Important Guidelines on Car Transport Insurance
Posted By admin on October 3, 2011
Everyone knows that you should always carry sufficient insurance when driving your car, but oftentimes, most people are unaware that car insurance still applies even during car transport. When putting your car in the hands of a vehicle shipping company, you do not know what problems might happen in the future. Thus, double-checking your auto transport company’s rules and policies for car insurance is necessary to avoid footing the bill for any transport-related damage.
Majority of reputable car transport companies have the required insurance to cover any form of damage that may occur with the vehicles they are transporting. As with any type of insurance, auto transport insurance has plenty of caveats. To help you deal with this aspect of car transport, below are certain guidelines on insurance and the auto transport process.
Before deciding which vehicle transport company to hire, ask your list of potential companies for a certificate of insurance. Keep in mind that this is required by law and as such, all legit companies should be willing to present their insurance proof. Don’t hesitate to ask questions on their policies such as the extent of coverage, the vehicle parts they can cover and if they require that you pay a deductible.
Make sure that any assurances or promises from the company will be documented. Contact the company or the agent for specific details. For instance, you may ask if the coverage is the same while in transit or if you have to give them notification.
Before tossing over the car keys, make sure to empty your car of any personal items. This is important since transport companies will not cover your belongings inside the car if they end up broken or damaged. The extra weight could damage the car’s exhaust system while the objects inside may cause damage to the interiors.
These damages won’t be covered by the company’s insurance. That is why you should know know the other ways of prepping your car before loading it onto the trailer truck. When you leave your car with the shipping company, the company representative or truck driver will inspect the car prior to loading to check any existing damage.
During car examination, make sure to be there. Take a photo of your car before transport, which can be used as evidence in case something happens. Likewise, when it arrives at your new place, the same process of examination will take place, but this time the focus shall be on inspecting for damage that may have occured during transport.
It is important to conduct careful inspection and document any damage, scratches or dents on the Bill of Lading or the condition report before accepting the car. Check the undercarriage by starting it up to see any mechanical damage. Once again, taking your camera with you won’t hurt.
If you find out damage to your vehicle during car transport, make particular notes on the Bill of Lading. Always let the driver counter-sign it and contact the company immediately. If the car has been delivered at night, check the car using a flashlight or any form of bright light.
Great customer support is one of the characteristics of a reputable transport company. If you feel you are being treated unfairly by the company, you can file a complaint with any professional organization that it belongs to such as Better Business Bureau. Doing your own legwork when it comes to car transport insurance allows you to prepare your car and buy peace of mind for guaranteed smooth car shipping.
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