Complaint Review: A1 Auto Transport

I blew off A1's driver setting a pickup time with the dealership in Nevada, only to not show up until 2 business days later. I even civilly drove halfway across the county from our destination point in NC to meet the driver, after he got lost from a major thoroughfare.

What I couldn't accept was the expensive damage to the front bumper of my '93 Mercedes 600SL when I finally caught up with the transport. The car had been near mint condition when it left the Nevada dealership.

The blatant damage was clearly visible from the ground. Once unloaded, I also found significant damage to the lower portion of the bumper. The driver first tried to deny responsibility. ONLY AFTER vehemently refusing to sign or pay until the damage he caused was acknowledged on the bill of lading did he do so.

I filed the claim as directed on 12/3/04. 2 body shops independently determined that the shattering of the driver's side bottom made the one piece bumper irreparable; that the bumper needs to be replaced. Low estimate to fix: $2,362.03.

Then begins the runaround with A1's customer service, who patronized me with dates of when I would hear something. The highest "manager" I was transferred to speak with was, I think, the same customer service rep I had spoken with several times before. In any event, on 1/18/05 he finally told me the claim was denied due to the vehicle being "lowered or altered"; and that the denial was mailed to me on 12/23/04. To date A1 has still sent me no such written documentation on the claim, and evidently has no intent to pay for their negligence.

The car is 100% stock ride height. Even falsely claiming the car is lowered does not explain the substantial chunk damaged on the upper-SIDE-corner portion of the bumper.

BEWARE of what you see in every complaint about A1 that you run across on the internet: CHECK THE COMPLAINT HISTORY FILED WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AT renobbb.org BEFORE CHOOSING THIS COMPANY!

Even though A1's site dismisses these claims as a handful among thousands of transported cars, think seriously about the number of cars simply being transported for disinterested third parties, and people generally not very particular about their vehicles in the first place. The number of complaints becomes much more clearly significant. Then consider if you're particular about yours. If so, just go in knowing full well that A1 has proven to at least that many complaining people that A1 ISN'T particular or accountable for the cars they transport!

Unfortunately for A1's image, my car was purchased for show. Even though A1 can evidently AFFORD the negative word of mouth advertising, I nonetheless am thinking about keeping the damage as-is. 2 people at last month's 300+ entry show shared their horror stories with me about A1's reputation after asking about my damage... and reminded me that these shows are very laden with people buying, selling, and TRANSPORTING their cars all across the country.

Luckily I'm well within my rights to display a sign in front of my car during these shows, informing enthusiasts of who was transporting the car when the damage occurred - and what the response has been in the aftermath. Look for me in and around the Charlotte, NC area auto shows and fairs: the Mercedes V12 that's partially obscured by the sign with bright red letters and arrows. I'll be touring in this fashion unless or until such time that A1 decides to make good for their driver's carelessness, or I get tired. Unfortunately, I go to surprising lengths for matters of principle.

If anyone knows of any consumer actions underway against A1, other suggestions for remedies in general, or even good periodicals for me to purchase advertisement blocks, please post back on here. And good luck with your issues as well!

Larry
Mooresville, North Carolina
U.S.A.

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