This can be a very scary moment if you are not prepared. Of course, it doesn't have to be. While you are screening and comparing prices you can put this potential problem to rest before you even get started.
All truckers/carriers that are licensed and permitted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) are required to carry insurance. The question for you is do they indeed have it? This can be found out online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site.
If you are dealing with a Carrier (Trucker) you can simply ask them to fax or email you a copy of their insurance. If you are working with a Broker just ask the Broker and he will be glad to advise you. This is part of the service that a Broker is always happy to provide.
OK, but what happens if my car is in fact damaged during transport ?
Easy Answer. When your car arrives you and the driver need to inspect it together before you accept it and sign the bill of lading. If you in fact find damage (new damage that was not there when the car was loaded) simply make a not of it on his bill of lading, both of you sign it, and you get a copy. Request that the driver provide you with proof of insurance (yes, again) and contact his insurance company. The only thing required is to file a claim with his provider of insurance and supply them with the documents they request which will also include an estimate of repairs from your body shop.
After discovering damage and while still with the driver is the best time to make that call to his insurance company and request instructions on filing your claim. Legitimate insurance companies will always be helpful and friendly as they have no reason not to be. If you can't call them right then, don't worry, you can call them later, or simply call your Auto Transport Broker, he can assist.
This is a good time to point out the obvious. Household goods (and the damage they cause) are not supposed to be in your vehicle, and are not covered by the truckers insurance according to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration.
Although kinda scary light damage is not unusual during auto transport and is handled in a rather routine manner. You will be taken care of and your car will be fixed and guess what ???? This problem too will simply go away.
If you request your car shipping service from a Broker you can rest assured that all carriers have been checked out during the quote process. They will always be the good guys. Count on it !
All truckers/carriers that are licensed and permitted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) are required to carry insurance. The question for you is do they indeed have it? This can be found out online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site.
If you are dealing with a Carrier (Trucker) you can simply ask them to fax or email you a copy of their insurance. If you are working with a Broker just ask the Broker and he will be glad to advise you. This is part of the service that a Broker is always happy to provide.
OK, but what happens if my car is in fact damaged during transport ?
Easy Answer. When your car arrives you and the driver need to inspect it together before you accept it and sign the bill of lading. If you in fact find damage (new damage that was not there when the car was loaded) simply make a not of it on his bill of lading, both of you sign it, and you get a copy. Request that the driver provide you with proof of insurance (yes, again) and contact his insurance company. The only thing required is to file a claim with his provider of insurance and supply them with the documents they request which will also include an estimate of repairs from your body shop.
After discovering damage and while still with the driver is the best time to make that call to his insurance company and request instructions on filing your claim. Legitimate insurance companies will always be helpful and friendly as they have no reason not to be. If you can't call them right then, don't worry, you can call them later, or simply call your Auto Transport Broker, he can assist.
This is a good time to point out the obvious. Household goods (and the damage they cause) are not supposed to be in your vehicle, and are not covered by the truckers insurance according to the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration.
Although kinda scary light damage is not unusual during auto transport and is handled in a rather routine manner. You will be taken care of and your car will be fixed and guess what ???? This problem too will simply go away.
If you request your car shipping service from a Broker you can rest assured that all carriers have been checked out during the quote process. They will always be the good guys. Count on it !
About the Author:
During looking for estimates to compare don't fail to read out Bob Frost's excellent articles on things to know when shipping auto transport as a little information can save a lot of cash and inconvenience.
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