DAMAGE PROTECTION

The short answer: damage during car shipping is rare, and if it happens you are covered. Every vehicle we ship is fully insured by the carrier, its condition is documented at pickup and delivery, and any new damage is taken care of at no cost to you.

TOTAL CARE TRANS

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAR IS DAMAGED?

Your car is inspected twice

The driver does a thorough inspection at pickup and again at delivery, recording your vehicle’s condition on a triplicate form called the Bill of Lading, also known as the condition report. This creates a clear record of your car before and after transport.

Covered by the carrier’s insurance

Any damage at delivery that was not noted at pickup is covered by the carrier’s insurance. If something does happen, the driver typically alerts us before delivery. Total Care Trans and the carrier then decide whether to pay for the repair directly or submit it to insurance. Either way, you are taken care of at no cost to you.

Why damage is rare with us

We refuse to use inferior or discount carriers. We work with independent operators who own and carefully maintain their trucks and trailers, and whose reputations depend on careful service. Newer trailer designs and experienced drivers keep damage rare.

What to do at delivery

Inspect your vehicle with the driver before signing, ideally in good light.
Compare its condition to the pickup notes on the Bill of Lading.
Note any new damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it, and take photos.
Contact your Total Care Trans broker right away so we can start the claim with the carrier.

How to prepare your car for pickup

Wash your car so the inspection can show its true condition.
Take dated photos of all sides, the roof and the interior.
Remove personal items and valuables. Carrier insurance covers the vehicle itself, not belongings left inside.
Note any existing chips, scratches or dents with the driver at pickup.
Fold in mirrors and remove or secure loose parts such as antennas and custom accessories.

Open or enclosed: which protects better?

Open carriers are safe and the most common way to ship a car. For classic, exotic, luxury or high-value vehicles, enclosed transport adds full protection from weather and road debris. Learn about enclosed and exotic car shipping. On open trailers we can also request a preferred position for your vehicle, for example for a convertible.

Get your car shipping quote

Questions about coverage for your vehicle? Ask us before you book. Request a free quote or call Total Care Trans at 816-326-7290.

Total Care Trans is a licensed auto transport broker (USDOT 2274461, MC 774762), delivering more than 30,000 vehicles since 2012.