LEARN HOW PROTECTION INSURANCE WORKS
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ON THIS PAGE:
⚪ Understand How It Works ⚪ How To Confirm Coverage ⚪ A Proper Inspection Report ⚪ Some Extra Advice |
⚪ Understanding Auto Transport Insurance Coverage Protection Policy
Legally authorized auto transporters are required to have liability insurance. You should make sure your transporter also offers cargo insurance. Especially if you are going to trust them with shipping a car.
This means that your auto transporter, if properly insured, should cover any damage caused during the automobile shipping process after you pay the insurance deductible. The terms and amount of coverage can vary depending on the company, so it is best to carefully inspect your transporter’s coverage. Make sure you get a copy of the auto shipping company's insurance policy.
But don't stop there – actually read the policy to ensure the coverage includes damage caused while your vehicle is being loaded and unloaded from the trailer and while in transit. If there's something in the policy you don't understand, ask questions before your car leaves your care.
◾ Checking the details
If the auto transport company does not have the answers, take the policy to your own insurance agent for a double-check to ensure you're covered. The type of coverage you need to be concerned with depends on what car you are shipping, some policies will exclude antiques and exotics, while other policies may not have enough coverage for new cars. Virtually all companies will tell you that your car is insured, however coverage always varies and your car may not be protected. Most carriers purchase just the minimum amount of insurance required, to save money. This may fall short of the true value of the cars that they are shipping. A typical auto transporter will purchase $250,000 coverage, which comes out to about $25,000 per car. If shipping a car that is worth more than that it is in your best interest to look for a carrier with greater coverage. This becomes a big concern if all of the vehicle are damaged in a major collision or even a fire.
◾ Remove all personal items!
Neither your personal insurance, nor the transporters insurance companies will cover the costs of loss of personal property from your vehicle. Personal property can also add weight to your vehicle, adding to the cost of the car transport. The extra weight of the personal property inside of the vehicle may also cause damage to your vehicle, both on the interior of the vehicle as well as the exterior of the car and the undercarriage. 
🤔 Whats important to you?
When transporting your vehicle, there are many factors involved due to the road, traffic & many other variables. There are times when your vehicle may be damaged during the transport process. When this occurs, notify the auto transport company and pursue the steps in filing a claim to cover any damage that may happen from pickup to delivery. The auto transport insurance information should be available to you and in writing prior to loading your car onto the carrier. Take pictures before you ship your car and after, so that if you should need to file a claim, you have proof to submit to the insurance company showing the damage occurred en route. Your car is likely one of your most valuable assets. Therefore, it is important to do your part to ensure that should anything happen to it – particularly if the situation is not in your control – that you have the means and resources in place to address it swiftly. Shipping your car is a necessary service in some situations.
By doing your homework on auto shipping insurance requirements, you can feel at ease knowing that your car is covered – and to what extend – during your next temporary or permanent relocation. |
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⚪ HOW TO CONFIRM COVERAGE: Auto Transport Insurance
Following these 5 tips will ensure that your vehicle is protected during transport.
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➡️ Request Proof of Policy
It's a law that car shipping companies provide protection insurance and they are required to submit this proof to the customer when requested. This is the best time to ask questions about their car shipper insurance details. Allow them to explain how your vehicle would be protected in case of damage during transport. |
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Find out if the vehicle is covered during transport the entire way or if it is only good for certain parts of the unit being shipped. Another good point to ask is if you would be required to pay a deductible fee if damage does happen.
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➡️ Get the Details in Writing
Before you consent to the terms of the car shipping company, make sure to have any and all special agreements documented in writing. Having these details on record will secure your vehicles protection in the case of any damage during the car shipping process. If there are any other special agreements which may not be on their regular policy, make sure those details are recorded by having them added to the car shipping insurance document. |
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➡️ Conduct Pickup Inspections
Before the car shipping company you hire loads your vehicle, they are required to do a walk around inspection recording any damages, dents or dings the vehicle may have. Be sure to assist the driver with this inspection as a witness. Another good bit of advice regarding the vehicle inspection at pickup is to take picture of your vehicle prior to loading.
Before the car shipping company you hire loads your vehicle, they are required to do a walk around inspection recording any damages, dents or dings the vehicle may have. Be sure to assist the driver with this inspection as a witness. Another good bit of advice regarding the vehicle inspection at pickup is to take picture of your vehicle prior to loading.
This will only add more benefits to your case if a car shipping insurance claim must be reported.
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➡️ The Bill of Lading
When the vehicle is successfully transported, the owner of the car would have to go over and confirm the details on the Bill of Lading invoice which would be issued on completion. Check the vehicle completely from top to bottom and side to side. If any damages are found, the driver should record the details and sign. This can be used when you contact the car shipping company later to file the claim.
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It is also advised to start the engine to check for any possible mechanical damages that may have been caused via shipping. This is very rare but one should always be aware of the risk. If your car is delivered at night, make sure to check your vehicles condition under some type of bright light prior to signing the Bill of Lading. This is important because once you sign that document, any damages found after this transaction would not hold the company liable if not documented.
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➡️ How to File a Claim
In the case where the car shipping company you hired damages your automobile during transport, the car shipping coordinator who set the order up for you should be able to help you find the right channels to file a claim. In most cases, the agent who assisted with the booking should be able to begin the process for you by contacting the car shippers insurance company and setting the process in motion. |
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Make sure to provide every bit of detail along with photos so the process can be quick and easy. If the car shipper damaged your vehicle during transport, then they must be liable for the repairs and reimbursement. This is the Right way to make sure your vehicle is protected during the car shipping process.
⚪ Completing A PROPER INSPECTION REPORT: Bill of Lading
Transporting your vehicle is a serious decision. Your cars condition is a risk when allowing an auto carrier to load, transport, then unload your vehicle. A number of damages can take place causing a need to have a proper way of ensuring your vehicles condition at both pickup and delivery.
The following 3 steps will lay out the basics when inspecting your vehicle to ensure its delivered in the same condition as when it was picked up.
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✅ Plan Your Inspection Ahead
Try to avoid having to prove damage was done to your vehicle during shipment. Be sure to fully inspect your vehicle for any existing dents or damage which may be present. Taking photos of any existing dents or scratches on your vehicle is also a good idea. Both interior and exterior condition should be recorded as all details regarding your vehicle can be useful in the case of damages inflicted during shipping. |
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Before the driver resumes the route with your automobile loaded, a Bill of Lading / Vehicle Inspection sheet should be signed by both parties conducting the transaction acknowledging the condition of the vehicle at both pickup and delivery.
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✅ Collect Proof of Condition
Upon arrival to the delivery drop zone, the final inspection will take place. The person or persons receiving the vehicle should assist the carrier through the second inspection. The same methods used to record the condition of the vehicle at pickup should be used on delivery in front of the driver to confirm the status of your auto with the shipment completed. |
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Waiting till after the driver has left will only make it harder to prove any damages were done during transport. If any damage is noticed, inform the driver immediately and make sure the issue is noted on the Bill of Lading / Vehicle Inspection sheet. Taking pictures of any new damage is also an added benefit when filing a claim due to damages during shipping. Prior to the carrier leaving, make sure to have your carbon copy invoice with all recorded details.
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✅ Filing a Damage Claim
There is a time limit of 30 days from the date of delivery to file a claim if damage is found present as a result of the auto shipment process. The sooner the claim is reported, the better it is the chances of getting compensated for any new damages. If you decide to stall and not report your claim on-time, expect the insurance company in charge of the policy to not honor any repairs whether or not they were caused during transport. This will result in you getting stuck with any and all repair bills. |
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⚪ SOME MORE SIMPLE ADVICE
Make sure to ask your Auto Transport Coordinator for details regarding your auto transportation insurance policy. A good company will stick with you till the end. The damages must be proven through the insurance company so be sure to be open and submit all information regarding the incident to your auto shipping coordinator. |
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All photos and inspection reports can be used to prove the damage was done during shipping which will force the insurance company to compensate all repairs done during the transportation process.
Once a claim has been processed, the next step is to wait the results of their investigation. If you have any questions regarding auto transport insurance policies, contact Viceroy Auto Transport Services toll free 866-761-5133 & we will do our best to assist with what we can. |
RELATED LINKS
Learn About: Open Auto Transport Learn More: Enclosed Auto Transport Cost to Ship Your Car: Common Route Rates |