This can be a very scary moment if you are not prepared. Of course, it doesn't have to be. While you are screening and comparing prices you can put this potential problem to rest before you even get started.
All truckers/carriers that are licensed and permitted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) are required to carry insurance. The question for you is do they indeed have it? This can be found out online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site.
While discussing this with a carrier/trucker, simply ask them to fax or mail you a copy of their proof of insurance. If you have selected an Auto Transport Broker to work with, you will quickly discover that he is only to happy to provide you with the needed information. This type of service is part of what a Broker does.
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.
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.
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.
One of the services that Auto Transport Brokers provide is to check out the Truckers/Carriers before they assign them with your order. The great part about this is that they are only going to select the really good guys.
All truckers/carriers that are licensed and permitted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) are required to carry insurance. The question for you is do they indeed have it? This can be found out online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site.
While discussing this with a carrier/trucker, simply ask them to fax or mail you a copy of their proof of insurance. If you have selected an Auto Transport Broker to work with, you will quickly discover that he is only to happy to provide you with the needed information. This type of service is part of what a Broker does.
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.
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.
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.
One of the services that Auto Transport Brokers provide is to check out the Truckers/Carriers before they assign them with your order. The great part about this is that they are only going to select the really good guys.
About the Author:
During transporting a Car, Truck, Boat, RV or Atv you will need to see Campbell Shahan's excellent article auto transport on damages done to vehicles during transporting. It contains all of the do and do not things you really need to have.. This article, What If Damage Is Caused By The Transporter has free reprint rights.