After you arrange for a car shipping service, the inspection phase is the most crucial step. The car shipping inspection is a preventive measure that aims at keeping your car from any harm while being shipped. Besides, it records the current state of your car so as you and the transporter have a mutual understanding regarding the vehicle. Here we will tell you what happens during the car shipping inspection, the reasons why it is necessary, as well as some tips on how to get ready for it.
1. The Car Shipping Inspection Is What?
The car shipping inspection is basically the confirmation of your vehicle’s condition before the load is placed on the transport truck and after it has been delivered. The goal of the inspection is to record all the occurrences of the damage, e.g., scratches, dents, or even if your car has some kind of mechanical problem and thus you are the one who can both verify with the shipping company that your car gets to you in the same condition as it was shipped.
The inspection procedure is the one which eliminates any arguments about damage because they could be the cause of the transport. It is a very important step in the whole process that guarantees your vehicle safety and also keeps record in case of any claims.
2. Why Is the Car Shipping Inspection Important?
The car shipping inspection is a must-have in the car shipping process and here are some of its major uses:
- Condition Documentation: The main scope of the inspection is to detail the condition of the car for both pick-up and delivery. This is a way of establishing a baseline so that if the car gets damaged on the way, the damage can be identified and hence accounted for.
- Protecting Against Damage Claims: In case your car is damaged during shipping, the inspection report will be the support document for your damage claim. It is the having of the car’s condition at both ends that ensures that no pre-existing damage will be the wrongly cause of you.
- Making Sure There Is No Hidden Information: The inspection procedure helps to establish the openness between you and the auto transport company. When both parties have the record of the car’s condition, it keeps equilibrium between you that misunderstandings or disputes will be less likely to happen.
- Vehicle Security: The inspection also comprises the check for safety hazards, for example, leaks or other mechanical issues, to ensure the safety of the vehicle during transport.
3. Car Shipping Inspection Process
After car shipping inspection is comprehended as a necessity, it's worthwhile getting familiar with the details of the process step by step.
Step 1: Pre-Inspection Before Pickup
The first part of the car shipping inspection is done before the transporter comes for your car. This is the stage in the process where the inspection of the vehicle loading area takes place. Let us see what is involved in the pre-pickup inspection:
- Cleaning the Vehicle: It is highly recommended that a thorough cleaning of your car be done prior to the inspection. With a clean car, the shipping companys inspector can effortlessly detect all the existing damages such as scratches, dents, and chips.
- Documenting Existing Damage: The inspector will methodically check out the vehicle’s exterior and interior for any signs of damage that are visible. They will document everything from little scratches to bigger dents, and at the same time, they will also note down the interior damage, such as the stain or tear of the upholstery. Usually, a condition report is used for this purpose.
- Taking Photos: The inspector will not only take photos of the car, but they will also make sure that they have covered each and every angle. These are the pictures that will be used as evidence of the car’s condition at the time of pickup.
- Mileage and Fuel Level: Apart from recording the mileage of the vehicle, the inspector will also note the fuel level. It is recommended by some companies that the fuel level should not be more than a quarter of the tank for safety reasons.
- Key Handover: After the car is inspected, you will allow the transport driver to take the car for a drive (if needed) by handing the car keys to them, and then they will secure it for the shipping process.
Step 2: Inspection During Transport
When the car is being shipped, the company that carries the shipment makes sure that the car is secured and protected in every way possible. However, no one from your side will be allowed to inspect the car while it is in transit. Only the staff of the transport company is responsible for the security of the vehicle. Nevertheless, you can be abreast of the situation through tracking updates, and some companies offer shipment status update notifications.
Step 3: Post-Delivery Inspection
As the shipment reaches the destination, the process of car shipping inspection is carried out to check and confirm that the vehicle’s condition after the transport remains the same. The post-delivery inspection is as follows:
- Condition Verification: The very first part of the post-delivery inspection is to make sure that the car’s condition has stayed the same throughout the shipping process. The same inspector or driver will be there to check the vehicle once again to ensure that it has not been damaged.
- Comparing With Pre-Inspection: The condition report, and the photos taken at the collection point will be matched with the vehicle’s condition at the delivery place. If there is any new damage found, it will be identified and the delivery driver will write a report on the issue.
- Signing the Delivery Report: If everything is alright, you will be given the delivery receipt to sign acknowledging that the vehicle was handed over in the same condition as it was shipped. In instances where there is damage, you will have to sign the damage report and may also be required to file a claim with the shipping company’s insurance.
- Returning the Keys: The last stage is when you get your keys back marking the completion of the handover process.
4. How to Prepare for the Car Shipping Inspection
Generally, a proper car shipping inspection pre-preparation can ensure a hassle-free process with the minimum chances of possible issues. These are the steps of how you should prepare for the car shipping inspection:
Wash Your Car: As was stated, a car wash before the inspection is done by the inspector, allowing the inspector to note precisely the cars damages. Additionally, cleaning also “unveils” that small scratches or dents that may have been covered by the dirt or grime.
- Take Out Your Personal Belongings: Usually, auto transport companies don’t allow personal items to be put in the vehicle which will be shipped. Get all your personal belongings off your car before the inspection and delivery, and make sure your car is ready.
- Record the State: Along with the transport company’s inspection, you might also consider taking pictures of the car yourself and especially highlighting the areas of damage. This way you have another proof layer if the case arises.
- Look for Leaks and Check the Cars Mechanical Side: Let your car be in a condition that it can be used for the trip and if it has any leaks or mechanical problems, tell the shipping company. You might have to ask them to take special care of your vehicle if it is not going to move.
5. What Happens if Damage Occurs During Shipping?
If damage is shipped in the rare occasion, the inspection process becomes very important in claiming a case. The steps to follow are:
- Document the Damage: Capture the pictures of all the new damage and obtain a written statement from the delivery driver indicating the damage.
- File a Claim: Inform the shipping company without delay, and file a claim with their insured organization. A condition report, photos, and any other relevant documents will have to be submitted to support the claim.
- Follow Up: Keep in touch with the shipping company to make sure your claim is taken into account and the money that you are entitled to is given to you.
The Significance of a Comprehensive Car Shipping Inspection
A vehicle inspection in car shipping is the single most vital part of the whole car shipping process. Through it, you are assured that your car is recorded, safe, and that it will be delivered in the same condition as it was picked up. If you grasp the inspection process and do it right, you will cozily bear the ordeal of the car shipping.
For dependable and professional car shipping services, 1A Car Shipping is your go-to place. Their strict inspection process and their pledge to customer satisfaction are the elements, which make them the most reliable partners to you in vehicle transport. Find out more at 1A Car Shipping
