Shipping a vehicle is often part of a move, lease return or sale. Proof of condition is an essential, albeit easy-to-forget, step in the process. While signing Bill of Lading protects you, if damage does occur, then this document will also ensure that both the car owner and the shipping company are on the same page in terms of vehicles condition.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to receive proof of vehicle condition during auto transport. We’ll also examine the reason behind it, and how it can help you prevent damage to your vehicle and avoid disputes.
Why Documentation of Vehicle Condition is Important?
The proof-of-condition provides a snapshot of the vehicle’s condition and the car’s status upon pickup and delivery when you ship a vehicle. The documentation used during transport helps avoid misunderstandings or disputes over damages.
There are some reasons why proof of vehicle condition is important.
Protection from Liability
Getting proof of condition for your vehicle is crucial if you do not want to be held liable for damages that may occur in transit. When the delivery is made, the condition of the car at pickup is an important benchmark.
Use of Insurance
If there’s damage to your car during transport, you will need proof of your vehicle’s condition to file a claim. If there’s no paperwork to back up your claim, it may be tough to prove the damage was done in transit, leaving you with no compensation to show for it.
Transparent Dialogue
Having evidence of condition helps ensure smooth communication between you and the carrier. It avoids the confusion about condition of the vehicle and who will be liable for damage before renting.
Calm State of Mind
When you receive proof of your car’s condition, you can rest easy that you have evidence should anything go wrong. It gives you peace of mind knowing your car is in good hands.
Process for Getting a Vehicle Condition Report
After learning about the importance of proof of condition, let us now discusses the steps to gather the documentation when you ship your vehicle.
Step one is to Request an Inspection Report before Transport.
Ask for a pre-transport inspection report when your car is immediately picked for transport by the ship company. A full description of the vehicle’s condition at the time of pickup included in this document.
What should the inspection report cover?
The report must include any visible damages that found on the exterior of the car such as dents, scratches, chipped paint and more.
The condition of the interior, including the seats, dashboard, and other visible problems, should noted.
At the time the vehicle is picked up, what is the mileage on the vehicle?
The tires checked for tread depth and air pressure to get an estimate of their condition.
We can also note the condition of the fluids in the car, like oil and coolant.
Ask the driver to sign the report and make sure you have a copy for your reference.
Next, record the condition by yourself
Although the transport company will supply a report after inspection, it’s always a good idea to document the state of your vehicle by yourself before pickup. To have a firsthand record if ever in dispute later on things.
Make sure to take pictures of the car from various angles including the front, back, sides and the close-ups of any damage marks.
You may capture interior images showing the seats, dashboard, and other visible signs of wear.
Capture an image of the odometer to show the mileage.
Keep your images and written evidence safe and ensure that on the care delivery you have easy access to them.
Check the State at Drop-off
It is important to check the vehicle once it reaches the destination before you finalize the delivery process. A delivery receipt or final inspection report should be provided by the delivery driver. Consult the pre-shipment inspection report and your own notes.
Look for any new damage that may have occurred in transit.
Make and model of the car need to be same as on pickup.
Notify the shipping company as soon as possible and take record of the damages.
Tip: If there is damage, take photos and clearly explain the issue when you report it to the company.
Signature of Receipt of Delivery
After checking the condition of the vehicle and verifying it against the documentation which was produced before loading, you will sign for delivery. By signing this document, you confirm receipt of the vehicle, with the condition matching the inspection report or you have noted any discrepancies.
Do not sign the delivery receipt if significant damage has not noted. Before signing the delivery confirmation, take your time to examine the vehicle. By signing it, you acknowledge your acceptance of the vehicle in that condition.
Avoid these Common Mistakes When Receiving a Proof of Condition
Although it is simple, there are some mistakes that complicate the process. How to prevent these issues?
Not Documenting the State of Affairs
Some car owners don’t always get a photo of the car or write what they saw before it was picked up. It can hinder further proving that the vehicle was previously damaged before it was carried.
Make sure you document the condition of your vehicle properly even when the transport company does.
Not inspecting the delivery of the vehicle
Though you may be excited to receive your car, do not skip the inspection at delivery. Not doing so could lead to problems later when you decide to file a damage claim. Always check the vehicle carefully before taking it on rent.
Failure to consider the details
Be sure to read the auto transport company’s terms and conditions before agreeing to. Some companies have specific rules about damage claims and confirming delivery, so make sure that you are clear.
Before confirming the relocation, speak to your moving company about their insurance for damages on your belongings.
How You Can Get Help from the Car Shipping Center
Car Shipping Center focuses on providing honest service to customers. We give you proof of the condition of the vehicle at each stage in the process.
We conduct a thorough inspection before transportation and provide a report in order to have your vehicle condition handy for both parties.
Our drivers will update you about the vehicle’s transport status. You get notified about the pickup and delivery.
Reporting damage is clear, and you’ll know how to report and document the condition at delivery if there are any issues with the transport.
When you partner with us, you rest assured that your vehicle is in safe hands. You’ll also receive documentation to protect yourself.
One of the most important steps in the auto transport process is getting verification of your vehicle’s condition. It is a good way to protect yourself from surprises by making an inspection report request for the car. Then document the state of the car and then check the car while delivering the car to you.
At Car Shipping Center, we make shipping your car process very simple and hassle-free, we provide all documents that are necessary and the vehicle is also ship safely. Reach out to us now to discover our offerings and commence your auto shipping process.
