Why Preparation Matters
Most damage claims in auto transport come down to one thing: the owner didn't document the car's condition before pickup. That's entirely preventable.
Here's exactly what to do before your carrier arrives — whether you're shipping across town or coast to coast.
1. Wash Your Car
This isn't about looking nice. A clean car lets you (and the driver) spot every existing scratch, dent, and ding before it goes on the truck. If your car is covered in dirt, nobody can tell what was there before and what happened in transit.
2. Document Everything
Walk around the car and take photos from every angle — front, back, both sides, roof, wheels, and close-ups of any existing damage. Use your phone's timestamp feature. Email these to yourself so you have a dated record.
This is your insurance policy. If something happens during transport, these photos are how you prove it.
3. Remove Personal Items
Carriers are licensed to transport vehicles, not household goods. That means anything inside the car technically isn't covered by their insurance.
Remove:
- GPS units, dashcams, phone mounts
- Loose items in the trunk or backseat
- Aftermarket accessories that aren't bolted down
- Toll transponders (you don't want surprise charges)
- Valuables of any kind
You can leave:
- A spare tire and jack
- Items that came with the car (manuals, factory floor mats)
4. Mechanical Prep
Your car needs to roll on and off the truck under its own power (or the driver needs to know it can't). Here's what to check:
- Battery: Make sure it holds a charge. A dead battery means the driver can't load your car.
- Tires: All four should be properly inflated. Flat tires make loading dangerous.
- Fluids: No active leaks. A leaking car can damage vehicles below it on the carrier.
- Gas tank: Keep it at about 1/4 full. Enough to drive on and off, light enough to keep weight down.
- Alarm: Disable any aftermarket alarm systems. Nothing worse than a car alarm going off at 2am on a carrier.
5. Note Existing Issues
If your car has mechanical problems — a check engine light, a transmission issue, a window that doesn't roll up — tell your broker or carrier upfront. This isn't a deal-breaker, but drivers need to plan for it.
If the car doesn't run at all, mention that when you get your quote. Non-running vehicles require a winch or forklift, which affects the price.
6. Keys and Access
Have a copy of the key ready to hand the driver. They'll need it to start the car for loading and unloading. Some people provide a spare — that's smart, but not required.
If your car has a wheel lock on the tires, give the driver the key for that too.
7. Morning of Pickup
On the day your carrier arrives:
1. Do a final walk-around with the driver
2. Review the Bill of Lading (BOL) together — this is the condition report
3. Make sure every scratch and dent is noted on the BOL
4. Take one more round of photos with the driver present
5. Sign the BOL only after you're satisfied it's accurate
The BOL is a legal document. If damage isn't noted on it before transport, it's much harder to file a claim.
8. Delivery Day
When your car arrives at the destination, repeat the process:
1. Walk around the car with the driver
2. Compare the condition to the original BOL
3. Note any new damage on the delivery BOL before signing
4. Take photos again
If you spot damage, note it on the BOL, take photos, and contact your broker immediately. Don't wait.
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Wash the car
- [ ] Take timestamped photos from every angle
- [ ] Remove all personal items and valuables
- [ ] Check battery, tires, and fluids
- [ ] Fill gas to 1/4 tank
- [ ] Disable aftermarket alarms
- [ ] Disclose any mechanical issues
- [ ] Have a key ready for the driver
- [ ] Review and sign the BOL carefully at pickup
- [ ] Inspect and document at delivery
Bottom Line
Preparing your car takes about 30 minutes. It can save you thousands in disputed claims and a lot of headaches. The drivers we work with at AMG appreciate when customers are prepared — it makes the whole process smoother for everyone.
Need to ship your car? Get an instant quote — our AI agent will walk you through everything in 30 seconds.