The Final Inspection at Delivery: What to Look For

The final vehicle inspection at delivery is your last chance to document any transport damage. Here's a systematic checklist for everything to check before signing off.

Do This Before Anything Else

When your car arrives, your first action is not to sign the Bill of Lading. Your first action is to inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Signing first waives your ability to document damage on the BOL.

What to Have Ready

Your pickup Bill of Lading (or a photo of it on your phone)
Your pickup day photos for comparison
Your smartphone for taking delivery photos
A flashlight if delivery is at night

The Delivery Inspection Checklist

Exterior. Check Every Surface

Hood: Scratches, dents, paint chips
Roof: Any impacts or dents (use a ladder or step if needed for tall vehicles)
Trunk lid / tailgate: Dents, scratches, latch function
Driver side front panel: Scratches, dents along door and fender
Driver side rear panel: Scratches, dents along door and quarter panel
Passenger side front panel: Same checks
Passenger side rear panel: Same checks
Front bumper: Cracks, scrapes, missing clips or trim
Rear bumper: Same
Rocker panels / sills: Common area for loading damage
All glass: Windshield, side windows, rear window, cracks, chips
Both mirrors: Housing, glass, mount integrity
All four wheels: Curb rash, cracks, visible damage
All four tires: Sidewall cuts or bulges

Undercarriage (If Accessible)

Front lip spoiler / air dam (especially for lowered vehicles)
Exhaust tips
Running boards

Interior

Dashboard: No new cracks or scuffs from loading/unloading
Odometer: Should be within 3-5 miles of pickup reading

What Normal Is (Not Damage)

Dust and road grime: normal on open transport. Wash the car.
Insect residue: normal from road exposure. Not a claim.
Salt film in winter regions: normal. Not structural damage.

If You Find Something New

Don't sign the BOL yet
Point it out to the driver calmly
Write the damage on the delivery BOL: "Scratch approx 4 inches, left rear door, mid-panel"
Photograph the damage
Call Web Auto Transport at (760) 932-2886 before the driver leaves if possible
Then sign the BOL with the damage noted

Inspecting at Night or in Poor Conditions

If delivery arrives after dark or in rain:

Use a flashlight for each surface
Note on the BOL: "Inspection conducted in low-light / rain conditions. Conducting full inspection in daylight within 24 hours."
Complete the daylight inspection the next morning and photograph everything
Report any findings within 24 hours

Q&A

Q: How long does the inspection take?

A thorough inspection takes 10-15 minutes. This is time well spent. Don't let the driver rush you.

Q: What if damage was there at pickup but not on the BOL?

This is why the pickup inspection and photos are so important. If existing damage wasn't noted at pickup, it creates ambiguity. Always insist on thorough documentation at both ends.

Q: My car was dirty at delivery. Do I need to wash it before inspecting?

A light rinse makes scratches easier to see, but you don't need a full wash. Focus on visible dents and structural damage, which are visible even through dirt.

Delivery happening soon? Call (760) 932-2886 if you have questions before or during the inspection. Email: info@webautotransport.com