Pre-Insurance Vehicle Inspection: What's The Deal?

A pre-insurance vehicle inspection is a service that confirms a vehicle is properly valued and insured through a physical inspection. This process is designed to be intuitive and simple, taking only a few minutes of your time. The inspection will document the existence of the vehicle, its physical condition, and any existing options and accessories. This is not a safety inspection but rather a process to determine the condition of the vehicle.

Vehicle inspection sites

A pre-insurance vehicle inspection is a state-mandated process that helps insurance companies assess the condition of a vehicle before writing an insurance policy. This process helps prevent insurance fraud by identifying pre-existing damage and ensuring the vehicle is properly valued and insured. Depending on the state and insurance company, a pre-insurance inspection may be required for a used vehicle but is typically not necessary for a new vehicle. These inspections are usually free of charge and take around 15 minutes.

When it comes to vehicle inspection sites, there are a few options available. One option is to use an online locator tool provided by insurance companies like GEICO, which allows customers to find the nearest vehicle inspection locations by entering their address. CARCO, another company, provides a similar service, allowing users to locate inspection sites by ZIP code, city, or county, or by calling their telesite service. CARCO has an extensive network of auto photo inspection sites with mobile technology located in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida.

It is important to note that vehicle inspections are not the same as safety inspections. They are conducted to determine the condition of the vehicle and may be required by the insurance company or mandated by the state. If the inspection is related to a claim or repair, it is recommended to search for an auto damage repair shop instead.

Before visiting an inspection site, it is advisable to call in advance to confirm site hours and availability. Additionally, while no documents are typically required for the inspection, it is beneficial to bring any relevant documentation, such as proof of insurance, policy number, or vehicle information, to make the process smoother.

Inspection process

A pre-insurance vehicle inspection is an assessment of a vehicle's condition, value, and existence, carried out by an inspector from a company such as CARCO or GEICO. This inspection is not a safety inspection but is instead used to determine the condition of the vehicle and ensure it is properly valued and insured.

The inspection process typically involves the following steps:

• Scheduling the Inspection: Contact the inspection company, such as CARCO, to schedule an appointment for the inspection. Some states, such as New York and New Jersey, require the inspection to be conducted within a certain timeframe after the vehicle is added to the policy.
• Preparing Documents: While no documents are typically required for the inspection, it is recommended to bring any current documents that list the insurance company name, policy number, and vehicle information. For Florida inspections, vehicle registration is required.
• Physical Inspection: During the inspection, the inspector will complete a state-mandated inspection report form, noting the required vehicle information. They will also take photographs of the vehicle, except in Florida.
• Review and Sign-off: After the inspector has gathered all the necessary information, you will review and sign the inspection report.
• Submission: Once signed, the inspector will provide you with a copy of the report for your records, and the report will also be electronically submitted to your insurance company.
• Fees and Timing: There is usually no charge for the photo inspection, which typically takes around 15 minutes to complete.

It is important to note that there may be situations where the inspection can be waived, such as for new vehicles that are less than 30 days old and for which certain documentation can be provided. Additionally, older vehicles and long-standing policyholders with uninterrupted coverage may also be eligible for a waived inspection.

Required documents

A pre-insurance vehicle inspection is an assessment of a vehicle's condition before an insurance policy is written. This helps to prevent insurance fraud by identifying pre-existing damage, so the owner can't file a claim for it after the policy is active. Depending on your location and insurance company, you may be required to get a vehicle inspection before your insurer writes a policy for a used vehicle. Typically, you won't need an inspection for a brand-new vehicle.

No documents are required for pre-insurance vehicle inspections, except for Florida inspections, which require vehicle registration. However, providing current documents that list your insurance company, policy number, and vehicle information will assist in the inspection process. This includes any paperwork that verifies the vehicle's existence, physical condition, and existing options and accessories.

It is recommended to bring your auto insurance company's name and your policy number or proof of car insurance. The inspector will take photos of your car, record the number of miles on the odometer, and document other details about the vehicle that might affect repair costs if you need to file a claim.

If your state requires an inspection, they will provide a list of approved locations, and you can contact them to inquire about any specific requirements or documents needed for the process. It is always beneficial to be prepared and know what to expect during the inspection, so confirming with the inspection site beforehand is a good idea.

Inspection report

A pre-insurance vehicle inspection is an assessment of a vehicle's condition, value, and safety before an insurance company writes a policy for it. The purpose of the inspection is to prevent insurance fraud by identifying pre-existing damage, so the owner cannot file a claim for it after the policy is active. It also helps to protect the vehicle's owner by ensuring the insurance company accurately assesses the car's condition and value, allowing them to price the insurance policy accordingly.

The inspection report is a detailed document that records the condition and details of a vehicle before it is insured. The report is typically created by a qualified inspector from an agency trusted by the insurance company. The report will include photographs of the vehicle, documentation of its physical condition, and information on any existing options and accessories.

During the inspection, the inspector will take photos of the vehicle, noting its make, model, and year. They will also record the number of miles on the odometer and document any pre-existing damage, such as dents, scratches, or mechanical issues. The inspector will also note the vehicle's existing options and accessories, such as the type of wheels, the presence of a sunroof or navigation system, or any after-market modifications.

In some states, such as Florida, vehicle registration documents must be presented during the inspection. While this is not required in all states, providing the inspector with the name of the insurance company, policy number, and any other relevant vehicle information can facilitate the inspection process.

Once the inspector has completed the report, it will be reviewed and signed by the vehicle owner. The inspector will then supply the owner with a copy of the report for their records, and the report will also be electronically submitted to the insurance company. This report serves as a detailed record of the vehicle's condition and value at the time of inspection, providing important information for the insurance company to determine the appropriate coverage and pricing for the vehicle.

It is important to note that the requirements and specifics of pre-insurance vehicle inspections may vary depending on the state and insurance company. Some states mandate pre-insurance inspections for used vehicles, while others may not require them at all. It is always recommended to check with your local regulations and insurance provider to understand the specific requirements and procedures for the inspection report.

Inspection fees

A pre-insurance vehicle inspection is an assessment of a vehicle's condition before an insurance policy is written. It helps prevent insurance fraud by identifying pre-existing damage, so the owner can't file a claim for it after the policy is active. Depending on your location and insurance company, you may be required to get a pre-insurance inspection for a used vehicle, but typically not for a new one.

Some pre-insurance inspections, such as those conducted by CARCO, require fees. The average cost for a pre-purchase car inspection is between $132 and $200, but this range does not include taxes and fees and may vary depending on your location. CARCO's photo inspections, however, are free of charge and take approximately 15 minutes to complete. During a CARCO inspection, the inspector will take photographs of your vehicle (except in Florida), document its overall condition, and record details such as the number of miles on the odometer and other information relevant to repair costs.

It is important to note that pre-insurance inspection requirements vary by state and insurance company. While some states mandate pre-insurance inspections for certain types of auto insurance coverage, others may not require it at all. It is recommended to consult your state's DMV or insurance agent to understand the specific requirements and fees associated with pre-insurance inspections in your area.

Frequently asked questions