What Should You Do Immediately If You Spot Damage on Your Car After Auto Transport Delivery?

Damage on your car after delivery stings. It happens rarely in nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. But when it does, you need to move fast. Roads are rough. Trucks hit potholes. Branches scratch paint. Carriers haul thousands of miles. Not every bump shows until unload.

As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., an auto transport broker Texas-based but serving coast to coast, I've seen it all. Brokers like us handle frontend sales, coordination, and backend headaches. Carriers drive and maintain trucks. They skip the people problems. That's our job.

Don't sign the bill of lading (BOL) clean if damage shows. That kills your claim. Act in minutes. Follow these steps. Protect yourself.

What Should You Do in the First 5 Minutes After Delivery?

Unload. Walk around your vehicle. Check every panel, bumper, glass, tires. Look close. Run your hand over surfaces. Fresh damage gleams under light.

Spot something? Stop. Tell the driver now. No signature until noted.

Grab your phone. Take photos. Video the walkaround. Timestamp everything.

Note it on the BOL. Driver signs too. Get copies.

Do not let the truck roll out. Call dispatch if needed. Hold firm.

Why Never Let the Driver Leave Without Inspecting?

Driver represents the carrier. Until you sign clean, they're liable. Sign off? Claim denied. "No damage noted at delivery," they'll say.

Carriers insure cargo. But proof matters. No proof, no payout.

I've coordinated cross-country car transport from Houston to Los Angeles. Vehicles arrive dusty. Hidden dings surface later. Inspect on site. Always.

Drivers rush. They want gone. You control the clock. Say no.

How Do You Document Damage to Protect Your Claim?

Documentation wins claims. Sloppy work loses them.

First, photos:

• Full vehicle from 10 feet, all angles.
• Close-ups of damage. Ruler next to dents for scale.
• Tires, undercarriage if accessible.
• Trailer and truck for context.
• Timestamp and GPS if possible.

Video unload. Capture driver if he notes damage.

BOL notes must be clear:

• Location: "Front left fender dent, 6 inches."
• Type: "Deep scratch on door, paint chipped."
• Severity: "Broken headlight lens."

No vague "damage." Specifics only.

Email copies to yourself. Share with broker or carrier instantly.

What Photos and Notes Are Essential on the Bill of Lading?

BOL is your contract. Pre-trip photos help too. But delivery notes seal it.

Essential:

1. Exact spots: "Passenger door lower panel, 12-inch gouge."

2. Driver signature agreeing.

3. Date, time, delivery address.

Photos supplement. But BOL is legal proof.

At AMG Transport Co., we push VIN scans pre-pickup. Matches delivery. Cuts disputes.

Who Do You Contact First and What Info Do They Need?

Driver first. Get his report number. Carrier dispatch next.

Used a broker? Loop us in same day. We pressure carriers.

Info needed:

• BOL copy, annotated.
• Photos, videos.
• Your policy number or contract.
• Damage description.

Call, email, text. All channels.

Expect carrier claim form. Fill within 24-48 hours.

Broker vs Carrier: Which Handles Your Claim?

Carrier insures and pays. Broker coordinates.

| Role | Broker | Carrier |

|------|--------|---------|

| Insures vehicle | No | Yes |

| Files claim | Helps | Processes |

| Coordinates repair | Guides | Authorizes |

| Vets trucks | Yes | N/A |

Brokers like AMG use vetted insured carriers. We know who pays fast.

Carriers dodge direct customers. Non-payers burn them. Brokers buffer. We ensure loads move smooth.

Contact broker for leverage. But carrier owns the claim.

What Happens Next in the Claims Timeline?

Day 1: Notify. Submit form.

Week 1: Carrier assigns adjuster. They inspect or approve photos.

Week 2-4: Estimate from shop. Carrier approves.

Month 1-2: Check issued. Direct to shop or you.

Delays happen. Push weekly.

Reputable carriers pay. Shoddy ones drag. That's why broker relationships matter.

How Long Until You Get Repair Money?

30-90 days average. Fast claims: 2 weeks with ironclad docs.

Factors:

• Damage size.
• Carrier responsiveness.
• Shop backlog.

AMG's carriers: insured, responsive. Our 72-hour pickup windows mean tight schedules. Honest quotes upfront. No surprises.

Stripe deposits secure spots. No fraud risk.

Final Word

Damage claims test everyone. Solid brokers make it easier. AMG Transport Co. vets carriers. We guide you through chaos. Stronger customer experience. Fraud buffer. Reasonable rates.

Don't risk solo. Most carriers skip public loads anyway. Brokers required for pros.

Ship smart. Get a free quote today. Nationwide door-to-door. Texas to anywhere.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.