparent about open carrier car shipping pros & cons, and the benefits of enclosed carrier for exotic cars.\n\nAt AMG Transport Co., we're a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. We understand the specific needs, whether it's vehicle transport Texas to California or a short haul. We provide clear communication, honest quotes, and a commitment to customer service that helps navigate those tricky 72-hour pickup windows and the potential headaches of shipping a non-running vehicle. We know what affects car shipping cost per mile, and we aim to get you the best auto transport quotes without sacrificing reliability.\n\n## The Bottom Line\n\nDamage during auto transport is rare, but it happens. When it does, your rights are clear under federal law. Your ability to enforce those rights depends entirely on your documentation. Inspect. Record. Document. And work with a reputable broker who has your back.\n\nDon't leave it to chance. Don't try to navigate the complex world of carrier liability alone. When you need reliability and support, especially for something as important as your vehicle, choose a broker dedicated to your peace of mind. We make it easy. We make it right.\n\nGet a quote with AMG Transport Co. today and experience the difference.\n\nWritten by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.