How to Handle Auto Transport Damage Claims: Protecting Yourself During the Process

When shipping a vehicle, it’s important to understand the process for handling potential issues, such as damage during transport. Even though companies like Bigfella Auto Express take precautions to ensure safe delivery, problems can occur. In some cases, additional insurance purchased for peace of mind might not always work out the way customers expect.

To help you avoid frustrating situations, we’re sharing a real-life example from someone who used another transport company, Montway Auto Transport, to raise awareness and ensure you’re prepared if anything goes wrong during your vehicle transport.

What Happened

In this case, the customer shipped their vehicle with Montway Auto Transport and purchased additional insurance for extra protection. After the vehicle was delivered, the damage wasn’t immediately noticeable, but within 10-15 minutes, the customer discovered that the vehicle had been harmed.

They followed Montway’s guidelines, immediately reporting the issue and filing a claim. However, when the customer requested the trucker's Certificate of Insurance (COI) — a standard step — Montway closed their claim without informing them. The customer repeatedly requested to have the claim re-opened but received no response. Now, they are left with $2,000 in damage and no mediation help from the company or the insurance they purchased.

This situation highlights the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do if you encounter a similar issue.

How to Protect Yourself

To ensure you’re well-prepared when shipping your vehicle, here are some steps to follow if damage occurs:

1. Inspect Your Vehicle Immediately Upon Delivery
   Always thoroughly inspect your vehicle as soon as it arrives. Check for any signs of damage before the trucker leaves, and document everything with photos or videos. If you notice any issues, report them immediately while the driver is still there if possible.

2. Document Everything
   Take photos from all angles of your vehicle, and make note of any damage before and after transport. Documentation is key to filing a successful claim, and you’ll need clear evidence if the issue escalates.

3. Know the Terms of Your Insurance
   If you’ve purchased additional insurance, make sure you understand exactly what it covers and how to file a claim. Some customers assume that additional insurance guarantees a hassle-free experience, but this is not always the case. Make sure to follow the company's damage reporting procedures and file your claim as soon as possible.

4. Request the Trucker’s Certificate of Insurance
   The carrier transporting your vehicle is required to have their own insurance. Always request the trucker’s Certificate of Insurance (COI) as a backup in case issues arise. This will help you navigate claims if the carrier is ultimately responsible for the damage.

5. Follow Up and Stay Persistent
   If your claim gets denied or is closed without resolution, stay persistent. Keep records of your communication and follow up consistently until the issue is resolved. In some cases, you may need to escalate the situation by contacting regulatory agencies or consumer protection organizations.

6. Consider Legal Options
   If a company is unresponsive or refuses to take responsibility for damage, you may need to explore other options like mediation, arbitration, or even small claims court to recover the cost of repairs.

Why Bigfella Auto Express is Different

At Bigfella Auto Express, we take every precaution to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and in perfect condition. We work only with verified carriers, and we ensure that all carriers meet our $250,000 insurance minimum to protect your vehicle during transport. We also guide you through the process to help make it as smooth as possible.

In the rare event that damage occurs, we encourage our customers to report it immediately and follow the steps outlined above to ensure a quick and fair resolution.

Final Thoughts

When shipping a vehicle, it’s essential to be proactive and informed about how to handle damage claims. While we strive to provide the best service at Bigfella Auto Express, knowing how to protect yourself can help avoid frustrating situations like the one described above. Stay vigilant, document everything, and always be sure to follow the appropriate steps if damage does occur during transport.

For more tips and to learn about our auto transport services, visit Bigfella Auto Express.