Car Shipping Damage: What to Do If Your Car Is Damaged

If your car is damaged during shipping, document the damage on the Bill of Lading immediately, take photos before signing, and file a written claim within 3 days. The carrier's cargo insurance covers damage caused by driver negligence during transport. If the company carries additional third-party coverage (like ShipCargo's $200,000 policy), file there as well.

Step-by-step: filing a damage claim

1. Don't sign the delivery BOL until damage is noted. Walk the vehicle with the driver. Compare against pickup photos and BOL. Note every piece of new damage.
2. Take your own photos immediately. Multiple angles with timestamps. Include wide shots showing damage location.
3. Contact the shipping company within 24 hours — in writing (email is best).
4. File a formal written claim within 3 days. Include: damage description, two repair estimates, photographs, signed BOL with damage noted.
5. The insurance company processes the claim. File any third-party coverage simultaneously.

What's covered

Carrier cargo insurance covers damage caused by driver negligence — straps, loading/unloading, accidents in transit. Acts of God (hail, falling debris) may be covered by the carrier's policy or fall to your personal auto insurance.

What's not covered

Pre-existing damage not noted at pickup, personal items inside the vehicle, mechanical issues unrelated to transport, and wear from long transit (dust, road grime) on open carriers.

FAQ

How long do I have to file? 3 days for the formal written claim. Sooner is better.

What if I signed without noting damage? Much harder to claim. Photos taken at delivery may still support a claim — file immediately.

Get a quote with $200K third-party coverage — included on every shipment.