How the Vehicle Inspection Works at Pickup and Delivery

The vehicle inspection at pickup and delivery is your most important legal protection in car shipping. Here's exactly what happens, what to look for, and what to do if damage appears.

Why the Inspection Is Critical

The vehicle inspection creates the official record of your car's condition before and after shipping. It is the foundation of any damage claim. Without a thorough inspection, documented on the Bill of Lading, you have no legal standing to claim that damage occurred during transport.

Two inspections, two signatures:

Pickup inspection: documents pre-existing condition
Delivery inspection: confirms vehicle arrived in the same condition

The Pickup Inspection: Step by Step

Before the Driver Arrives

Wash your car so every surface is clearly visible
Take timestamped photos of all four sides, the roof, interior, and odometer

With the Driver

Step 1: Walk around the entire vehicle together. Systematically, not casually.

Step 2: Examine each surface carefully:

Hood, roof, trunk lid
All four body panels
Front and rear bumpers
All windows and windshield
Mirrors
Wheels and tires
Interior dash and upholstery (noted separately)

Step 3: The driver marks all findings on the Bill of Lading (BOL) using a vehicle diagram with damage notation codes.

Step 4: You review the completed BOL. If you see something the driver missed, point it out and ask for it to be added before signing.

Step 5: Both you and the driver sign the pickup BOL. You receive a copy.

The Delivery Inspection: Step by Step

Step 1: Before signing anything, take out your pickup BOL copy and your pickup photos.

Step 2: Walk around the vehicle using the same systematic approach as pickup.

Step 3: Compare the current condition to the pickup BOL. Any mark, scratch, dent, or crack that isn't on the pickup BOL is new damage.

Step 4: If new damage is found:

Note it specifically on the delivery BOL (location, size, type) before signing
Photograph the damage
Contact Web Auto Transport at (760) 932-2886 immediately

Step 5: Sign the delivery BOL.

⚠️ Critical rule: If you sign the delivery BOL without noting damage, you have legally confirmed the vehicle arrived in acceptable condition. Damage claims become significantly harder after signing.

Common Damage Types to Look For

New scratches, chips, or scuffs not present at pickup
Dents (check along door sills and rocker panels)
Cracked or broken glass
Broken mirrors or mirror housings
Damaged bumper clips or bodywork
Tire or wheel damage

Tips for a Thorough Inspection

Inspect in daylight whenever possible. Artificial lighting misses scratches
Use a flashlight for evening deliveries
Check at multiple angles: scratches are often only visible at certain light angles
Don't let the driver rush you: you have the right to a complete inspection
Record a walk-around video for maximum documentation

Q&A

Q: What if the driver refuses to note damage on the BOL?

Do not sign the BOL. Call Web Auto Transport at (760) 932-2886 immediately. We will intervene.

Q: Can someone else do the inspection on my behalf?

Yes. Any authorized representative (18+, valid ID) can complete the inspection. Make sure they understand what to look for and have a copy of the pickup BOL.

Q: What if I find damage after the driver has already left?

Contact us within 24 hours with photos. Claims not noted on the delivery BOL are harder to pursue, but not impossible. Act immediately.

Q: Is the interior inspected?

Yes, briefly. Interior condition (dashboard, upholstery, major visible damage) is noted. Cargo insurance primarily covers exterior physical damage.

Inspection questions before pickup? Call (760) 932-2886, use LiveChat, or email info@webautotransport.com.