No matter how cautiously you try to ship a car, there is always a probability of sustaining damage during transit. These damages can be as little as scratches or dents or as large as bashes or damages to the internal components.
In this article, we will explain the importance of inspecting your vehicle before and after shipping it to identify the damages it might have sustained and make the process of damage resolution easier.
Shipping a vehicle is a multi-step process that involves loading a car into a carrier, securing it properly, transporting it to its destination, and then offloading it. There is a probability of the car sustaining damage at every step; this is why a lot of work is done to make car shipping as smooth and efficient as possible.
Another reason to carry out a proper inspection is to identify damages that are hidden from a simple walk-around glance. Internal components like your engines and delicate electrical systems can also suffer damage that will cause them not to function properly.
There are two times you need to carry out an inspection on your vehicle: on pick-up and after delivery.
This inspection should be done with a representative of the shipping company before handing the car over to the company. The steps include the following:
- Document the Initial Condition: Do a simple walk around the car and note down any existing damages. Also, take clear photographs of different areas from various angles to have concrete evidence of the initial condition of the internal and external parts of the car.
- Service the vehicle’s systems: Check the car’s internal systems, like the electrical system, lighting, brakes, and air regulation. Also, gauge tire levels and check the vehicle’s fluids to ensure they are in the right amount.
The inspection should be simple and straightforward, and the results of the inspection should be documented and stored properly.
This inspection entails more of a comparison of the vehicle’s condition to how it was before shipping. The steps for post-shipping inspection include:
- Check the interior and exterior: walk around the vehicle and try to spot damages that were not there before; this may include scratches, dents, or broken parts.
- Take a test drive: Step into the car and turn on the ignition, air conditioning, lighting, and other systems. You can also drive the vehicle around and pay attention to any weird sounds or vibrations.
Carrying out this inspection enables you to spot damage to the car’s engines or internal systems. Once this inspection is completed, you will need to note down the new damages and report them to the company.
Inspecting your vehicle before and after shipping has numerous benefits. We will list some of the most common ones below:
- Inspecting your vehicle makes it easier for you to get insurance claims, which you can use to get reimbursement or repairs for the damages.
- Damages are repaired faster if they can be easily identified. It also helps you prevent issues from developing and ensures that your vehicle remains in optimal condition.
- Inspecting your vehicle also gives you peace of mind since you know all the damages will be addressed by the company and its insurance coverage.
In conclusion, vehicle inspection is a key part of the process of transporting a vehicle. It has numerous benefits, and its importance cannot be overemphasized.
While inspection helps to identify damages, you can also hire a reliable shipping company like Ship A Car, Inc., to reduce the probability of damages happening to your car. Contact us at (866) 821-4555 to book your car shipping today.
Vehicles should be inspected before handing them over to the shipping company and immediately after delivery.
Shipping companies usually send an experienced professional who can carry out the proper inspection procedures. However, you can always hire a professional if you need extra assurance.
