Before you choose to ship your vehicle across a long distance for your personal relocation, getting a new car, selling a car to your buyer, one common question comes to mind. At drop-off, do drivers check the car? It’s definitely a valid concern. The condition of your vehicle is crucial. After all, you surely want to ensure that it arrives in one piece.
In this guide, we’ll explain how car inspections work during the car shipping process, why they’re important, and how you can be sure your car will be properly inspected during pickup and drop-off. We will also mention the best practices for ensuring a smooth inspection and safe delivery.
1. The Significance of Vehicle Inspections While Shipping Cars
Before we examine whether drivers inspect vehicles at drop off, we need to provide some context regarding why these inspections are important in the first place. Car shipping relies on vehicle inspections for clarity and insight into your car’s condition. In fact, these inspections take place before and after transport.
Avoiding Damage Disputes.
Damage dispute is one of the most common reasons for getting the vehicle inspected. Both you and the car delivery firm must know a lot about the condition of your vehicle before and after delivery. Consequently, in the event of any damages, both parties can rely on the said inspection report as evidence for the vehicle’s condition.
Insurance goals
Another essential reason behind vehicle inspections is for insurance. Shipping regulations often provide insurance for damages that occur during transport. However, a documented inspection gives you and the shipping company clarity as to exactly what condition your vehicle was in when it was picked up and delivered.
Assurance of Calm
Many customers feel a lot more at ease knowing that the vehicle has been inspected properly during transport. Through this documentation you are not fruitfully liable as far as inspection form notes damage which is caused during the transit and loading unloading process.
2. Do drivers check vehicles at drop-off?
Yes, they do check the vehicle at drop-off. The inspection process primarily occurs in two stages; that is on pickup and drop-off. This is how it works.
Examination of collection
Once the driver reaches the pickup spot, the driver will inspect the vehicle in detail. Most often the following is checked.
Exterior condition: Any scratches, dents, or visible damage to the body of the car.
Inspection of the tires: The tires must be in good condition and properly inflated.
This step isn’t as exhaustive as the exterior inspection, but the driver will note any obvious damage.
Checking levels of oil, coolant and other fluids are satisfactory.
Recording the mileage at pickup
The driver will complete a report on the state of the car on a vehicle condition report or inspection form, which you and the driver will sign. This form proves your car’s state prior to shipping.
Check-up When You Drop Off
At drop-off, the driver will inspect the vehicle again to ensure that it has arrived in the same condition as when it was picked up. The checklist during this inspection shall be similar to the one at pickup. The driver will look at the vehicle for.
Damage that may have occurred in the process
Verify that the vehicle starts and drives, if the occasion calls for it.
Additional debris or dirt: While express services limit exposure to the debris, cars may still accumulate this dirt which is noted in the inspection.
When you complete the drop-off inspection, both you (the vehicle owner) and the driver will sign off on the vehicle damage report. If the car is fine, you will sign and take it. In the event that any damage is observed, it will be documented and you should file an insurance claim with the shipping company.
3. How to Ensure Smoothly Running Inspections
Though it’s the driver who does the inspection, there is a lot you can do to make it easy for her/him and to ensure you have all the paperwork for your peace of mind.
Be sure to document your vehicle inspection before pick up
Before the driver arrives, it’s a good idea to take photos of your vehicle from every angle. Make sure to pay attention to areas more prone to damage like bumpers, mirrors and roof. Take note of any scratches, dents or issues on your car and make sure these are visible.
If you can get close up photos of any scratches or dents. Should any damage occur, these photos can be used as evidence.
Request the inspection form while collecting your vehicle
When the driver reaches you to take your car, ask them to show you the inspection form or vehicle condition report before they begin. Both of you must go through the vehicle well and check whether all pre-existing damages have been recorded well.
Review the Inspection Report When You Drop Off
When your vehicle was delivered, check the inspection form carefully before signing. Again check the vehicle condition and ensure that no new damage has occurred during transport. Take pictures and document any damages that may occur. If all the information is correct, please sign the form to complete delivery.
Converse with the driver
Stay in touch with the driver and the shipping company throughout the process. When you notice anything wrong with your car or have any specific concerns about its condition, inform the inspector as soon as possible during the inspection process.
*Be polite but firm while discussing about any issues you notice.* It’s in the driver and client’s interests to ensure that there is a clear record of the vehicle’s condition when it is being transported.
4. What if the rental car has damage when I drop it off?
When drop-off occurs, if new damage has occurred, act quickly!
Photograph visible damage taken from multiple angles
Make a claim with the shipping company and use the inspection report and photographs.
If possible, you should file a claim with your insurance provider that can help pay for the repairs.
If you took insurance from the shipping company itself, they will assist you in claiming it. You shouldn’t bear the repair costs in case of driver or shipping company’s negligence.
5. There are reasons to choose it
At Car Shipping Center, we are aware that you value your vehicle and we take every measure to ensure it reaches its destination safely and on time. This is why you can trust us with your car shipping.
Our drivers are trained and experienced in handling every type of vehicle. They will inspect your vehicle properly to ensure its safety and security.
You can track your shipment closely so with our real-time updates you never lose track of your shipment.
We offer several different insurance coverage options to ensure that your vehicle is protected.
6. To sum up
All drivers check the vehicle again at drop-off, just like they do at pickup. This check makes certain that your vehicle arrives the same way it left the inspection. Following the steps in this guide will ensure that your car shipping inspection goes smoothly without any issues concerning damages.
Car shipping center guarantees the safe and secure transport of your vehicle. Reach out to us today to discover how we can assist you with your upcoming vehicle shipment!
