Step-by-Step: How to File a Car Shipping Damage Claim

If your car arrives with new damage, follow these steps immediately. Acting fast and documenting correctly is the key to a successful car shipping damage claim.

Act Immediately! The First 60 Minutes Matter

Claims are strongest when filed within 24-48 hours of delivery, with damage documented on the delivery Bill of Lading. The longer you wait, the harder the claim becomes.

Step 1: Inspect Thoroughly Before Signing

Do not sign the delivery Bill of Lading until you have walked around the entire vehicle and compared it to the pickup BOL. Check:

All four sides, roof, and hood
Bumpers, mirrors, and lights
Windshield and windows
Tires and wheels
Under the front bumper if accessible

Inspect in daylight. Use a flashlight for evening deliveries.

Step 2: Document New Damage on the BOL

If you find new damage:

Point it out to the driver
Write a clear description on the delivery BOL: location, size, type (scratch, dent, crack)
Both you and the driver sign the annotated BOL
Request a copy before the driver leaves

If the driver refuses to acknowledge the damage or pressures you to sign without noting it, call Web Auto Transport at (760) 932-2886 immediately.

Step 3: Photograph Everything

Take detailed, timestamped photos of:

The specific damage with and without flash
The area around the damage for context
The pickup BOL showing the damage was NOT there before
The delivery BOL with your notation
The carrier's truck and license plate

Step 4: Contact Web Auto Transport

Call (760) 932-2886 or email info@webautotransport.com as soon as you have documented the damage. Provide:

Your order number
Photos of the damage
Both signed BOLs (or photos of them)
A description of what happened

We will contact the carrier and initiate the claims process with their insurance provider.

Step 5: Get a Repair Estimate

Most carriers and their insurers require a written repair estimate from a licensed auto body shop. Get the estimate on official shop letterhead with itemized parts and labor.

Do not start repairs until the claim is acknowledged, unless the damage makes the vehicle undrivable.

Step 6: If You Added TransitShield

If you purchased TransitShield at booking, you have a parallel claims path directly with Tint:

Email: support@tint.ai
Phone: (909) 505-2338
Deadline: Report within 7 days of discovering the loss
Required: Pre- and post-shipment photos, signed BOLs

TransitShield claims are processed digitally and most valid claims are resolved within 7 days of approval.

Step 7: Follow Up

Most carrier insurance claims resolve within 7-21 business days. If the carrier's insurer is unresponsive, contact us, we will escalate on your behalf.

Q&A

Q: What if I signed the BOL without noting damage?

Report the damage within 24 hours with photos and a written explanation. Claims are harder without a BOL notation, but not impossible.

Q: Who pays for the damage? The broker or the carrier?

The carrier's cargo insurance covers the repair. Web Auto Transport may facilitates the claim process and advocates for you throughout.

Q: Do I need to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed?

In some cases, yes. Particularly if repairs are urgent. Keep all receipts. Reimbursement follows claim approval.

Q: What if the carrier denies the claim?

We escalate. If you added TransitShield, the Tint policy provides an independent path. We can also help you pursue the claim through the FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database.

Q: Is hail damage covered?

Under the carrier's cargo policy, hail from ordinary weather may not be covered. Under TransitShield, ordinary hail is covered. Only major named weather events (hurricanes, tornadoes, named storms) are excluded under both policies.

Noticed damage at delivery? Call (760) 932-2886 right away. We are here to help. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email: info@webautotransport.com