Car Shipping Insurance Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
Many people consider their vehicles as the second most expensive investment after their homes. Therefore, it is important to insure your car against thefts, accidents, and other damages. Providing the right insurance coverage for your car is also important if you are shipping it from one destination to another in case of any damages or accident.
If you are wondering what car insurance shipping is, you are on the right page? Continue reading to better understand it and some tips and tricks to help you.
What Is Car Insurance Shipping?
You want to protect your car by getting insurance because you invested hard-earned money in it. However, your car insurance might not cover special situations such as car ship long-term care insurance.
When you have your car shipped, various circumstances are likely to happen. They include:
- Alignment issues
- Scratches or dents while in transit
- The car does not after delivery
- The undercarriage was damaged
- Leaking fluids such as coolant, steering fluid, brake, or oil
There are 2 ways to protect your car from these possible problems. First, you can work with a reliable car shipping company such as
Car Shipping Hawaii. You are guaranteed that they will ship your car safely from point A to point B. Secondly, make sure that is covered by insurance for shipping a car overseas in case of any damage or accident during shipping.
What Entails a Car Shipping Insurance Cover?
When it comes to car shipping insurance cover, it is important to check with the insurer first to know what is covered and what is not covered. You can call your provider and inform them that you are planning to get your car shipped. You can also inquire if they have insurance.
If they do, be sure to inquire what their car shipping insurance covers. To better understand their insurance policy, you need to mention where your car is going especially if it is overseas. Knowing what is covered is very crucial since not all car insurance companies include transport.
Something else to keep in mind is your car insurance provider’s liability and cargo insurance. Liability insurance can safeguard you from the possible damages your car might cause to other vehicles. Car shipping insurance companies need to have some liability in their insurance policies. Again, it is crucial to ask about this beforehand.
Liability insurance has limitations, so make sure that ask your car shipping company about cargo insurance. This insurance includes the shipped goods loaded in trucks. With cargo insurance, your car will be insured for damages that are not covered by liability insurance.
Also, you should note that other types of car shipping insurance such as marine insurance for car shipping can be more complex. This is because some car shipping companies require you to sign a waiver that indicates that they will not be held responsible if your car gets damaged while in transit. That is why it is highly recommended to check the car shipping agreement before signing a contract.
When to Buy Additional Car Shipping Insurance
Understanding how important car shipping insurance is, you might be thinking if extra insurance is needed to ship your car. In most instances, additional car shipping insurance is not necessary.
Nevertheless, there are some instances wherein additional insurance may be needed. These instances include:
- There are expensive accessories in your car such as speakers.
- If there are considerable replacements or repairs done your car with spare parts. Parts from manufacturers are not included
It is always best to talk with your insurance company since these situations might not be covered in your current insurance plan. Before shipping, see to it that enough protection is provided for the shipping. Also, seek to know if you will need to pay extra for the shipping so you can make an informed decision.
How much does car shipping insurance cost?
You will not have to pay additional fees for insurance to have a car shipped in most cases. If your car is insured and the shipping provider has liability and cargo insurance, you do not need to pay extra car shipping insurance costs. Nevertheless, if you decide to have additional insurance on top of this, you can purchase short-term additional insurance.
Tips When Checking Insurance for Shipping Cars
With so many insurance companies providing car shipping insurance, finding the most ideal for your needs can be overwhelming. If you are scouting for a car shipping insurance cover, below are some tips to help you:
1. Get Proof of Insurance from Your Car Shipping Service Provider
Car shipping companies are required by law to have a legitimate certificate of insurance. They also need to present this when someone asks them. Other than checking proof of insurance, also seek to understand their policies.
Inquire if they take responsibility for possible damages that may occur while the car is being shipped. You can check if the insurance covers the whole car or just some parts.
2. Have Everything in Paper
You need to demand particular considerations or agreement on paper before you agree to the policies of a car shipping company. This will guarantee that you are protected in case something unexpected occurs. This is more helpful if the provider agrees to something that is not stated in the standard contract.
3. Take Away Loose Possessions Inside Your Car
Many car shipping companies do not include damages inside the interior of cars. Therefore, it is recommended to remove loose possessions like CDS and loose coins from your car before giving them the keys. This helps to reduce the damages that are likely to occur inside your car. Also, doing this is crucial since most car shipping service providers do not provide theft protection in their contracts.
4. Take Note of the Car Shipping Company’s Inspection
A reliable car shipping company will do a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle before they get it. They will check if there are any current damages to your car. It is highly recommended to be present when they inspect your vehicle. You can also take pictures of your car to document its condition before giving it to the car shipping provider.
5. Fill Out the Bill of Lading Form Carefully
You need to complete the Bill of Lading when your car is delivered to its destination. The Bill of Lading is a document that indicates the state of the vehicle when it arrives. Therefore, you need to do a thorough check of your car, including the undercarriage.
You can also check for mechanical problems by trying to start the engine. You need to check your car under ample lighting when it is delivered at night so that you don’t miss out on any damages.
When you sign the Bill of Lading, it means that the shipment is completed. The car shipping company will not be held responsible if you discover something broken or missing after signing it. If there is damage, you can indicate it in the document and let the driver sign. Then, you call your shipping company to discuss your reimbursement.
6. Contact the BBB for Complaints
If you think that your car shipping company did not give you the right service or has been unfair in treating you, be sure to visit Better Business Bureau. You can also complain at the Department of Transportation if there are issues with how your car was shipped.
FAQs
Conclusion
With the information provided, getting car shipping insurance can be easier. Also, don’t forget to pick the right car shipping company when you plan to ship your car. Once you decide on the car shipping company you want, ensure that you inquire about their car shipping insurance.
It is important that you do your research and reach out to them to understand the coverage of the insurance, how your car will be transported and delivered to its destination, and the costs if you consider getting additional insurance. You also need to ask for the company’s valid insurance certificate.
