Will My Car Be Damaged During Shipment
If you are not prepared. This can be a scary moment. But, it doesn't have to be. During the time that you are screening and comparing quotes is the proper time to put this issue to rest once and for all.
Truckers/Carriers licensed and permitted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) are required to have insurance. The real question you need to discover is do they have it? You can find out for yourself online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site.
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 ?
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.
Upon discovery of damage and while still with the driver, it is always a good idea to make a call to his insurance company and simply ask them how they would like to proceed. They will direct you in how to file a claim with them and you will find that the insurance company will be very pleasant and helpful as they really have no reason to be otherwise. If you can't reach the insurance company representative it's still not the end of the world, call your Auto Transport Broker, he can help.
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.
Surprisingly, light damage is not unusual during the shipment of vehicles and normally it is handled in a rather routine way. Don't worry, you will be taken care of and your car fixed. Guess what, this is indeed a little problem and it will 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.
Truckers/Carriers licensed and permitted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) are required to have insurance. The real question you need to discover is do they have it? You can find out for yourself online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site.
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 ?
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.
Upon discovery of damage and while still with the driver, it is always a good idea to make a call to his insurance company and simply ask them how they would like to proceed. They will direct you in how to file a claim with them and you will find that the insurance company will be very pleasant and helpful as they really have no reason to be otherwise. If you can't reach the insurance company representative it's still not the end of the world, call your Auto Transport Broker, he can help.
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.
Surprisingly, light damage is not unusual during the shipment of vehicles and normally it is handled in a rather routine way. Don't worry, you will be taken care of and your car fixed. Guess what, this is indeed a little problem and it will 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:
While looking for estimates to compare don't forget to check out Bob Frost's fantastic articles on things to know when shipping auto transport as a little knowledge can save a lot of cash and grief.