Will my Vehicle be Insured?

1. Will my Vehicle be Insured?
2. Overseas Auto Shipment Risks
3. Coverage Options
4. Overseas Shipping Coverage Options
5. Things to Take Note of

Will my Vehicle be Insured?

While a1 auto transport can almost guarantee your vehicle will arrive in the exact state it left for its destination, there is a small chance of theft or damage due to climate or accidents. So you won’t have to pay for repairs out of pocket, you may want to ask an insurance company to cover your vehicle.

Overseas Auto Shipment Risks

On a ship, vehicles are vulnerable to weather related damage or pirate attacks. A flood may also damage your car’s upholstery and other parts. If a car is not safely secured, it may sway and damage nearby vehicles, especially if they’re placed on a “roll on roll off” vessel.

Coverage Options

There are several options available for auto shipping insurance. Your auto transporter must have some insurance required by law to protect your automobile. Different auto shipping companies offer different levels of insurance, so don’t assume your vehicle will be completely covered. Ask for details directly.

Some auto shipping companies offer more coverage for a higher sum. Ask for a paper copy of their policy. This will serve to confirm their coverage in case you’ll have disputes with them. Also, if any guarantees or promises are made regarding their service, make sure they come in writing.

You may also obtain shipping protection from your auto insurance company. Call your insurance provider for information. The insurance they offer may be superior to that of the auto shipper.

Finally, you can have an auto insurance company cover your automobile while it’s being shipped. This short term insurance can be purchased to cover what your auto transporter or normal insurance company doesn’t, or to simply cover everything. For example, if water damage is not covered by your auto shipper and you wish to be safer, you can purchase water damage coverage from an auto insurance company.

Overseas Shipping Coverage Options

There are 2 types of coverage insurance companies typically offer those transporting their vehicles overseas. They are “total loss” and “all risk”. All risk coverage premiums give a slightly higher return in case of accident than total loss. In both cases, a deductible will have to be paid, which influences the premiums you may want to pay.

Total loss covers your vehicle for fire, theft and the loss of your entire transport. In such cases, the insurance company will replace your automobile or offer you a settlement in cash according to its total value.

All Risk covers your vehicle for any damages it may incur during transit, from the moment it’s picked up to its arrival at the destination point. The settlement will offer a cash settlement based on the product’s current market value (if the car is destroyed) or cover repair costs if the damage is limited.

Things to Take Note of

It is important you know the following when looking for auto shipping insurance:

• The Inspection: The auto shipper will inspect your vehicle thoroughly before transporting it. It’s best you are present when this happens. Inspect the automobile yourself and have the auto transport company sign off that your vehicle assessment is accurate. You can even take photos of it for further proof of its condition. Once it reaches its destination, inspect your vehicle once more. If any damage occurs during transit, the transport company’s signature along with your photos will help you recover your money.
• Belongings: Your vehicle should be free of loose debris or personal belongings during shipment. The transport company is not responsible for any items damaged or lost or for the damage caused by those items to the vehicle’s interior.
• Documentation: Regardless of what company covers your automobile, ensure you have solid copies of all the documents used, including the bill of landing, insurance policies and any other paperwork used in the transport. This documentation will serve a vital role if you’re put in a position of filing a claim for damage done to your automobile during shipment.