If your insurance company or broker told you to get a CARCO inspection, you probably had two reactions: what is that, and where do I get one? Here is the plain-English version.
It is a photo inspection, not a mechanical inspection
A CARCO inspection — also called a pre-insurance photo inspection — documents your vehicle for your insurance carrier. Nobody is checking your brakes or your emissions. An inspector records the vehicle's identity and condition with a required set of photographs.
- Vehicle identification and VIN
- Current mileage
- Overall vehicle condition
- Installed options and accessories
- Required photographs of the vehicle
Why insurance companies require it
The inspection gives the carrier a documented record of the vehicle's condition at the time coverage begins. That protects both sides when a physical damage claim is filed later, and it helps reduce fraud.
How long it takes and what it costs
According to official CARCO/Cisive policyholder resources, the inspection generally takes approximately 15 minutes and there is no charge to the policyholder.
This is NOT a New Jersey state inspection
This is the single most common point of confusion. A CARCO inspection has nothing to do with the New Jersey MVC safety and emissions inspection. If you need a state inspection, you will need to go to an MVC inspection station or a licensed private inspection facility.
What to bring
Bring the vehicle, your insurance or broker paperwork, and any inspection instructions your carrier gave you. If you have a deadline from your insurance company, mention it when you schedule.
You can schedule your inspection online, or call us at 732-655-4022 with questions.
Need help with this in Toms River?
Call 732-655-4022 and we'll tell you what's urgent and what can wait.