The worst scenario during the shipping of a vehicle is a luxury car, classic vehicle, or the daily car, and that is a total damage of the car on arrival. Nevertheless, the problem can be still there on the way. In the case of delivery with damage, you might be asking the question: can I refuse a damaged delivery?
In this manual, we will explain to you the method of a car delivery refusal, the damage situation you should take what steps, and the ways to guard your interests throughout the shipping process. The key to having your car treated properly and getting the damage solved in a timely manner is knowing your rights and the correct procedures.
1. The Process of Refusing a Damaged Delivery
Of course, you are allowed to decline the delivery of your damaged vehicle, but in order to avoid any further problems, it is a must to take the correct steps first. Below is a list of ways on how to deal with such a situation:
1.1 Inspect Your Vehicle Upon Delivery
If you have your new car delivered to you, do not hesitate to check the car inside and outside for any kind of damage.
- Checking the exterior: Looking not only at the paint but also at the car’s body for scratches, dents, chips, or even cracks.
- Inspecting the tires and wheels: Looking for any kinds of air leaks, flat tires, or wheel parts that may have suffered from the impact of the car.
- Assessing the interior: If the car is yours and you did not leave anything in it then it should be empty so check if it is so and that no part is damaged or missing inside.
Do this in the daylight or at least when there is good lighting. That will enable you to see even the tiniest detail of the cars condition. Write down everything, even if damages are not visible to you at that moment. This is going to serve you as a proof of any possible conflicts.
Here at Car Shipping Auto, we take care of all the pre-transport and post-transport inspection details of your vehicle. And you will be the one to have the proof to back up your claim if there are any issues regarding damages.
1.2 Document the Damage
Once you find a damage, take pictures showing the damage in detail and clearly from different sides. These pictures must consist of:
- A photo taken closely of the damaged part.
- A photo taken from a distance which, apart from the vehicle, shows its general condition.
- Any other necessary details that could describe the damage.
Additionally, write down the delivery date and time as well as any other circumstances that could have led to the damage (for instance bad weather during the shipping).
1.3 Refuse the Delivery If Necessary
In case you discover that the vehicle inside has been damaged substantially and that you couldn’t accept it, then you are free to refuse the delivery. What to do is as follows:
- Inform the Driver Immediately: Explain the issues to the driver clearly; tell him that delivery is refused due to damage.
- Sign a Refusal Document: The shipping company will request that you sign a refusal document, which is a statement indicating that due to the damage, the car is not being accepted. Make sure this is done before the driver leaves.
- Do Not Allow the Driver to Leave with the Vehicle: If you refuse the delivery, the driver should not go away with the vehicle until all the necessary paperwork has been done.
If you are utilizing Car Shipping Auto, our chauffeurs, and crew are well-trained for scenarios like this and will always be there to provide you with information regarding the next steps.
2. Report the Damage to the Shipping Company
After you have declined the delivery, the next step is to get in touch with the courier and inform them about the problem. This vital step, in essence, is what signals them to be on the lookout for the scenario and thus, commence the process of the complaint being solved.
2.1 Notify the Shipping Company Immediately
Contact the shipping company at your earliest convenience. Your checklist should include the following:
- Offer your order number or shipment details to enable them find your exact shipment.
- Give the pictures of the damage that you have taken earlier.
- Tell them that you refused the delivery stating the reasons behind it.
At Car Shipping Auto, we put the customer first and will be there to support you in filing the necessary claims until your issues are resolved.
2.2 Follow Up for Resolution
The usual next step for the shipping company after they have gotten your complaint is to lead a
procedure:
- Going through the delivery and inspection paperwork.
- Talking to the driver or checking the GPS tracking to get the details of the transport.
- Determining whether the damage has been caused at the time of shipping or was there any damage to the package.
In case the damage is due to transport, the shipping company’s insurance is the one to take care of the repair costs or give you a refund. But the investigation period with these types of claims will definitely require you to have some patience.
3. Understanding Your Rights and Options
It is quite important that you comprehend your rights and get a chance to choose options in case a problem arises before you accept any shipping terms. The following is what you should know:
3.1 The Role of Insurance in Car Shipping
As for a car, the shipping company is responsible for covering the car by insurance, which is the standard procedure. The said coverage is a kind of protection against the vehicle being damaged, stolen, or suffering from some other unfavorable incidences during the shipping procedure.
It is necessary to:
- Go through the insurance policy: Get a clear idea of the insurance that is provided for you and check if there are any exceptions to the coverage.
- Check your insurance: Check that the shipping companys insurance is sufficient to cover the total value of your car. If necessary, you can also buy extra coverage.
We at Car Shipping Auto are the people to go to if you want a reassuring car insurance plan. We ensure that you are clear about the coverage before the dispatch takes place.
3.2 What happens after refusing the delivery?
Once you have refused the delivery, a carrier will go over the damage and decide what step to take next. A few options are:
- Fixing the Damage: The organization could plan the fixing of the item before handing it over to you.
- Paying You Back: If the destruction is considerable and there is no way to be fixed, a refund or a partial compensation for the delivery may be given to you.
- Delivering the Car Again: There is also a possibility that the company will become the carrier of the car after the damage is solved and thus it will be re-delivered.
3.3 Disputes Resolution
If the dispute is about the damage extent or who is at fault, you might have to take an independent inspector onboard or submit a legal complaint. Car Shipping Auto is dedicated to resolving problems in a fair manner and, to this end, we keep the lines of communication open to make sure you get the final result you want.
4. How to Prevent Delivery Issues in the Future
Even if it is not feasible to totally remove the risk of damage to the package while being transported, the sender could take some measures to reduce the likelihood of that happening:
- Select the Shipping Company You Can Trust: Take the services of a stable and seasoned company like Car Shipping Auto that can offer you a safe and insured transport option.
- Be an Enclosed Transport User: If you have a valuable, luxurious, or antique automobile, then it would be advisable to wrap it in an enclosed transport for additional safety.
- Get the Vehicle in Good Shape for Transport: Your car should be checked and made ready for the shipment. The checks should involve the inspection of the vehicle for any signs of damage, as well as any required mechanical maintenance.
Managing the Shipment of a Damaged Vehicle
It is within your authority as a client to decline delivery of a damaged vehicle and likewise it is crucial to take the right measures to make sure the problem is solved in an appropriate way. Knowing your rights and choices from checking the car on delivery to informing the shipping company about the damage will go a long way in shielding your car.
We at Car Shipping Auto are committed to making your car shipping journey as hassle-free as possible. We are always ready to assist you if you have any trouble. The support that we will give you will be prompt and professional. Car Shipping Auto is the place to go.
