CARCO FAQs

Pre-Insurance Inspection FAQs

Find answers to all your pre-insurance vehicle inspection questions.

• What is the purpose of this inspection?
• What will happen if I fail to have this inspection performed?
• Where should I take my vehicle to be inspected?
• What documents are needed for presentation to the inspection site?
• What will take place during this inspection?
• Is there a fee for the inspection and how long will it take?
• Who can I call for additional service information regarding the pre-insurance inspection process?

What Is the Purpose of This Inspection?

Your state requires a pre-insurance vehicle photo inspection for the protection of you and of your insurance company. The inspection is designed to document the existence of the vehicle, mileage, physical condition, and existing options and accessories. The ultimate goal of vehicle pre-insurance inspection is to prevent fraud and help reduce the cost of automobile physical damage insurance coverage (collision and comprehensive) by accurately documenting your vehicle.

Back to Top

What Will Happen If I Fail to Have This Inspection Performed?

There is a regulation in states with mandatory inspection laws that requires vehicles subject to pre-insurance vehicle photo inspection to be completed within a grace period, which differs by state (listed below). If you do not comply within the allotted time, your physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision) will be suspended at 12:01 a.m. the day after the end of the grace period.

Back to Top

Where Should I Take My Vehicle to Be Inspected?

CARCO has an extensive network of auto photo inspection sites with mobile technology strategically located throughout New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida. You may choose any site that is convenient within your state. If you were not provided a list of sites by your broker or insurance company, please visit sitelocator.carcogroup.com to obtain a convenient site location. You can also call our toll-free telesite at 1-888-242-1200.

Back to Top

What Documents Are Needed for Presentation to the Inspection Site?

Please bring any document that was provided to you by your broker or insurance company, which lists your insurance company's name, your policy number (if known) and a description of your vehicle. Your insurance company name (and broker, if you have one) is most important! However, if no documentation was provided by your broker or insurance company, you may still have your automobile photo inspection completed. Just be sure to provide your insurance company information to the inspector.

Back to Top

What Will Happen During the Inspection?

The CARCO inspector will complete a state-mandated inspection report form, noting the general condition of your vehicle, options, accessories, vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, and other required information. You will then review and sign the inspection report. The inspector will also take photographs of your vehicle (except in Forida). At the completion of the vehicle photo inspection, you will be provided with a copy of the official report, which should be retained for your personal records, or provided to your broker or insurance company if it's requested. The original inspection report, with photos, will be processed by CARCO and forwarded to your insurance company.

Back to Top

Is There a Fee for the Inspection and How Long Will It Take?

There is no charge to you for the photo inspection, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, including the report and photographs.

Back to Top

Who Can I Call for Additional Service Information Regarding the Pre-Insurance Inspection Process?

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-969-2272 extension 306 or email us at [email protected].

Back to Top

Our Full Suite of Policyholder Resources