If you are not prepared for it this can be a frightening moment. It doesn't have to be of course. During the screening portion and while you are comparing prices is the right moment to handle this issue.
Any trucker/carrier participating in auto transport is required by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to have insurance. But the real question is do they have it ?? You can check it out yourself online at the website for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
If you are working with a Trucker/Carrier you can simply request that they email or fax a copy of their proof of insurance. If on the other hand you are working with a Broker, you will find that he is happy to advise you on this. This service is part of what a Broker is only too happy to make available.
OK, but what happens if my car is in fact damaged during transport ?
Answer: When the car arrives at it's destination, do not sign the bill of lading until you (or your representative) and the driver inspect the car together. If damage is present that was not there when the car was shipped, note it on the bill of lading before signing and get a copy. Ask the driver for his proof of insurance (you are looking for cargo insurance not liability insurance) All you need do is file a claim with the Carrier's Insurance Provider along with a copy of the bill of lading that shows the damage (signed by both you and the carrier) and an estimate of repairs from a body shop.
When you discover damage and you are still with the driver, this is the best time to attempt to call his insurance company and ask them for instructions on filing your claim. Most of the time they will simply share with you the steps in doing so. They have no reason to be less than helpful. Don't worry if you can't reach them while with the driver, this is a great time to 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 are working with an Auto Transport Broker, relax because most of them check out the truckers you will use very carefully during the quoting process. Part of their job is to only select the good guys. You can count on it.
Any trucker/carrier participating in auto transport is required by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to have insurance. But the real question is do they have it ?? You can check it out yourself online at the website for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
If you are working with a Trucker/Carrier you can simply request that they email or fax a copy of their proof of insurance. If on the other hand you are working with a Broker, you will find that he is happy to advise you on this. This service is part of what a Broker is only too happy to make available.
OK, but what happens if my car is in fact damaged during transport ?
Answer: When the car arrives at it's destination, do not sign the bill of lading until you (or your representative) and the driver inspect the car together. If damage is present that was not there when the car was shipped, note it on the bill of lading before signing and get a copy. Ask the driver for his proof of insurance (you are looking for cargo insurance not liability insurance) All you need do is file a claim with the Carrier's Insurance Provider along with a copy of the bill of lading that shows the damage (signed by both you and the carrier) and an estimate of repairs from a body shop.
When you discover damage and you are still with the driver, this is the best time to attempt to call his insurance company and ask them for instructions on filing your claim. Most of the time they will simply share with you the steps in doing so. They have no reason to be less than helpful. Don't worry if you can't reach them while with the driver, this is a great time to 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 are working with an Auto Transport Broker, relax because most of them check out the truckers you will use very carefully during the quoting process. Part of their job is to only select the good guys. You can count on it.
About the Author:
During searching for estimates to compare don't fail to check out Bob Frost's fantastic articles on details to know when shipping auto transport as a little knowledge can save a lot of cash and inconvenience.
