Your Car Arrived Damaged? Here's What to Do.\n\nShipping a car across the country is a big deal. You trust a company with your vehicle. Most of the time, things go smoothly. But sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, things go sideways. Your car arrives, and you find new damage.\n\nIt happens. It's not ideal, but it's manageable. At AMG Transport Co., we deal with this. We've seen it all. Don't panic. Here's a plain-talk guide on what to do when your car shows up with unexpected damage after auto transport.\n\n## First Things First: Document Everything, Immediately.\n\nThis is critical. This isn't the time to be polite or rush. This is the time to be thorough. The moment you notice damage, even minor, start taking pictures. High-quality photos. Videos if you can. Get every angle. Up close and far away.\n\n### The Bill of Lading (BOL) is Your Best Friend\n\nWhen the carrier delivers your car, they will present a Bill of Lading (BOL). This document is your proof of condition. Before the driver leaves, you must inspect your car. Walk around it. Look at the roof, the sides, the front, the back, underneath. Check the interior.\n\nIf you see any new damage, no matter how small, note it clearly on the BOL. Don't accept vague wording. Be specific. "Scratch on front bumper, passenger side." "Dent on rear quarter panel, driver's side." Make sure the driver acknowledges this damage and signs off on the updated BOL. Get a copy of this signed BOL before the driver departs. This is non-negotiable. This document is your leverage.\n\nAMG Transport Co. Practice: We encourage pre-shipment VIN scans or extensive photos from our customer. This creates an undeniable baseline. If your carrier doesn't do it, you should.\n\n## Understanding the Auto Transport Damage Claim Process\n\nOnce you have that signed BOL with damage noted, you've started the claim process. Here's the general flow:\n\n1. Immediate Notification: Contact AMG Transport Co. right away. Or, if you booked directly with a carrier (which we don't recommend), contact them. The sooner the better. We'll guide you through the next steps.\n\n2. Gathering Evidence: You've already started this with your photos and the BOL. Keep everything organized. This includes any original inspection reports from pickup, the final BOL, and all your new photos/videos of the damage.\n\n3. Repair Estimates: You'll need to get estimates for the repairs. Obtain at least two, preferably three, independent estimates from reputable shops. Make sure they detail the work needed and the cost clearly.\n\n4. Submitting the Claim: Your carrier's insurance company handles this. As your auto transport broker, we facilitate this. We'll help you compile and submit all the necessary documentation.\n\n5. Investigation and Settlement: The carrier's insurance will investigate. They might send an adjuster to view the damage. This can take time. Be patient, but also be persistent. Once they agree on a settlement, they will issue payment.\n\n## Why Using a Broker Like AMG Transport Co. Matters Here\n\nDealing with insurance companies and carriers directly can be a nightmare. Especially when you're already stressed about vehicle damage. This is where an experienced car shipping broker comes in. Carriers, by nature, prefer dealing with other businesses. They don't want the hassle of retail customers and their individual problems. Roads are dangerous enough, claims are a headache. That's why they rely on brokers.\n\n### We're Your Buffer and Advocate\n\n Experience: We know the common pitfalls. We know what documentation is needed. We've seen hundreds of claims. Our knowledge ensures you don't miss a step.\n Carrier Relationships: We work with a network of vetted, insured carriers. These are partnerships forged over time. When a problem arises, our established relationships often lead to smoother resolutions than if you were going it alone. We use carriers known for good safety records and professionalism.\n Keeping Rates Reasonable: Carriers know we bring them consistent business. This helps us negotiate fair rates. If you approach a carrier directly, they might charge more because they're taking on more individual risk and administrative burden. They also know a one-off customer might not pay. We handle the frontend sales, coordinating, and backend systems so they can focus on driving. We also ensure an honest quote, no hidden fees.\n Protection Against Unscrupulous Players: The auto transport industry has its share of less-than-reputable operators. Our rigorous vetting process for carriers helps minimize risks. We ensure they have proper insurance and a track record of reliability. You get a trusted car shipping broker reviews would often highlight this protection.\n\n## What if the Driver Refuses to Note the Damage?\n\nThis is rare with professional carriers, but it can happen. If a driver outright refuses to document new damage, do not let them leave. Call AMG Transport Co. immediately. Document their refusal. Take pictures of the damage and the driver, if necessary (from a safe distance). Do not sign the BOL as 'clear'. Write "Damage noted, driver refused to acknowledge" or similar. Send these photos and the annotated BOL to us right away. This is serious, and it puts the onus on the carrier.\n\n## What About Insurance?\n\nReputable carriers carry cargo liability insurance. This covers damage that occurs during transit due to carrier negligence. There's often a deductible. Your personal auto insurance might also offer coverage, depending on your policy. It's smart to check your policy before shipping your vehicle.\n\nImportant Note: Damage that's clearly pre-existing and not noted on the initial inspection won't be covered. That's why the initial inspection and BOL are so crucial.\n\n## Can I Refuse Delivery?\n\nIn most cases, it's not advisable to refuse delivery solely on the basis of minor damage, especially if you have properly documented it. Refusing delivery can complicate the insurance claim and storage fees might apply. Your priority is to document the damage thoroughly and then proceed with the claim process.\n\n## Planning for Your Next Move: Protect Your Investment\n\nWhether you're shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles, relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, or looking for nationwide vehicle shipping door to door, protecting your vehicle is paramount. For luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open, especially exotic cars or classic car transport enclosed carrier, the enclosed option offers greater protection. However, a good open car carrier transport can be reliable too.\n\nAt AMG Transport Co., our goal is to provide a stronger customer experience. We are a guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. We work hard to be the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. We want to be the experienced car shipping broker you can trust.\n\nDon't leave your significant investment to chance. Work with a broker that understands the process, has the carrier relationships, and will advocate for you when problems arise.\n\nReady for a smooth, reliable transport for your next vehicle? Get an honest, upfront quote.\n\nWritten by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.