Damage during car transport is uncommon, but knowing the process in advance means you are fully protected if anything does happen. The key is the condition report and photos taken at both ends, then checked carefully at delivery. This guide explains what to look for, how to record any issue, and how a claim works, calmly and step by step.

How does the inspection process protect you?

Before your car is loaded, the driver records its condition in a written report and takes photographs from several angles, noting any marks that are already there. The same inspection is repeated at delivery. Together these create a clear before-and-after record of the car.

This matters because it removes guesswork. If a new mark appears, the two sets of photos show plainly that it was not there at collection. It is worth taking your own photos too; our guide on how to prepare your car for transport recommends exactly this before handover.

Take the photos in daylight if you can, capturing each side, the roof, the wheels and any existing marks in close-up. Date-stamped images on your phone are ideal, because they establish exactly how the car looked at the moment it left you.

What should I check at delivery?

Give yourself a few unhurried minutes when the car arrives. Walk around it in good light and look methodically rather than glancing over it and signing.

• Bodywork: panels, bumpers and paint for new dents, scratches or chips.
• Glass and lights: windscreen, windows and lamp units for fresh cracks.
• Wheels and tyres: alloys for new scuffs and the tyres for their condition.
• Mirrors and trim: that nothing is loose, hanging or missing.

Compare what you see against the collection photos before you sign anything. If the light is poor, use a torch rather than rushing.

If the driver seems in a hurry, stay polite but firm. A proper handover check is normal and expected, and a professional driver will give you the time to do it.

How do I note damage on the delivery report?

If you spot anything, note it clearly on the delivery report before the driver leaves and take your own photographs on the spot. Be specific: describe the mark and its exact location, for example a scratch on the offside rear door.

Do not feel rushed into signing a clean report. A polite, factual note at the point of delivery is the single most important step in any later claim, because it ties the damage to the moment of handover and to the carrier’s own records.

How does a claim work?

Vehicles in transit are covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, which exists precisely for the rare event of transit damage. If you have noted the issue on the delivery report and have photos, you report it promptly and the claim is assessed against those records.

Keep everything together: the collection and delivery reports, both sets of photos and your booking confirmation. If you would like the detail of what cover includes and excludes, see our guide on car transport insurance explained. If you booked through us, we will help point you in the right direction.

Try to raise the matter calmly and promptly rather than leaving it for weeks. Fresh reports, clear photos and a quick notification make the whole process smoother, and they leave no room for doubt about when and how the damage occurred.

How can I prevent problems in the first place?

Most issues are avoided with a little preparation. Present the car clean so any existing marks are visible, remove personal items and loose accessories, fold in the mirrors where easy, and note the fuel level. Make sure the car is described accurately at booking, including whether it is a non-runner.

Choosing a broker that uses vetted, insured carriers with proper condition reports also makes a real difference to your peace of mind. You can read how we work on our why choose us page, or request a free quote and ask us how the condition check is handled.

Finally, keep your booking confirmation, the agreed price and any messages together in one place. Should you ever need them, having everything to hand turns a stressful moment into a simple, well-documented process.

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