SHIPPED VEHICLE CLAIMS 

WHEN YOU PICK UP YOUR VEHICLE AT THE PORT/VEHICLE PROCESSING CENTER (VPC), 

YOU SHOULD ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO THOROUGHLY INSPECT IT FOR DAMAGE AND 

YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY NOTE ALL DAMAGE ON THE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND 

SHIPPING FORM (VISF) OR THE (PRIVATE VEHICLE SHIPPING DOCUMENT) DD FORM 788 

1. Take your time to inspect your vehicle. Do not allow the inspector at the port/VPC to rush you. It is your 

responsibility to note specific new damage on the back of the VISF form or the back of the DD Form 788. These 

forms are critical documents for filing a POV claim. You must annotate all damage at the port/VPC that is readily 

observable. You should also start the vehicle to ensure that it operable. Start the vehicle and engage the gears to be 

sure that engine and power train are functioning. Turn on wipers, lights, sound systems, air conditioner and heater to 

be sure that those systems work. All visible damage must be noted at the time of pick-up.

Note: You may want to have a flashlight.

2. If you and the inspector do not agree on the damages that you have identified on your vehicle, ask to speak to 

the Vehicle Processing Center Agent. These disputes can involve the type of damage, the location, the severity, 

pre-existing damage, etc. The VPC agent is present to settle any disputes however, if the dispute is not settled the 

VPC agent will annotate on the form that they do not agree to specific damages noted or all of the damage noted. 

You (owner of POV) and the agent will sign and date the back of the form whether you agree or not. The left side 

documents the damage you noted and the right side is where the VPC agent annotates that they agree or disagree. 

You will file your claim directly with International Auto Logistics (IAL), If you cannot resolve your claim with 

them, you should contact the Military Claims Office at (757) 628-4212. We will act as a liaison on your behalf in 

attempt to resolve your claim with the carrier prior to having you file your claim with our office.

3. If you discover any hidden damage after driving away from the port/Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) and if it 

is possible for you to return to the VPC, return immediately and have it annotated. If not, report it to them within 

24 hours of delivery and pickup to the Vehicle Processing Center and to the Military Claims Office as soon as 

possible for documentation. Do not delay. The liability of the TSP/Carrier for any hidden damage that is not 

reported promptly may be diminished. You will not be compensated for damages that are not reported in a timely 

manner. 

4. CAUTION: If you accept an on-site settlement for certain item(s) (damage to the hood, antenna, radio, etc.), it 

will bar you from further recovery with the government for that same damaged item. Be aware of the local cost to 

repair items prior to accepting an on-site payment. 

5. PRIVATE INSURANCE. You DO NOT HAVE TO FILE a claim with your private insurance company IF your 

claim is for loss/ damage to your POV while it was being shipped or stored at government expense. However, you 

should consider the fact that your private insurance may pay you for items for which the government cannot pay. 

Furthermore, the government has limits on both the total amount that we can pay for your POV and on how much we 

can pay for certain types of property stored in your vehicle.

6. Again, if you are not satisfied with IAL's offer, you may contact the USCG Military Claims Office 

(MCO) for assistance. You may contact the MCO at (757) 628-4212. The Points of Contact are listed on the 

HHG Claims main page.