Having a car delivered to your doorstep can be incredibly convenient. Whether you’ve bought a vehicle from another state, arranged transport for a classic car, or moved your existing vehicle across the country, professional delivery can save you a long trip.
But when the transporter arrives, resist the temptation to simply collect your keys and drive away.
Even when transportation goes smoothly, checking your vehicle before accepting delivery can help you spot problems and avoid later disagreements.
Here are four things to check before signing the final paperwork.
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1. Check the Exterior for Any New Damage
First, walk around your vehicle and inspect its exterior carefully.
Look for scratches, dents, chipped paint, cracked lights, and damage to the bumpers or mirrors. Pay particular attention to areas that might not be immediately visible, such as the lower sections of doors and the edges of body panels.
Ideally, you should have photos showing the vehicle’s condition before you collect it.
These give you something to compare against when it arrives.
If you’re arranging transportation through car transporters in San Antonio, or having a vehicle delivered elsewhere, ask about the company’s inspection procedures before booking.
What to remember: Take clear photos during the delivery inspection, and make sure you record any newly discovered damage on the delivery paperwork before signing.
2. Look Inside the Vehicle
It’s easy to concentrate on the bodywork and forget about the interior.
However, checking the interior is just as important, especially if you’ve bought a used car without seeing it in person.
Inspect the seats, dashboard, carpets, and door panels for damage that wasn’t previously disclosed.
You should also check that any accessories or equipment included in the sale are present.
For example, if the seller agreed to provide a spare key, owner’s manual, or removable accessories, confirm that they’ve arrived with the vehicle.
Remember that transport companies may restrict personal belongings inside vehicles, so don’t assume items left in the car are covered by transportation insurance.
What to remember: Compare the vehicle’s interior with the original photographs or condition report and raise any concerns immediately.
3. Read the Delivery Paperwork Before Signing
After a long wait for your vehicle, signing a few documents might seem like a formality.
However, the delivery paperwork can matter if you later need to file a complaint or make an insurance claim.
Vehicle transport companies commonly use a document called a Bill of Lading, which records shipment information and may include details of the vehicle’s condition.
Before signing, compare the recorded condition with what you’ve actually observed.
If you notice new damage, document it clearly rather than relying on a verbal assurance that the issue will be resolved later.
You should also keep copies of the paperwork, photographs, and any relevant correspondence.
What to remember: Never sign a document confirming that your vehicle arrived without damage if you’ve identified a problem that hasn’t been recorded.
A Few Minutes Can Make a Big Difference
Vehicle delivery should be straightforward, but taking a little extra time to inspect your car is always worthwhile.
Checking the exterior, interior, mileage, and paperwork lets you identify concerns while the transporter is still present.
If something doesn’t look right, document it and contact the transportation provider promptly to understand the next steps.
Most importantly, don’t feel pressured to rush through the inspection simply because the driver has other deliveries to make.
A careful check now could save you considerable time, money, and frustration later.
