Question 1

What should I check when my vehicle is delivered?

Accepted Answer

When your vehicle arrives, take the time to conduct a thorough inspection before signing the delivery Bill of Lading. Start by walking around the entire vehicle and comparing its current condition to the pickup BOL — check every panel, bumper, mirror, wheel, and trim piece for new scratches, dents, chips, or scuffs. Open all doors and inspect the edges. Check the roof, hood, and trunk. Look at the glass for any new chips or cracks. Inspect the wheels and tires for curb damage.  After the exterior, check the interior. Make sure the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and controls are in the same condition as when you shipped the vehicle. Start the engine and listen for any unusual sounds. Check that the vehicle drives normally — steering, brakes, and transmission should all feel right. If you left the fuel level at a quarter tank as recommended, verify the gauge is approximately where you left it.  If everything looks good and matches the pickup documentation, sign the delivery BOL and you are done. If you find any new damage, do not sign a clean BOL — note the damage on the document, photograph it immediately, and contact us right away. Even if the damage seems minor, document it. Small scratches can turn out to be deeper than they look, and having them on the BOL protects your ability to file a claim. The driver should acknowledge any damage you identify — if they dispute it, note that on the BOL as well and call us immediately.

Question 2

What do I do if my vehicle is damaged during shipping?

Accepted Answer

If you discover damage to your vehicle during the delivery inspection, stay calm and follow these steps in order. First, note the damage on the Bill of Lading in detail before signing it — describe the damage type (scratch, dent, chip, crack), its location, and its severity. Have the driver acknowledge the annotation. Do not let anyone pressure you to sign a clean BOL. Second, photograph the damage extensively — take close-up shots, wide-angle context shots, and photos from multiple angles. Compare these against your pre-shipping photos.  Third, contact American Auto Shipping immediately. We will initiate the claims process with the carrier's insurance company on your behalf. You will need to provide a copy of the annotated delivery BOL, your pre-shipping photos, your delivery photos, and a written repair estimate from a licensed body shop. The carrier's insurance company will review the documentation, compare the pickup and delivery condition reports, and process the claim. Most claims are resolved within 30-60 days.  Do not get the damage repaired before the claim is processed unless the insurance company authorizes it. Repairing damage before the insurer inspects it can complicate or void the claim. If the damage makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, document that on the BOL and contact us immediately — we will coordinate with the carrier's insurance to get emergency authorization for necessary repairs. Damage during transit is uncommon (less than 1% of shipments), but when it happens, proper documentation is the key to a smooth resolution.

Question 3

Should I tip my car transport driver?

Accepted Answer

Tipping your car transport driver is not required, but it is appreciated for good service — much like tipping a furniture delivery team or a moving crew. The standard tip in the auto transport industry ranges from $20 to $50, depending on the level of service, the difficulty of the delivery, and your personal preference. Drivers who go above and beyond — accommodating tight schedules, navigating difficult delivery locations, or providing exceptional communication — certainly deserve recognition.  Most drivers will not expect or ask for a tip, and you should never feel pressured to provide one. Auto transport drivers are compensated through the shipping rate, and a tip is genuinely optional. That said, drivers are on the road for weeks at a time, working long hours in all weather conditions, and a cash tip is a tangible way to show appreciation for a job well done. If the driver was professional, communicative, careful with your vehicle, and delivered on time, a tip is a nice gesture.  If you prefer not to tip in cash, a positive online review mentioning the driver by name is another way to show appreciation. Good reviews help drivers and carrier companies build their reputation and win future business. At the end of the day, tipping is a personal choice — there is no obligation and no judgment either way.

Question 4

How do I leave a review after my vehicle is delivered?

Accepted Answer

Leaving a review after your vehicle is delivered helps other customers make informed decisions and helps quality carriers build their reputation. You can leave a review for American Auto Shipping on Google, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or Transport Reviews — all of which are platforms where prospective customers research auto shipping companies before booking.  When writing your review, specific details are the most helpful. Mention the route (e.g., "shipped from Chicago to Phoenix"), the approximate cost, the timeline from booking to delivery, and the quality of communication. If the driver was particularly professional or helpful, mention their name — drivers appreciate the recognition, and it helps other customers know what to expect. Honest reviews — both positive and constructive — improve the industry for everyone.  If you had a negative experience, we would genuinely prefer to hear from you directly before you post a public review. Contact our team and give us the chance to make it right. Many issues can be resolved quickly when we know about them, and we take every customer concern seriously. We have been in business since 1999 and our reputation matters to us — if something went wrong, we want to fix it. But if your experience was positive, a review is one of the best ways to support the drivers and team members who made it happen.

Question 5

What if I want to dispute a charge?

Accepted Answer

If you believe you were charged incorrectly, the first step is to contact our team directly. Most billing questions have straightforward explanations — a deposit that appears separate from the delivery payment, a surcharge for a non-running vehicle that was disclosed during quoting, or a payment that has not yet been fully processed. We can review your booking, quote, and payment records and clarify any discrepancy quickly.  If the issue is with the carrier's delivery payment — for example, the driver requested a different amount than what was quoted — do not pay the incorrect amount without contacting us first. Your binding quote is your agreement, and the delivery balance should match what was established at booking. Call us before making payment and we will resolve the discrepancy directly with the carrier. If the driver is insisting on a different amount and will not release your vehicle, call us immediately — this situation is rare but we have the authority and the relationships to resolve it on the spot.  For charges related to vehicle damage, additional services, or fees you did not authorize, document everything — save receipts, emails, text messages, and any written communication. Contact us with this documentation and we will investigate. If we determine a charge was unauthorized or incorrect, we will work with the carrier to issue a refund or credit. Our commitment to transparent, binding pricing means you should never be surprised by your bill — if something does not look right, reach out and we will sort it out.

Get Your Free Quote or Call Today / Open 24 Hours

Delivery & After

5 Articles

What should I check when my vehicle is delivered?

What do I do if my vehicle is damaged during shipping?

Should I tip my car transport driver?

How do I leave a review after my vehicle is delivered?

What if I want to dispute a charge?

Other Topics

Costs & Pricing

Before You Ship

During Transport

Insurance & Protection

Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?