Insurance Checklist
- Get everything, from your initial quote to anything promised verbally, in writing.
- Ask the car shipper if you can see their insurance certificate to determine if they have one and if it is up-to-date. Again, no question should go unanswered. In many states, proof of insurance is the law. Ask particulars such as: Will your car be covered for any damages en route? Is there a deductible?
- Does your auto insurance cover the vehicle during on loading? On unloading? Is the coverage the same while the car is in transit? Do your need to notify your insurance company that you’re even shipping the vehicle? Call your insurance agent to find out the details, it may greatly determine your shipping options.
- Ship your car empty. Meaning, do not load up your car with personal items, as they are not covered for any damage or theft in transit. In addition, it will end up adding needless weight to your car and therefore your bill.
- Give your car the once-over before shipping. As your car will be thoroughly examined by the shipper before he or she even touches it, be sure you are there in person to agree or debate any such inconsistencies. There is nothing more aggravating than seeing a surprise scratch upon receipt of your car when it was listed on your inspection notice to begin with. When your car is delivered, be sure to do another thorough inspection BEFORE signing the condition report (also known as the bill of lading). This is important, as signing the condition report absolves the shipper from any damage that you may find later. Check the undercarriage and start it up to check for any mechanical failures. Be sure to perform the inspection in a brightly lit area, as nighttime light can hide damage that would have otherwise been visible under good or daytime light.
- If any damage was done during shipment, you must note it on the bill of lading and then get the driver to sign it. As soon as possible thereafter, contact the auto shipping company and begin the damage reimbursement process.
- If you feel that the auto shipping company is giving you the runaround (as it relates to your damage claim), be sure to contact the Better Business Bureau. Also, the Department of Transportation is a great resource for filing complaints against unscrupulous auto shippers. If you feel that it is necessary, get a court judgment. The Department of Transportation will take your claim much more seriously if you do so.
At the end of the day, only properly licensed, bonded and reliable car shipment companies carry the proper insurance required to reimburse damage claims that happen on their watch. Keep out an eagle eye, however, as it may be buried in the fine print who is responsible for that dented fender that got dinged while being loaded onto the shipping truck. Don’t be afraid to take your time to read and ask questions. A car insurance certificate review should not be treated as merely a formality. Do your due diligence.
We know there is a lot to consider here, but if you simply print the above checklist, you can use it as reference when you are getting ready to ship. It just might save you a bundle of money and a whole lot of headaches. Better yet, if your ready to ship, give us call. 800-401-3356
