Auto Transport - Why It Is Important To Always Inspect Your Vehicle

By Tom Kearns

If you are about to become a customer of an auto shipping company, prior to deciding on a specific one, you will probably first ask how much will it cost and when can I expect to arrive at its destination. Good questions, both.

But another factor that should be considered is the safety and well being of your vehicle. You want that car or whatever wheeled transport in the same condition at the end of its ride as it was in the beginning. So, to be safe you must put it through a thorough inspection together with a representative of the chosen shipping company.

When making your thorough inspection of the vehicle, do not do so alone. You must have a representative from the shipping company doing the inspection with you so both agree and sign off on the condition of your vehicle before it is shipped. List all damages whether inconsequential or not. You will then know at the end if any damages you see then were pre-existing or brand new. Get a signed copy of this agreement before you leave the inspection site, and take pictures!. Take lots of pictures!

Check the functionality of your car as well as the body. A lot of people will take a look at the body of their car and assume that everything is fine. Make sure that you turn the car on, test the lights, turn signals, and everything else. Things can get knocked loose during transport and it can be a hassle to try to get these things fixed by yourself.

Check your windows and windshield. A small crack or chip on your windshield may seem like no big deal, but don't let it go unnoticed. Small chips turn into big cracks. This is a real problem even if it seems minor at the time of inspection.

If you do find any damage on your vehicle make sure to follow these tips below:

The first thing you must do is report any and all damages immediately. This will avoid confusion as to where and when the damage occurred and will give you a much better shot at getting it fixed and paid for by someone other than yourself.

Again, pictures are terrific. Take as many as you can from as many angles as you can. This is one case where a picture is really worth a thousand words. There is no better proof to substantiate a claim than photographic evidence of damages.

Get a reasonable estimate of the repairs required. The first thing an insurance company's claim department will ask is "How much?" Many shipping companies will allow you to get your own estimate and have your vehicle repaired at your usual auto repair place, whether it's a dealership or a trusted auto shop.

Hopefully, your vehicle will not sustain any damages at all. But better to be safe than sorry. By following the above before-and-after-journey steps to inspect your vehicle, you will not go wrong no matter what folly occurs during shipment. - 30243

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