What to Do If Your Car Gets Damaged During Shipping

I’ll admit it—I never thought my car would arrive looking like it had survived a minor battlefield. A few years back, I shipped my Honda Accord from the U.S. to Lagos via RoRo, thinking the worst that could happen was a delay. Instead, when I opened the port gate, I found a noticeable scratch along the rear bumper and a small dent on the driver’s side door. My stomach sank. I had done everything “right,” or so I thought.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either worried this could happen to you, or it has already, and you’re wondering what to do next. I’ve helped a few friends navigate these situations since then, and I want to share practical, step-by-step guidance, along with some lessons I learned the hard way.

Step 1: Don’t Panic

First, take a deep breath. It’s easy to react with anger or panic, especially if the damage looks bad. But remember, shipping companies deal with damaged vehicles all the time. They’re used to handling claims, and the faster and calmer you act, the better your chances of being reimbursed or repaired.

When my Accord was damaged, I initially called my clearing agent while pacing back and forth. That stress didn’t fix the car—it only made me miss some deadlines. Once I slowed down and followed a structured approach, the process became more manageable.

Step 2: Document Everything

This is where most people slip up. If you don’t have evidence, your claim might not go anywhere.

Photograph the damage immediately. Take pictures from multiple angles. Include the license plate, the VIN, and the surrounding area. Even minor scratches should be documented; they might escalate into a claim.

Check the shipping checklist. Most shipping companies provide a pre-shipment inspection report. Compare it with the car’s condition on arrival to clearly establish what changed during transit.

Keep paperwork handy. Bill of lading, insurance documents, and correspondence with the shipping company all matter.

In my case, the photos I took at the port saved me from a lot of headaches later. Without them, it would have been my word against the agent’s.

Step 3: Notify the Shipping Company Immediately

Time is critical. Most shipping contracts specify a limited window—sometimes 7 to 14 days—within which you can file a damage claim. Missing this window could mean losing any chance of compensation.

When I called my shipping line, I learned that they expected:

A detailed description of the damage.

Photos showing the car before and after shipping.

A copy of the inspection report from when the car was loaded.

Even if you think the damage is minor, it’s better to report it immediately. Small scratches can turn into bigger issues, and companies often won’t accept delayed claims.

Step 4: Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Here’s the tricky part: not all shipping insurance is created equal. Many first-time importers assume that the shipping fee alone covers damage. That’s rarely the case.

Check if you bought full coverage. Some policies cover all transit risks, while others only cover total loss.

Understand deductibles. You may need to cover a portion of the repair costs out of pocket.

Know the claims limits. Certain luxury cars or modifications might not be fully covered.

I once had a friend ship a Toyota Highlander without understanding that the insurance only covered collision during the ocean voyage—not handling at the port. When the car got dented while unloading, the claim was denied. Lesson: read the fine print, even if it’s boring.

Step 5: Get Repair Estimates

Once the damage is documented and reported, the next step is figuring out how much it will cost to fix.

Get at least two estimates. This helps if the shipping company or insurance provider questions the cost.

Use authorized workshops if required. Some policies insist on approved repair shops.

Keep receipts. Every invoice, part replacement, and labor charge should be logged.

When my Accord was scratched, I initially went to a small workshop to get a quick quote. The shipping company rejected it, insisting on their preferred body shop. While inconvenient, it reinforced the point: follow their guidelines, or risk delays in reimbursement.

Step 6: Negotiating the Claim

Here’s where patience and persistence pay off.

Stay professional. Shipping companies can get defensive if you vent anger in emails or calls. Keep communication clear, factual, and polite.

Use your documentation. Photos, inspection reports, repair estimates—these are your tools.

Be realistic. If the damage is cosmetic, it may not be worth contesting for full replacement. Sometimes a partial reimbursement for repairs is the fastest solution.

I remember my cousin tried to argue for a “total repaint” after minor scratches. The shipping company refused. After some back-and-forth, they agreed to cover the professional buff and touch-up, which fixed the issue without escalating the costs unnecessarily.

Step 7: Preventive Measures for Next Time

Damage during shipping isn’t inevitable. There are ways to reduce the risk before your car ever leaves the port:

Choose the right shipping method. Container shipping offers more protection than RoRo, though it’s pricier. If the car is valuable, container may be worth the extra dollars.

Pre-shipment inspection. Make sure the inspection report accurately documents scratches, dents, and mechanical issues. Take your own photos too.

Use reputable shipping lines. Cheaper isn’t always better. A slightly more expensive company with a track record of careful handling can save thousands in stress and repairs.

Insurance, insurance, insurance. Opt for full transit coverage if the car is high-value or modified.

When I shipped a friend’s Mercedes via container, we followed all these steps. The car arrived pristine, and the peace of mind was worth the extra $1,200.

Special Considerations

Sometimes damage isn’t just scratches or dents.

Mechanical issues: Cars can develop leaks or electrical problems during transit. This is harder to prove, and insurance may scrutinize closely. Pre-shipment inspection reports are your friend here.

RoRo vs. container: RoRo exposes cars to saltwater spray and minor jostling, while containers protect them but may cause issues if improperly braced. Knowing your shipping method helps set expectations.

Timing and ports: Busy ports, especially during peak shipping season, increase the risk of minor accidents during unloading or stacking. If possible, schedule shipments during quieter months.

A Personal Reflection

After my Honda Accord incident, I realized how unprepared most people are for shipping damage. We often assume that paying for transport guarantees a perfect delivery. Reality is different. Cars are massive, heavy, and fragile in unexpected ways. Ships roll, forklifts bump, and even perfectly stacked containers can jostle the chassis.

The key takeaway for me: preparation beats panic. Document everything, buy insurance, and know exactly how to file a claim. It transforms what could be a nightmare into a manageable, even straightforward process.

Final Thoughts

Getting your car damaged during shipping is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be catastrophic. The steps are simple in theory: stay calm, document the damage, report it immediately, understand your insurance, get repair estimates, and negotiate your claim.

It’s also a reminder that prevention is worth every dollar. A little extra on insurance, choosing container over RoRo for expensive cars, or hiring a reputable shipping company can save not just money, but a lot of stress.

I still remember the relief when my Honda Accord was repaired and parked in my driveway, looking almost as good as new. It wasn’t just about fixing a scratch—it was the reassurance that, despite a hiccup, the system worked if you knew how to navigate it.

So, if your car ever arrives with a dent or scratch, remember: document, report, claim, and fix. You’ll get through it—and maybe even learn a thing or two about shipping cars the smart way.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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