Most claims involving worldwide transportation of new motor vehicles are handled electronically. In order to expedite the claims handling process, a set of standards and guidelines was developed by the AIAG Damage Claims committee to provide the necessary information for inspecting, recording and transmitting vehicle damages. Several documents pertaining to this process were created by the group and continue to be expanded and updated based on industry best practices.

The benefits derived from the work done in this committee are numerous – including the ability to now alleviate subjective analysis and labor-intensive review processes by manufacturers and carriers.

This fully revised version of the M-22 includes all recent damage code changes, new graphics on vehicle inspection, jump chock code updates, SPLAT charts, grid location diagrams, and Similarity Matrices, along with instructions on OEM expectations when you are the responsible party reporting transportation damage. The M-22 package is now available as a kit. Each kit includes one M-22 publication along with laminated Damage Area/Type code cards.

AIAG and their M-22 FVL Transportation Damage Handling Processes guideline have been instrumental in standardizing the processes followed by all stakeholders in the new vehicle transportation network (OEMs, railroads, car-haul carriers, ocean carriers, and yard managers). Anyone new to this part of the vehicle business can get a quick and detailed overview of how the ‘damage inspection and reporting process’ should be done. The all-inclusive Damage Prevention Committee, overseen by AIAG managers, ensures that the M-22 stays up to date with the latest behaviors and technology in the vehicle shipping arena. I highly recommend that everyone reacquaint themselves with a thorough read of the M-22, each year.

Sean Grant, Supervisor - Vehicle Shipping Quality, Claims, & Damage Prevention | Ford Motor Company

Damage Claims Work Group

The Damage Claims group members include Automotive OEM managers, and their transportation partners - rail, truck, port processors, terminal managers, inspection companies & ocean carriers. Together, the group has written industry standards for inspecting vehicles as they move through the supply chain from factory to dealer. The standard includes, but is not limited to, damage reporting processes, damage classification standards, codes identifying damage areas, severity, and type as well as details on the proper method of inspecting finished vehicles. The standards are detailed in the AIAG M-22 (Finished Vehicle Damage Claims Process/Standards) document which is updated annually.

Program Management: Supply Chain Team - (248) 358-3570