In the case of your vehicle’s movement beyond state borders, taking care of its safety and having it protected during the process is the most important thing. This is relevant while relocating, purchasing a vehicle from a different state, or even transporting one. We’ll look at coverages provided by the automobile transport firms along with the most important elements determining the degree of protection for your automobile during transport.
Car Transport 24 wants to guarantee our clients a trouble-free and risk-free car shipping service, so their cherished vehicle gets delivered to the designated place safely. The concern for the automobile’s safety during shipping as well as the varied options offered to satisfy such needs are matters we fully comprehend.
Why Is Insurance Important for Interstate Car Transport?
The importance of auto transport insurance stems from the fact that it safeguards your car from damages that may occur while in transit. It is still possible for damage to occur while moving a vehicle, even if reputable car transport companies take precautions to protect the vehicle during the transport. Careless vehicle shipping companies may ensure that vehicles are properly secured to avoid vehicle shipping damage, however, they are at the mercy of nature; accidents, unusual weather, or even road work can lead to damage. Insurance policy will enable you to sleep well at night knowing that automobile will be insured while being transported.
During interstate shipping, the car will undergo long distances, diverse terrains of different highways, and a variety of weather, all of which increase the likelihood of an accident occurring. Accidents of any kind are always unplannable, which means that there must be a policy in place that offers insurance protection against loss during damage and loss scenarios. Don’t forget to check with the auto transport company what insurance coverage they offer.
Types of Insurance Coverage for Interstate Car Transport
For crossing state borders there are usually two main types of insurance coverage: carrier insurance and any other additional optional one you wish to acquire. Knowing the difference between these two will help you decide what you wish to be covered as far as insurance goes.
Carrier Insurance
Carrier insurance represents the most basic form of coverage offered by the auto transport company. Any licensed and insured car shipping company is, by law, required to offer this type of coverage. Typically, carrier insurance during transport covers damages caused by accidents, theft, hail, flooding, or wind. It should be noted, however, that in case of damage, the coverage provided by the carriers may not be full and may have deductibles.
Carrier insurance is known to provide limited amounts of coverage frequently between fifty thousand to one hundred thousand dollars per vehicle. This is inadequate for high-end luxury cars, making it essential to understand the policy’s terms.
Additional Insurance Coverage
When shipping luxury or high-value cars, it is advisable to opt for additional insurance coverage. This adds an additional layer of protection while also ensuring peace of mind. Damages without excesses are more likely to be incurred under additional insurance as it is known to cover a wider range of potential damages. Buyers can choose to purchase extra coverage based on their vehicles worth, ranging from ten thousand to two hundred thousand dollars or even more.
Certain auto transport companies provide gap insurance which ensures that you do not have to incur any gap losses which may arise between the insuring carrier’s insurance policy and the amount of your vehicle. You may also select full value protection which guarantees payment for the full value of the vehicle in case of loss or extensive damage to the vehicle.
Factors That Affect Your Auto Transport Insurance Coverage
There are several factors that are likely to change the degree of insurance coverage provided to you in case of interstate auto transport. Some of them include the following:
Type of Vehicle and its Value
The make and model of your vehicle has a significant impact on your level of insurance coverage. High-end cars, luxurious vehicles, or classic cars are likely to need additional coverage due to their high value. The value of the car determines the amount of coverage required, and auto transport companies are willing to provide tailor-made insurance policies to cover the vehicle’s needs.
Methods of Transport
The method you select will affect your transport load as well as the cost of the coverage. In case you choose open transport, that is, the vehicle is not covered, the policy of insurance may be more restricted than in closed transport where the vehicle is kept in a fully closed trailer. For more expensive or vintage cars, enclosed transport would be most appropriate as they provide extra protection, albeit at an additional cost.
Reputation of Carrier and insurance policy
Trust is important when it’s a question of insurance. A reputable auto transport company is more likely to offer reliable insurance with adequate coverage. You must check the insurer’s registration in the carrier’s license to have at least a nominal registration mark like USDOT and MC number.
Shipping Route and Distance
The distance and the specific route chosen determine the level of risk in terms of accidents or damage. An interstate shipment may encounter a mix of road environments such as scenic mountain roads, or heavily congested interstate highways. Also, certain parts of the country may have wildlife, such as blizzards and torrential downpours that may pose damage risk which affects the insurance cost necessary.
What’s Not Covered by Auto Transport Insurance?
Although auto transport insurance can greatly protect a vehicle, there are some common exclusions that can apply. Depending on the insurer and policy type, these are some of the common exclusions.
– Personal Items in the Car: Usually, personal items within the vehicle are not insured. When shipping, it is best to take out any personal items you have inside the vehicle. I’m removing the items, but insurance does not protect anything left within the vehicle and can suffer loss or damage.
– Pre-existing Damage: If you vehicle bears scratches, any form of dent or rust, it is unlikely the insurance company will compensate for any loss. To avert contention declaim insurance coverage, take pictures of your vehicle’s condition prior to shipping.
– Mechanical Breakdown Loss: Losses from mechanical breakdowns are not generally included in insurance policies, since coverage is mainly meant to protect against damages suffered during transport of the shipment, not mechanical failures that may happen prior to or after the shipment.
How to Verify and Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Ensure that you comprehend fully the terms of the insurance provided by the carrier before you book interstate car shipping services. Here’s what you can do to verify and assess the coverage:
– Demand For Evidence Of Insurance: Obtain a copy of the insurance policy from the carrier, because it should contain the policy limits, specified exclusions, and deductibles.
– Disclosure Of The Insurance Policy: A glimpse of the policy document reveals to us that the document has various Sections. Pay special attention to the descriptions of coverage and exclusions to avoid being caught in some biased circumstances.
– Speak: Do not shy away from seeking clarifications from the carrier in relation to the specific parts of coverage which you do not understand clearly. Understandably, any credible firm will give you their full attention and offer clarifications without hiding anything concerning their policy.
– Seek A Quote For Additional Policy: Discuss these needs with the carrier to determine if they can issue more coverage, or alternatively, propose other insurers outside carrier’s firm.
Conclusion: Keeping Your Car Safe During Transport
Use of insurance while shipping cars interstate serves to protect the vehicle in transit. It is very important to have at least carrier insurance, but if the vehicle is a luxury car, supplemental insurance should be added. Additional insurance might be extra, but it will give peace of mind through understanding what drives up value and why insurance is important especially dealing with transport of cars.
Transporting cars across different states should not keep the owner worried because at Car Transport 24, we offer affordable and reliable transport services that suit every one’s need and get peace of mind while insurance protects their vehicle.
