Monday, October 31, 2011

Should I Get Car Transport Insurance?

This article will investigate car insurance, but not every day insurance as it is focused more on insurance that can be bought to cover vehicles during transport and delivery. It is important to remember that you are entrusting your vehicle with the transport company, and problems may arise. Go through all of your Car Transport companies' paperwork and verify that you will not be responsible for any damage that takes place in transit.

In general, well-recognized transport companies will have sufficient insurance to pay for any damage that is picked up en route. Auto transport insurance also has the typical warnings and limitations of everyday insurance. The complex world of auto transport insurance may be daunting, but the following guidelines should make the process less formidable.

After writing up a list of potential auto shipping companies, check that all of them have valid insurance certificates. A good litmus test for the quality of the potential transport company is to ask them for this certificate, as it is a legal requirement. Asking about the extent of coverage, which parts of the vehicle will be covered, and the possibility of you having to pay a deductible is a valuable exercise.

Promises by the transport company are meaningless unless they are written do, so have all information documented. The minor details are important, so make sure to get specifics from your agent. Check that your insurance covers your vehicle en route, and that you don't need to notify the company each time you move a car.

Remember to clean your car and take out all personal items before you transport your vehicle. The insurance will not cover the personal items in the car whatsoever, so removing them is paramount. Clearing the car before transport will prevent weight-related damage and interior damage.

Company insurance will not pay for such damages. Below are further guidelines for preparing your car for such a trip. An inspector will check your vehicle for existing damage when you leave the car at the shipping company.

You have a right to be a witness during the inspection of your vehicle. A photograph of your car could be invaluable evidence if something does happen to your car en route. 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 occurred during transport.

Before you accept your car back, be sure to go over it thoroughly, and look for scratches and dents. The only way to make sure that there is no mechanical damage is to start the car. It is useful to have a camera with you should something have happened.

The procedure for reporting damage caused en route is to make a detailed note of said damage on the Bill of Lading. It is vital that the driver counter-signs this document before you contact the company. You should use a flashlight or similar light in order to thoroughly inspect your car at night.

Great customer support is one of the characteristics of a reputable transport company. Most companies are affiliated with professional standards organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau, so you may file a formal complaint if need be. You can avoid unnecessary drama and stress by being thorough and using the advice provided here.