Shipping a car today has never been easier. With online quotes and plenty of options, it’s just a matter of picking a date and a trailer and you’re on your way. The problem is that there may be too many options. It can get daunting trying to find a reliable shipping company and make sure you’re still getting a fair price. Let’s face it, it’s not cheap to ship a car a great distance. This may mean that you have to rely on your shipping company to be clear with you. They need to be transparent with you about your responsibilities and obligations. However, since they ship hundreds of cars, they may glance over some important documents that you, as a customer, should know about.
Insurance Terms
Being an informed customer makes you better prepared in the instance when something may go wrong. Since the likelihood that something does go wrong during your shipment is so slim, many shipping companies don’t waste their time going over this with you. After all, why waste time on something that probably won’t happen? Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair; it gives you something to do, but won’t get you anywhere. However, if something does go wrong, you’ll be glad you took the time. If your shipping company doesn’t disclose their insurance or worse, doesn’t include it in the quote, that’s a huge red flag. Your insurance won’t cover your vehicle on the trailer. This is why it’s important that your shipping company has adequate insurance.
Their insurance needs to cover not only your vehicle but also the other vehicles on the trailer. This could be as many as nine other vehicles. So when you check the insurance terms, make sure it covers the cost of your vehicle times ten. If you’re shipping a classic or exotic car, make sure there’s plenty of insurance left over.
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading is essentially the receipt you get when your car is shipped. When your car arrives, you sign the bill of lading to confirm that your car arrived safe and sound. If you’ve ever rented a car, you kind of already know how it works. When the driver picks up your car, they’ll do an inspection. They’ll check your car for any previous damage and mark it all down on the bill of lading. Insurance companies use this important document to check what, if any, damages they are responsible for. So if there is any prior damage before the car is loaded, they’re not liable. However, when the car is dropped off, don’t sign this document just yet.
Your driver may be rushed, but don’t let that stop you. Conduct your own inspection. Check your car inside and out for any scratches, dings, or damage that may be new. You never know. This is also why it’s important to take some pictures of your car before it’s loaded onto the trailer. If your bill of lading is thoroughly done, you’ll have an easier time with the insurance company if there are any problems.
Important Documents are only important if you are aware of them
For almost all shipments, these documents are just a formality. Your car will arrive safely without an issue. This is why shipping companies barely mention them. However, if you take the time and energy to get to know them now, you can save yourself time and money in the future. You don’t want to notice something two weeks after your shipment and have to plead with the insurance company. Knowing these important documents makes you an informed customer.
If you need to ship your car, give Austin Car Transport a call. They include industry leading insurance right there inside the quote. With a team of friendly agents to help you along the way, they’ll help you become an informed customer and ship any car with confidence.
