Short answer
After the car arrives, you need to check completeness and any new damage in sequence, compare the documents and VIN, sign a handover certificate, determine the order of repair or technical inspection, and go through the registration procedures required by the jurisdiction you chose. Skipping any step makes it harder to later raise claims about damage or discrepancies.
Step 1. Inspection at receipt
Compare the VIN on the body with the one in the documents, check completeness (wheels, battery, infotainment system, catalytic converter, and other parts listed in the description at purchase), and record any new damage that was not present in the auction or pre-shipment photos. It's best to carry out the inspection with a witness or the carrier's representative present, if the contract requires it.
Step 2. Checking the documents
Verify that the set of documents handed over matches what was agreed: the title, the transport and commercial documents, the customs declaration (if clearance has already taken place at this stage). Discrepancies should be recorded immediately, not after the handover certificate is signed.
Step 3. Handover certificate
The handover certificate records the condition of the car and the set of documents at the moment of receipt. It should explicitly state any discrepancies found, if any, and how they will be resolved — this protects both parties to the deal.
Step 4. Repair and technical inspection
If the car had declared damage, this is the stage where actual diagnostics and repair take place. It's worth determining in advance where and at what price the repair will be done, and comparing this with the preliminary estimate made before purchase.
Step 5. Registration procedures
The specific registration procedure depends on the chosen jurisdiction — the Republic of Moldova or Transnistria — and on whether customs clearance has been completed. Requirements for certification, technical inspection, and registration deadlines should be confirmed against the rules in force on the date the car is received, not against outdated sources.
What to check additionally for damaged cars
- whether the actual extent of damage matches the preliminary estimate;
- the availability and delivery time of the necessary parts;
- whether calibration of electronic systems is needed after repair;
- for hybrids and EVs — a separate inspection of the high-voltage system before use.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if the car has new damage that wasn't in the photos?
Record it in the handover certificate and contact the carrier or the party responsible for that stage of logistics, according to the contract terms.
Do I need to be present in person at receipt?
It depends on the agreed arrangement — if being there in person isn't possible, you should arrange a representative and a photo-documentation process in advance.
When can repair work start?
After the handover certificate is signed and the necessary document checks are complete — starting repairs too early can make it harder to document claims about the car's condition.
Is technical diagnostics mandatory for a car with no declared damage?
A general check before use is recommended in any case — history reports and auction notes don't replace an inspection on the date of receipt.
Next step
Prepare an inspection checklist in advance — the methodology for checking a lot before purchase is described in the article "How to choose a lot on Copart", and the customs clearance requirements are on the customs clearance page.
