If you are shipping a car, then it is quite normal to be worried about the condition of the vehicle before and after the delivery. So as to your car to be delivered safely, several auto transport companies issue inspection reports. These reports are a critical part of the car shipping process do shipping companies provide inspection reports, as they allow both the client and the shipping company to record the state of the vehicle before the shipping and after the delivery at the new location.
This article will enlighten you on the main reasons why inspection reports are important, the information they include, and if the shipping companies provide them or not. We will also share how these reports can assure your vehicle’s safety and a hassle-free delivery.
Why Are Vehicle Inspection Reports Important in Auto Transport?
A vehicle inspection report is essentially a record of the car’s condition without a doubt that the car is to be shipped. These reports are the tools used for the protection of the customer and the shipping company in the first place, thus, if any damage is caused during the shipment, these should be the means of proper documentation and handling of such.
1. Documenting Pre-Existing Damage
The primary importance of vehicle inspection report is the function of its documentation of the pre-existing damage. By a vehicle inspection before shipment, the two parties (you and the shipping company) can along the way find unnoticeable scratches, dents, chips, or other nature of the vehicle. Thus, the confusion or disputes as to whether the damage occurred during transport are avoided.
- Photographs and Notes: This report generally comprises photographs of the vehicle from different perspectives showing the condition of the car and the existing marks or imperfections.
- Verification: The inspection report is signed by both parties (the customer and the shipping company) to confirm the car’s condition at the time of collection.
This is the documentation that guarantees your rights. If a car accident will happen in the transportation process, it will be the inspection report that will provide the necessary evidence in order to know the shipping company which it is to be held responsible for.
2. Insurance and Liability
Most car hauling firms usually offer the standard insurance coverage for the vehicle being transported. Nevertheless, the amount of coverage can differ in accordance with the company and the way of shipping. The auto inspection report helps to confirm the vehicle’s condition and also that the insurance coverage is sufficient in case of a breach of the property.
If an incident happens to the car, the inspection report becomes insurance paperwork. It might be difficult to establish that the damage has taken place during the shipment without such documentation.
3. Ensuring Safe Handling During Transport
A detailed inspection report will provide the proof that your car is being properly handled in the whole shipping process. The shipping company that is going to deliver your car can prepare a special package of ‘handling instructions’ for your car if they know its condition beforehand. For instance, if your vehicle is of low height, the transport company can pick a certain carrier that will be a close fit and thus lessen the possibility of scratches or other types of damages.
Moreover, shipping service providers might insert some specific safety measures in the vehicle condition report if there are customized components or delicate parts in the car that will require gentle handling.
What Is a Vehicle Inspection Report Made Up Of?
A vehicle inspection report is an in-depth description that touches on a wide range of topics about the car’s condition. The actual layout can be different among companies, but most reports share the common elements as follows:
1. Exterior Condition
In the report, the car’s exterior will be described in detail, with the identification of any scratches, dents, dings, chips, or other types of visible damage. Alongside the written description, usually, some pictures are taken to help give a better understanding of the situation. The detailed inspection areas are:
- Bumpers: Look for the signs of a cracked, scratched, or scuffed surface.
- Doors and Panels: Search for the hidden dents, scratches, or chips of paint.
- Windows and Windshield: Any break, chip, and scratch on glass should be reported.
- Roof and Trunk: The newness of these parts must be checked for the signs of damage or wear.
2. Interior Condition
The inspection report for a vehicle can be regarded as a kind of a home report, which can involve a lot of information about the inside of the car. Therefore, the automobile’s interior may be some parts of the inspection report:
- Seats and Upholstery: The first thing you should do is check the seats and upholstery for rips, stains, or any other types of damage that might be there on fabric or leather.
- Dashboard and Electronics: It is the part of the car where you should make sure that the dashboard, display screens, and the controls are all in a good condition.
- Floor Mats and Carpets: Check if the rugs and carpets are clean and spotless.
3. Mechanical Condition
Despite the fact that the first and foremost attention is usually paid to a car’s exterior, some descriptions might also bother briefly with the mechanical condition if the vehicle is moved with the engine on (for example, in the case of a working car). This can be a report of:
- Fluid Levels: Provide the necessary fluids for the car and look for leaks that are visible.
- Battery: Indicate if the battery is charged and installed safely.
- Tires: Look at the tire pressure and also at the tires for any signs of wear or damage.
4. Mileage
Actually, the mileage of the car is an essential part of the inspection process and it should be recorded to ensure that the use of the car is accurately reflected. In this way, the seller and the buyer will have a better idea of whether the car is new or used, which might be important in the case of any injuries.
5. Damage Report
When a vehicle is inspected and the officers find the damage, the description of the damage is the report, the writing part is the documentation, and the photos taken are the evidence. This information is the only record that is absolutely clear and cannot be challenged in the case of the vehicle’s condition before the delivery.
Do All Shipping Companies Provide Inspection Reports?
It is not the case that all shipping companies give vehicle inspection reports as a matter of course, but the majority of reliable companies provide them as an integral part of their service. In order to verify the company’s inspection procedure and to be sure that the car is going to be shipped with a report, it is necessary to make such a request when arranging the transport of your vehicle.
Listed below are the characteristics and features of a company that you need to factor in when making a choice:
- The Professional Companies: The first step is to find a company with good standing and a lot of years in the business of vehicle transport. Among the professional auto shipping companies, the standard and the facts related to the transport of the vehicle that they will report to you will be very precise and detailed.
- Clear Documentation: The shipping company should make sure that they provide clear and complete documentation that should include photos and written descriptions as proof of transparency and to avoid any misunderstanding in the case of a conflict.
- Transparency: You should confirm with the company if their inspection process is thorough, and they handle the matter when a claim for damage is issued. In the case that the company refuses to give you an inspection report and talk to you about their process, then consider it a warning signal of a possible problem.
At Car Shipping Auto , we understand the importance of providing detailed inspection reports to ensure the safe transport of your vehicle. Our team works closely with customers to document the condition of the car before transport, providing peace of mind throughout the process.
How to Handle the Inspection Report
When the car inspection report is done, it is very important that you check it carefully. This is what you should do instead of just reading it:
- Check for Accuracy: Go through the photos and descriptions to verify that everything is recorded accurately. If you find any differences, solve them with the shipping company without delay.
- Sign the Report: Your signature as well as that of the shipping company shall be put on the inspection report, thus, it is considered a confirmation that the vehicle condition as stated is agreed upon.
- Make sure You Have Your Own Copy: An inspection report should be kept as your personal record. It is like a travel insurance with which you can make claims when there is a problem during your transportation.
Car inspection reports are truly indispensable in the car shipping process. They present a record of the vehicle’s status before the delivery and also act as a certificate of safety if the car has been damaged during the delivery. Though not all transport companies may provide inspection reports, selecting a reliable and trustworthy company will guarantee that your vehicle is handled with care and you are given the necessary protection during the transport.
At Car Shipping Auto, the safety and security of your vehicle is what we value the most. We include detailed inspection reports, meticulous documentation, and professional handling, which all together ensure that your vehicle will be delivered safely and securely. Contact us now to get more information about our services and take advantage of a free vehicle shipment quote!
