Shipping your car can be a convenient way to transport your vehicle from one location to another. Whether you’re moving to a new city or buying a car online car shipping companies can help. While doing your own research on the company and reading Verified Movers reviews help, accidents can happen. Like any service, there is always the possibility of something going wrong. That is why car shipping complaints exist. If you find yourself in a situation where your car has been damaged or lost during shipping, the good news is you can file a car shipping complaint and we’ll take you through all the steps so you can protect yourself and seek resolution.
What are your rights as a customer?
As a customer, you have certain legal rights when entrusting your vehicle to a car shipping company. It’s essential to understand these rights so that you can protect yourself if something goes wrong during the shipping process. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, car shipping companies are required to carry liability insurance that covers any damages to your vehicle during transport. They must also provide you with a bill of lading that outlines the terms of the shipment, including the pickup and delivery dates, the type of vehicle being shipped, and the agreed-upon price.
If your vehicle is damaged or lost during shipping, the FMCSA requires the car shipping company to offer a settlement for the damages or provide you with a replacement vehicle of similar value. The FMCSA also requires the car shipping company to respond to any complaints within 30 days and to provide you with a written explanation of their decision. This goes for all companies from Riverview down South to Seattle up North. However, many cross country moving companies Riverview FL have defined your specific moving rights that can be broader than those by the FMCSA. Make sure you read the terms of your contract to know what exactly are your rights as a client of a car shipping company.
How to document any damages or loss of your vehicle before filing a car shipping complaint?
Documentation is a crucial step in the car shipping complaint process. The evidence you collect of the occurred damages can make or break your case. If you find damages or your car is lost, the first thing you should do is take pictures. Photograph any scratches, dents, or broken parts. If your car is missing, note any identifying features or markings.
In addition to taking pictures, it’s important to keep records of all correspondence related to the shipment. This includes the bill of lading, the contract with the shipping company, and any phone calls or emails exchanged with the shipping company. Take notes on the time and date of the incident, and the condition of the vehicle before and after shipment, and be as detailed as possible. This information can help support your case and increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Getting in touch with your car shipping company to file a car shipping complaint
After discovering damage or loss, it’s time to contact the shipping company. It’s important to stay calm and professional during the complaint process. Remember, the person on the other end of the line is likely not responsible for the damage or loss. Provide as much detail as possible, including the date and time of the incident, the location of the incident, and any identifying information about the vehicle. Listen carefully to the shipping company’s response and document any offers made.
If filing a complaint with the company proves useless – it’s time to contact the FMCSA
According to the FMCSA, over 5,000 complaints were filed against car shipping companies in 2020. Damage to vehicles, delivery delays, and payment issues were the most common complaints. Filing a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is crucial to ensure you receive the necessary compensation for any damages or losses incurred during the shipment process.
To file a complaint with the FMCSA, you can do so online, by mail, or by phone. When submitting your complaint, be sure to include all relevant documentation related to the shipment. That includes the bill of lading and the contract with the shipping company. When writing or talking about your incident make sure to include the date, location, and description of said incident. The FMCSA will review your complaint and determine if any violations of safety regulations occurred during the shipment. If necessary, they may take enforcement action against the cross country moving companies Clearwater FL, of course in case you’ve chosen them as your relocation partner, to ensure compliance with federal safety standards. Some companies in Clearwater had already had too many complaints resulting in a bad grade with the Better Business Bureau.
Working with insurance companies
When working with insurance companies to resolve your complaint, it’s important to understand your coverage options and the complaint process. Start by contacting your insurance company as soon as possible after discovering the damage or loss. Your insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs or replacement. However, it’s important to understand any deductibles or limitations that may apply. For example, if you’re leaving Florida, know that some cross country moving companies Lakeland FL have insurance included with car shipping services so make sure you know what is in your car shipping contract.
When working with insurance adjusters, it’s important, to be honest and provide accurate information about the damage or loss. You may also want to consider seeking a second opinion or appraisal from an independent mechanic or appraiser. Remember that insurance companies are in the business of protecting their bottom line. So prepare yourself to negotiate and advocate for your rights.
Following Up on the Complaint: Keeping Track of Your Progress
Filing a car shipping complaint can be a frustrating experience. However, it’s important to follow through and make sure your complaint is handled properly. After you file your car shipping complaint with the shipping company and/or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, it’s a good idea to keep track of your progress. This means that you should follow up with the shipping company or FMCSA to check on the status of your complaint. Don’t be afraid to follow up again if you don’t receive a response or if you’re not satisfied with the response you’ve received. Remember, persistence can pay off when it comes to getting a satisfactory resolution to your car shipping complaint.