How to Protect Your Car During Shipping: A Guide to Insurance and More

How to Protect Your Car During Shipping: A Guide to Insurance and More

Are you planning to ship your car nationwide or within the state? If so, how can your vehicle be safe and secure during transportation? This guide will cover everything you need about insurance, open vs. enclosed trailers, reputable brokers, and more. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of damage to your car and have peace of mind while on the road.

What Kind of Insurance Do Carriers Have?

One of the most common questions we get from our customers is: “Is my car insured during shipping?” The short answer is yes. All carriers are legally required to carry insurance by federal law and are liable for damages they cause. However, there are other factors that you should consider when moving your vehicle. As a seasoned auto transport brokerage, we have the inside scoop on all the angles you should look at before choosing a carrier.

How Often Does Something Go Wrong During Car Shipping?

The vast majority of car transportation goes through without any incidents. However, it’s always a good idea to be prepared if something happens. Just like regular car accidents, things can happen that are beyond anyone’s control. That’s why it’s essential to understand what steps you can take to limit the chances of damage during auto transportation. And if something happens, you should know what to do during loading, on delivery, and after delivery. 

What to do on vehicle pickup? 

• Inspect your vehicle for damage. Before the driver loads your vehicle, look at any existing damage. If you see any damage, note it on the bill of lading.
• Remove any personal belongings. Take all your belongings from your vehicle before loading them onto the transport truck. This includes things like clothes, electronics, tools, and anything else you don’t want to transport.
• Get a copy of the bill of lading. The bill of lading is a document that lists the details of your shipment, including the make, model, and VIN of your vehicle, as well as the pickup and delivery dates. Make sure to get a copy of the bill of lading from the driver before they leave.

What you should do on delivery of your vehicle

• Inspect your vehicle for damage. As soon as the driver arrives, look for any damages that were not pre-existing that may have occurred during transport. If you see any damage, note it on the bill of lading.
• Compare the vehicle condition on the bill of lading. Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle for any damage. If you notice any damage, note it on the bill of lading and report it to the carrier immediately. The carrier is responsible for any damage that occurs during transport.
• Get a copy of the bill of lading. The bill of lading is a document that lists the details of your shipment, including the make, model, and VIN of your vehicle, as well as the pickup and delivery dates. Make sure to get a copy of the bill of lading from the driver before they leave.

What can I do to protect my car?

There are a few things you can do to protect your car during transport:

• Choose a reputable broker. 
• Ensure the carrier has adequate insurance. 
• Inspect your car before it is loaded. 
• Inspect your car after it is unloaded. 
• Note any damages on BOL.
• Research the auto transport broker and verify their operating authority from the FMCSA website. 

Extra Protection for your vehicle

Enclosed auto transport is a safer and more secure way to ship your vehicle. Enclosed trailers provide added Protection from the elements, road debris, and theft. They also offer higher insurance coverage, giving you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected. 

• Enclosed trailers are weatherproof. Your vehicle will be protected from rain, snow, and hail. It’s essential for vehicles sensitive to the elements, such as classic or sports cars.
• The enclosed trailers are secure. They are locked and boarded up, making them harder to break into. This is important for vehicles that are valuable or that contain personal belongings.
• Enclosed trailers offer more privacy. Your vehicle will be transported in a private trailer, away from other vehicles. This is important for people who want to keep their vehicle hidden from view.

How to Verify Insurance Information

It is against the law for a carrier to operate without valid insurance, and they would still be responsible for damages they caused. However, with tens of thousands of carriers on every broker’s national load board database, the insurance information on file might be less current and up-to-date. You can go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database to verify the carrier’s ” authorized ” status. This means they have met the minimum insurance requirements set by law.

Takeaways

Shipping your car can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Following the tips in this guide ensures that your vehicle is safe and secure during transport. To summarize:

• Choose a reputable auto transport broker.
• Ensure the carrier has adequate insurance.
• Inspect your car on pickup and delivery
• Note any damages on the bill of lading.
• Consider using enclosed auto transport for added Protection.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of damage to your car and have peace of mind while on the road.