The auto transport industry is full of different types of requirements in order to make every operating procedure successful across the country. Both Federal and State regulations establish different rules and measures for each company and customer that have to be accomplished before even requesting a service. One of the most important of them has to do with insurance requirements. It’s mandatory for each transporter to have insurance for their haulers prior to shipment. Keep reading and see why and how vehicle insurance during auto transport is crucial.
Why insurance coverage is so important during auto transport
As you probably may know, having insurance on your vehicle, house, life, and more, means a lot when it comes to an unexpected situation that might damage or take away one of them. Therefore, having your own belongings protected, as well as your health, is a way of preventing losing your belongings completely, and ending up with nothing. There are many types of insurance methods and prices, and they are all made for everyone’s needs and budget capacity.
During auto transport, although most companies are professional and experienced in the industry, the risk of getting your vehicle damaged is still present for a number of reasons. Damages on the road, unexpected weather conditions, wrong operational procedures, among many others, might affect your car during transport. That is why requesting an auto insurance quote for your vehicle before shipping your car anywhere across the country is so necessary, and can help prevent you from paying excessive amounts of money depending on the type of damage.
How do I request my vehicle insurance?
Most auto shipping companies like AmeriFreight include vehicle insurance in their requirements from the actual car haulers. However, you’re always recommended to add your own private vehicle insurance with an external company, and request additional coverage with your car shipping company so your car gets better protected.
Each insurance policy covers different elements. Lower priced policies usually cover the basic elements on a vehicle that might get damaged during transport, such as dings, dents, or other minor damage. Higher priced policies cover almost everything on the vehicle, including the minor elements listed before. Keep in mind that this depends on the insurance company and the car transport company polices well.
What types of auto transport insurance exist?
Types of car transport insurance are divided in three different elements and each of them contain characteristics that differ them from each other.
- Customer insurance: Customer insurance is a personal auto insurance that is not typically issued during auto transport, but can be purchased as supplemental insurance. It’s not required for shipping, although it is recommended.
- Carrier insurance: It’s under the cargo and liability coverage insurance type, and must have federal minimums for license and insurance. It’s required to be included during the shipping process of any auto transport company in the nation.
- Broker coverages: This type of coverage has supplemental protections to compensate on deductibles and repairs. It’s not required for shipping, although it is also recommended.
What are some basic terms of the auto transport insurance industry?
There are certain terms that you may hear when requesting your car insurance quote or your auto shipping service and your car shipping company. Therefore, here are some of them with their meaning so that you can get a clear understanding and vision of how this works in the industry.
- Carrier: This refers to a company that transports your vehicle. It’s also frequently referred to as car carrier, car shipper, hauler or transport carrier.
- Broker: It’s simply a company that connects you with a carrier but doesn't ship your car.
- Licensed carrier: Carriers are required to have a license to transport your vehicle.
How much does carrier insurance cost?
That basically depends on your vehicle, but when requesting a shipping service, auto transporters will provide you different free basic insurance. You can also ask for extra coverage options, where an additional fee will be added.
At AmeriFreight, insurance coverages with the hauling company are verified prior to any transaction.
How to request your car insurance quote?
Requesting your insurance quote is pretty simple. At the moment that you request your service, one of the company's agents will ask you if you would like additional coverage for your vehicle.
This is how you can request your vehicle shipping service with AmeriFreight, in case you’re wondering how to do it:
Request your free car shipping quote online
Get a better estimate of your shipping costs by providing information about your vehicle’s features, pickup and delivery locations on our online free quote form.
Schedule your shipment with our expert team
By getting on the phone or online, you can request your auto transport service with one of our customer service agents. They will guide you through the whole auto shipping process with personalized customer service.
We will pick up your car and get ready to begin the journey
Your car will be picked up at your desired destination or anywhere else across the country. You can choose among different vehicle shipping methods and options.
We will deliver your vehicle at your desired destination
Your car will be unloaded, checked in the inner and outside parts of it, and you will be asked to sign some documents. Right after that, your car will be ready for driving.
Are there any different types of shipping methods?
Of course there are! There are multiple shipping alternatives to make your auto transport experience amazing. They vary depending on your needs, and also have different prices.
- Open Transport - The most traditional way of auto transport, where vehicles are loaded into shared, open haulers. Each carrier can carry around 8 to 9 vehicles. Open transport is the most affordable and available transport method for car movers.
- Enclosed Transport - Perfect for luxury, new, exotic, and vintage vehicles since they will be shipped in a completely private enclosed trailer.
- Door To Door Transport - This method offers you loading and unloading services at your doorstep. It’s the most popular option for most car movers since it saves you time and is much more comfortable.
What types of vehicles am I allowed to ship with insurance?
This mainly depends on your car shipping company policies, since they are the ones in charge of car or truck availability for their auto transport services, as well as type of insurance in order to cover any damages or lost personal items. Remember to always show proof of your insurance in case there’s any inconvenience with your vehicle.
At AmeriFreight, we ship mostly any kind of vehicle. These are the most requested ones by our customers:
- Automobiles
- 4x4
- SUVs
- Vans
- Travel Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric Vehicles
