When a company moving your vehicle damages it, two things kick in fast. Frustration and a small panic. That is normal. Take a breath. You have options, and a simple plan helps. In this guide I walk through what to do, what to say, and what to avoid so you protect your wallet and your car. I will use the phrase company moving your vehicle damages it a few times so you know we are on the same page.
First steps at delivery
If you only remember one section, make it this one. It decides how hard the rest of the process will be.
- Inspect before you sign. Walk around the car with the driver present. Look at bumpers, rocker panels, mirrors, wheels, roof, hood, trunk, and glass. Check the interior and the odometer. Turn on the lights.
- Take photos and short videos. Get wide shots of each side and close-ups of every scuff, dent, and chip. Include the trailer in a few frames if possible. Time stamps help.
- Compare to pickup condition. You should have a pickup inspection report and photos. If not, use any pre-shipping photos you can find. Even a selfie in the driveway can help show prior condition.
- Note damage on the paperwork. The delivery inspection form and bill of lading need clear notes. Write the location, the size, and visible effects. Example: “New dent, right rear quarter above wheel, about 2 inches.” Ask the driver to initial it.
- Pay what is due, but write “paid under protest” next to your signature if the contract allows it. Do not sign a clean delivery if damage exists.
Document everything like a pro
Better proof equals faster outcomes. Build a small file.
- Photos and videos with time stamps
- Pickup and delivery inspection reports
- Bill of lading with your damage notes
- Driver name, truck number, company dispatch contact
- The shipping agreement and any emails or texts
- Your repair estimates and receipts
Store it in a single folder so you are not hunting later.
Contact the transporter quickly
Call and email the transport company within 24 hours. Be calm and factual. Share the top 3 photos and the page that shows your written damage notes. Ask for the claim process in writing. If a third-party claims administrator handles it, get that contact and a claim number.
Tip: keep all messages short and numbered. Example:
- Delivery on 9-5-2025
- New damage noted on bill of lading, attached
- Photos attached, request claim instructions
This keeps the thread clean and reduces back-and-forth.
Get two or three repair estimates
Shops can miss hidden issues. Two or three independent estimates protect you from underpayment and give the insurer a market range. Ask each shop to write a line-item estimate with parts, labor hours, and paint or blend steps. If the car should not be driven, get a written statement saying so. That helps with towing or rental reimbursement if it applies.
Involve your auto insurance when it helps
You may choose to file a claim with your own insurer. They might fix the car faster and then pursue the transporter for reimbursement. Consider your deductible and whether a claim could affect your rates. Call your agent and ask how they handle subrogation for shipping damage. If your policy is generous on rentals, this can be the least painful path.
Know the common policy limits
Many auto transporters carry cargo liability that caps per-vehicle payouts. Some policies exclude “wear and tear” or road debris. That is why the written inspection notes matter. Keep your expectations grounded, but do not accept a lowball without evidence. If their adjuster says labor rates are too high, point to your two or three estimates.
When the company moving your vehicle damages it and stalls
Silence happens. Here is how to keep the ball moving.
- Follow up every 5 business days with a short, polite email. Attach the last message so the thread stays complete.
- Ask for the insurer claim number and the adjuster contact.
- If they dispute liability, ask them to cite the clause and provide their supporting evidence in writing.
If they still stall, consider formal escalation.
Escalation options
You have several levers. Pick the lightest one that gets action.
- File a written complaint with the appropriate regulator or consumer agency for auto transport in your region.
- Use small claims court for straightforward cases under your local limit. Bring your photos, paperwork, and estimates.
- If you paid by credit card, ask your card issuer about your rights. Only file a dispute if you have tried normal channels. A dispute can freeze progress, so use with care.
- Consider a brief letter drafted by an attorney. Sometimes a clear letter on letterhead speeds things up.
Avoid these mistakes
- Signing a clean delivery form when new damage exists.
- Leaving the scene without photos.
- Waiting weeks to notify the transporter.
- Accepting verbal promises. If it is not in writing, it did not happen.
- Authorizing major repairs before the insurer or transporter agrees in writing, unless safety requires it. If you must, document the safety issue and keep the old parts.
What if the damage shows up later
Some damage hides under dust or in poor light. If you notice something after delivery, take photos right away and notify the company the same day. Explain why it was not visible earlier. It is harder to prove, but not impossible. Prior photos of the car in your driveway can save you here.
Rentals, towing, and storage
Ask what the policy covers. If the car is unsafe, request towing to your chosen shop. For rentals, confirm the daily cap and the allowed class of vehicle. If your car sits at a storage yard, ask for a written decision date so storage fees do not spiral.
Repair choice and parts
You choose the repair shop in most cases. Pick a reputable shop that writes detailed estimates and communicates in writing. For newer cars, you may prefer OEM parts. If the payer pushes aftermarket, ask for documentation that the parts meet quality standards. Keep it professional. The shop’s photos and notes will help you if any issues remain.
Keep the tone firm and calm
I know it is hard. The car is personal. But calm messages with clear evidence usually win faster than angry calls. State facts, attach proof, and set simple deadlines. Example: “Please confirm approval or specific questions by Friday at 4 pm.”
Quick checklist you can save
- Inspect before signing
- Note damage on the bill of lading
- Take photos and video
- Notify the company in writing within 24 hours
- Get 2 to 3 repair estimates
- Consider using your insurer
- Escalate if stalled, using the lightest lever first
Final thoughts
When a company moving your vehicle damages it, you do not need to be a lawyer to get a fair outcome. Good documentation, clear notes on the paperwork, and steady follow-up do the heavy lifting. Keep everything in one folder. Write short messages. Ask for decisions in writing. You will get there. And if the process drags, you have tools to push it along.