Receiving a Car after Transport: An Inspection Checklist
Before receiving a transported car, prepare the collection photographs, inspection report and agreed list of accompanying items. At delivery, compare the car against those records and check completeness before finishing handover.
Before receiving a transported car, prepare the collection photographs, inspection report and agreed list of accompanying items. At delivery, compare the car against those records and check completeness before finishing handover.
Allow time and a suitable area for inspection. If someone else meets the carrier, send them the collection records and planner's contact before arrival.
Before the carrier arrives
Check access to collection photographs and condition notes. Ask the sender or seller to forward them ahead of time if necessary. Save identifiable files so you can find the correct images at the handover site.
Review recorded marks, wheel condition and completeness. Prepare a list of keys, documents and accessories. Confirm who represents the carrier and the handover procedure agreed for your booking.
Agreeing a delivery location
Provide the precise address and any gates, narrow streets, low entrances or entry restrictions. The carrier needs room to stop and unload. Discuss uncertain access with the planner and send photographs of the approach if helpful.
Choose suitable light for inspection where possible. Discuss any conditions that prevent examination of a part before completing handover. Confirm the location and time with the recipient, planner and person releasing the vehicle.
More about the service: Enclosed car transport.
An order for inspecting the vehicle
After the agreed unloading procedure, begin with overall views and areas noted at collection. Work from larger parts to smaller ones: bumpers, doors, wings, glass, exterior fittings and wheels. A consistent sequence helps avoid missing a side.
On a low vehicle, check accessible lower bumper edges and side skirts safely. Do not position yourself under a raised car or beside operating equipment. Agree a safe inspection position with the carrier if access is difficult.
- Compare overall views with the collection photographs.
- Check recorded marks and neighbouring areas.
- Inspect visible wheel rims and exterior fittings.
- Count the keys and compare agreed accompanying items.
Using the collection photographs
Compare the same area from a similar angle. A mark visible in a close-up may disappear in a wider image, while a reflection may resemble damage. Inspect from another angle where needed and take your own images identifying the location.
Keep both a wider view and a close-up of any questioned area. Identify the panel, side and location in writing. Record what you can observe rather than assuming when or how a difference arose.
If you notice a difference
Show the area to the carrier's representative and compare the collection record. Photograph it and agree how to record the observation in the handover documents. Keep relevant correspondence and images so everyone can discuss the same issue.
The next steps depend on the facts and contract. A photograph alone may not establish when a mark appeared. Record the observation accurately and obtain the contact responsible for following it up.
Keys, documents and accessories
Compare the items received with the explicit handover list. Count the keys and check agreed documents and accessories. Confirm completeness after checking the list.
Technical condition of a purchased car is a separate matter from the exterior inspection after transport. Keep the seller's purchase records available to distinguish purchase completeness, collection condition and delivery observations.
When a representative receives the car
Identify the recipient before dispatch and agree their details with the carrier. Give them collection images, the completeness list and the required handover procedure. Check documentation requirements for the booking in advance.
The representative needs a contact for questions and somewhere to send delivery photographs. Ask them to allow inspection time. If the owner participates remotely, check that they can open files and answer during the agreed window.
Keeping the delivery records
Keep delivery notes and photographs alongside the collection records. Make sure the owner can access them, especially after receipt by a representative. Record any unresolved question precisely and retain the follow-up contact.
Keep original files after sharing compressed images: a detailed image or wider angle may be useful later. Note the keys and documents received, who accepted the vehicle and any observations made at delivery.
Delivery with Elite Car Delivery
We inspect the car again at delivery and compare it with collection photographs. Before dispatch, agree the address, recipient and site access. GPS tracking is available in transit, and the planner coordinates the meeting.
Send the model, both addresses and preferred date for a new booking. Tell us if the owner will be absent so we can agree the representative's contact and inspection at both ends.
Plan your car transport
Send your car model, addresses and dates. Tell us who will receive the car so we can agree delivery and inspection.
Contact usFrequently asked questions
Should I review photographs before delivery?
Check access and condition notes beforehand so you can compare specific areas without searching for collection files.
What should I inspect first?
Start with overall condition and observations recorded at collection, then visible exterior parts, rims and completeness.
What if I find a difference?
Show it to the carrier, photograph the area and record the observation during handover. Follow-up depends on the facts and agreement.
Can someone else receive my car?
Agree the representative and their details beforehand and provide the inspection report, photographs and accompanying-items list.