Auto Insurance Coverage For Transit Tagged Vehicles: What You Need To Know

If you're moving your vehicle, you may be wondering if your existing auto insurance will cover it during the transition. The answer is that it depends on your policy. While auto transport companies are legally required to carry insurance, it's essential to verify their coverage limits and details. Their insurance typically covers damage to the vehicle during transit, but it's crucial to understand their specific policy to ensure adequate protection. On the other hand, your own auto insurance policy may offer coverage for your vehicle during transport, but this isn't always the case. It's recommended to contact your insurance provider to confirm whether your coverage applies during shipping and if any notifications from the transport company are necessary. Maintaining your car insurance during transit is advisable, as it provides an added layer of protection and can help with damages not covered by the transporter's insurance.

Auto transport companies are legally required to carry insurance to cover damage while your vehicle is in transit

Some transporters only have coverage once your vehicle is on the truck. Therefore, it is crucial to verify that their insurance covers pickup, transport, and delivery. A car hauler's insurance policy may also include exclusions that could complicate coverage for your vehicle if it is damaged during transit. Hence, you should check that their coverage limits are high enough to replace your vehicle if it is destroyed or damaged.

Before engaging an auto transport company, you should ask for proof of insurance and clarify any queries related to their policy. Find out if they cover any damage that occurs during the car shipping process, if the entire car is covered or just certain parts, and if you will be required to pay a deductible if damage occurs. Getting everything in writing before agreeing to the terms of an auto shipping service is also essential for your protection.

In addition to the above, you should also check with your auto insurance company. Depending on your policy, your insurance may cover your vehicle while it is in transport. However, this is not always the case, so it is important to confirm with your insurer.

Ask the car shipping company for proof of insurance

It is a legal requirement for auto transport companies to carry a valid insurance certificate, and they should be willing to show you proof of this when asked. It is important to verify their coverage levels and dates and ensure they can cover the cost of replacing your vehicle if it is destroyed or stolen during transport.

Ask the car shipping company if they cover any damage that occurs during the shipping process, if the entire car is covered or just certain parts, and if you will be required to pay a deductible if damage occurs. It is also worth asking if there are any exclusions during pickup, loading, transit, and unloading. If they are hesitant to produce proof of insurance, consider this a red flag.

In addition to asking for proof of insurance, it is recommended that you get everything in writing before agreeing to the terms of an auto shipping service. This will protect you in the event that something unforeseen happens, especially if they are providing you with a service or agreeing to something that is not indicated in their regular contract.

Get everything in writing

When it comes to auto transport, it's always a good idea to get everything in writing. This means getting any special agreements or considerations in writing to protect yourself in case something unexpected happens, especially if the auto transport company is providing a service or agreeing to something that's not in their regular contract.

• Ask for proof of insurance from the auto transport company and verify that their coverage limits are high enough to replace your vehicle if it is destroyed or damaged during transport.
• Get documentation of your auto transport agreement, including insurance coverage and delivery information.
• If you have any verbal agreements or conversations with the auto transport company, follow up with an email to confirm your understanding of the terms. This will help eliminate misunderstandings and clarify communication.
• If you have a freelance contract or employee compensation package, make sure you have it in writing. This will help you avoid confusion and disagreements in the future.
• Keep a record of all your important documents, such as employment contracts, utility bills, etc. Consider digitizing them and using text recognition software to easily search for any document you need.

By getting everything in writing, you can protect yourself from potential issues and have clear documentation of the terms you agreed to.

Check with your auto insurance company

When shipping a vehicle, it is essential to understand the insurance coverage provided by the auto transport company and your own auto insurance policy. Here are some key points to consider:

It is crucial to verify with your auto insurance provider whether your policy covers your vehicle during transportation. While some policies may provide protection during transit, others might not. Therefore, it is essential to confirm this detail with your insurer. Ask them if your existing coverage applies while the vehicle is being shipped and if you need to notify them of the car shipping company's involvement. By clarifying these points, you can ensure that you have the necessary coverage in case of any issues during transportation.

Additionally, it is worth reviewing your auto insurance policy in detail to understand its scope and limitations. Check if your policy includes comprehensive coverage, which could protect your vehicle from various risks, such as fire, wind, hail, flood, theft, vandalism, falling objects, or animal-related incidents during transportation. Also, inquire about collision coverage, which might come into play if the transporter is involved in an accident while moving your vehicle. Understanding these aspects of your policy will help you make an informed decision about whether you need to purchase additional coverage or if your existing policy sufficiently protects your vehicle during transit.

Furthermore, if you are planning to ship your vehicle overseas, it is advisable to set up an overseas insurance policy before leaving your home country. This type of policy can provide liability coverage and ensure your vehicle is insured as soon as it arrives at its destination. Some companies, like GEICO, offer overseas vehicle insurance and marine transit coverage for added peace of mind during international shipments.

Remove loose items from the interior of the vehicle

When preparing to ship your car, it is important to remove all loose items from the interior of the vehicle. This includes all removable electronics, extra change, CDs, cassettes, and anything else that could become airborne. By removing your loose items, you will reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle's interior, which is not typically covered by car shipping companies. Removing loose items also reduces the risk of a break-in theft, which is also not usually covered by most car shipping companies.

To make the process of removing loose items from your vehicle's interior more efficient, it is recommended to start by cleaning and organising the space. This involves removing any items that don't belong in the car, such as books, pens, paper, mail, and empty tissue boxes. It is also important to pay attention to strewn clothing and either fold or hang them.

Additionally, focus on one area at a time, such as the glove compartment, centre console, or trunk, to ensure a thorough removal of loose items. It is also beneficial to have containers or bins to sort items into categories such as "put away", "fix/mend", "recycle", and "trash". This will help you stay organised and make the process more manageable.

Furthermore, consider taking photographs of the vehicle's interior before removing any items. This will allow you to easily identify if anything is missing or has been left behind after the shipping process. Overall, by taking the time to remove loose items from your vehicle's interior, you can help protect your belongings and reduce potential issues during transportation.

Frequently asked questions