Yes—take photos and get copies of the paperwork at **both pickup and delivery**. The most important protection is an accurate record of the car’s condition before and after transport.

1. **Photograph the car before handing it over.** Wash it first so scratches are visible. Take dated photos of every side, roof, bumpers, glass, wheels, interior, and odometer, plus close-ups of existing damage. Walk around it with the driver before loading; keep your original photos.

2. **Ask for a copy of the bill of lading and condition report.** Read them before signing, and obtain the completed, signed copies before the driver leaves. If they use electronic paperwork, have it emailed to you immediately. Repeat this at delivery. These are standard steps described in [auto-transport contract terms](https://www.montway.com/terms-and-conditions).

3. **Make sure the damage record is accurate—not necessarily blank.** At pickup, existing scratches and dents should be recorded accurately. Challenge marks for damage that does not exist or vague descriptions that exaggerate it. At delivery, compare against the pickup report and record every new issue **before signing**.

4. **If it arrives too dirty to inspect, document that immediately.** Photograph its arrival condition and ask for enough cleaning to inspect safely—avoid rubbing dry grit across the paint. If visibility remains limited, write something specific, such as:  
   > “Heavy dirt obscures paint condition; inspection incomplete.”  
   
   That notation helps document the problem but does **not guarantee** a later claim will succeed. If washing reveals damage, photograph it immediately, preserve the wash receipt and pickup photos, and notify the carrier and broker in writing the same day. Give the carrier an opportunity to inspect before repairs. Some contracts expressly treat an unqualified delivery signature as confirmation of satisfactory condition, so review yours now. [Example terms](https://www.montway.com/terms-and-conditions).

5. **If you find damage at delivery, generally accept possession with written exceptions.** Record the specific damage, photograph it, and ask the driver to sign the notation. The driver does not need to admit fault for you to document what you observed. You can add:  
   > “Received with damage noted above; damage claim to follow.”  
   
   If the driver refuses to allow a notation, do not sign a statement saying the car arrived undamaged. Call the carrier’s office and broker while the driver is there, and immediately email your observations and photos. **Refusing the car or withholding payment is not automatically a right** and may create storage, redelivery, or payment disputes; check your actual contract. For example, [one broker’s terms](https://shipacardirect.com/terms-conditions/) require accepting delivery, noting damage, and paying the balance before pursuing the claim. If the car appears unsafe, arrange towing rather than driving it.

A damage notation alone is **not a formal claim**. Submit a written claim identifying the shipment, explaining why you hold the carrier responsible, and requesting a specified or determinable amount, supported by photos, paperwork, and a repair estimate. Claims ordinarily go to the carrier; the broker can help. [Federal claim requirements](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/370.3), [FMCSA guidance](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/does-broker-process-loss-and-damage-claims).

While you’re waiting for assignment, ask for the carrier’s legal name, USDOT/MC numbers, contract, claims procedure, and **cargo insurance** certificate. Verify its operating authority and confirm cargo coverage with the insurer—federal registration alone does not establish coverage for your car. [FMCSA carrier lookup](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/where-do-i-go-look-motor-carrier-broker-or-freight-forwarders-interstate-operating-authority), [insurance requirements](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-filing-requirements).