Vehicle transportation is a nerve-wracking experience. In spite of the fact that the car freight companies do their utmost to ensure the safety of your car, mishaps and injuries are sometimes inevitable. In case your car gets damaged during shipping, it is a must to know the procedure of filing a claim. The present guide will definitely assist you in making a claim for your shipping damages and in receiving the right amount of money as a compensation.
At Car Shipping Center, we are aware of the fact that your vehicle means a lot to you, and hence, we want to make sure that if you get damaged, you know how to get it fixed.
1. Gaining Knowledge of Damage to the Shipment and Shipping Liability
It’s very important to know the types of damage which are related directly to shipping as well as the people who are responsible before making a claim. Damage to shipped goods may be roughly divided into 2 classes:
- Damage to the Outer Side: Scratches, dents, chips, or other kinds of visible marks.
- Disintegration or Internal Damage: Problems with the engine, transmission, or other internal parts.
In most situations, companies that ship your vehicle will assure it; however, it is always better to check the terms and conditions to get a clear picture of the coverage of the policy. Some companies may offer only limited coverage while others may provide full protection of the car during the transfer.
Responsibility for Shipping Damage:
Most shipping companies are responsible for the damage that occurs in the process of transportation; however, there are some exceptions. If the damage is caused by the wrong way of loading or handling, then the shipping companys insurance should cover it. On the other hand, if the damage is due to the pre-existing conditions or you didn’t prepare the item properly, maybe you are the one who should report the claim to your insurance provider.
2. Steps to Take Immediately After Receiving Your Vehicle
First reaction to the discovery of a damaged vehicle delivery must be the quick follow of the steps below to facilitate the claiming process.
2.1 Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly
Right off the bat, if your car has been delivered to you, then a very comprehensive check should be done. It is actually a good idea to do this in advance before any paperwork regarding the delivery is signed. Look beyond the visible for any damage to the:
- Outside of the car: Check for scratches, small dents, broken side mirrors, or any other damage.
- Tires and Wheels: An examination for punctures and damage to rims should be carried out.
- Glass and Side Windows: There should be no cracks or chips at all.
- Below the Car: Check for leaks or damage to the undercarriage of the car.
- Interior: A visual check of the inside of the vehicle for broken or cracked seats and dashboard components should be done.
- Suggestion: In case you cannot do it, try to get pictures of the damages. These pictures will be crucial when you file your claim.
2.2 Document Your Vehicles Condition
Once you have done your inspection, note down the detailed condition of the vehicle. Take pictures of the injury with your camera in a place with good light, and both with long shots and details. In addition, you should be recording the date, time, and weather at the time of delivery to ensure that everything has been properly registered.
If you are able, take a video of the damage for additional evidence.
Make sure that the documentation matches the pre-shipment condition report or the photos you took before shipping.
2.3 Notify the Carrier Right Away
After that, you have to call the car shipping company as soon as possible. It is necessary that you report the damage within a certain time frame (usually 24-48 hours) so that your request can be handled without any problems.
Thoroughly check that you have:
- Mention the Bill of Lading number and details of the shipment.
- Include the pictures and videos of the damage.
- Describe the damage in detail and state the place where you found it.
Hint: Get in touch with the car shipping company’s customer service or claims department. The majority of companies have a separate claims handling team.
3. Filing the Claim with the Carrier
After informing the carrier, it is your responsibility to file the formal damage claim. The steps to do this are as follows:
3.1 Examine Your Insurance Policy
To understand what protection you have, look thoroughly through your shipping contract and insurance documents before filing the claim. Make sure that the damage is included in the policy because there is a possibility that the damage may not be covered.
3.2 Complete the Claims Form
In most instances, car transport businesses will have a claims form that their clients will need to fill in. It is possible that this document is available on the Internet, or it can be given by the companys customer service department. The form will request:
- Personal Information: Your name, address, and contact details.
- Shipping Details: Bill of Lading number, date and time of the vehicles delivery and collection.
- Damage Description: A brief but detailed explanation of the damage that can include pictures and videos.
- Estimated Repair Costs: In case you are given an estimate for the repairs, it is a good idea to provide a copy of that with your claim as well.
First of all, complete the form with the information you have and then make a list of all the documents that you will need to provide in order to get a timely response.
3.3 Submit the Claim
After the claim form is appropriately filled and you have all the supporting documents at hand, you can go ahead with the claim submission to the shipping company. Always keep copies of all your communication for your own file.
In certain instances, companies would be able to process your claim online, whereas in other cases, a physical or faxed claim would be required
4. What Happens After You File the Claim?
Once you have filed your claim, the car shipping company will probably be their decision process. The process of the investigation usually goes as follows:
4.1 Claims Review
The team in charge of the claims will check out the papers that you have provided, and that should include them taking photographs, videos, and getting the repair costs from the experts. If they cannot do it, they might defy the damage by an onsite inspection.
Note: The freight company may ask for a separate inspection done by a neutral party to confirm the damages and identify the cause.
4.2 Claim Resolution
After the investigation, the freight company will make a decision whether your claim is denied or approved. In the event of empowerment, they will give you money which will possibly cover the expenses of the repair or devaluation of the car caused by the incident.
In case you are rejected claiming the company should inform you the reason and there is a possibility that you will be able to challenge the verdict.
4.3 Receiving Compensation
You will be given some kind of value that is described in the policy if your claim is successfully approved. That is to say:
- Repair Costs: The company responsible for the shipping of your car may pay for the repairs directly or refund the money if you have already paid.
- Car Replacement: The company that will take your car may allow the replacement of the vehicle if the damage is great, in certain instances.
5. Tips for a Successful Damage Claim
- Maintain Detailed Records: Make sure you have your hands on every document concerning the delivery, say contracts, inspection reports, and photos.
- Don’t Delay: It is always a good idea to submit your claim at the earliest convenience to catch any time-sensitive deadlines.
- Speak Out and Tell the Truth: Give a truthful and precise description of the damage when recounting the occurrence. Providing false or incomplete information may slow down or even reject your claim.
6. Conclusion
It is quite simple to submit a complaint against shipping damages, if you take the proper steps. The first thing to do is to examine the car, take pictures of the damage, and inform the shipping company at once. Knowing your insurance coverage and filing a detailed claim are the best ways to ensure that you get paid the right amount for the damage caused during the shipping process.
We at Car Shipping Center are dedicated to giving you our best services and making the whole process a hassle-free one. If you are indeed required to file a claim, then we are the people who will walk you through it step by step. Should you have any queries or require assistance, our customer support team will be more than happy to assist you.
