But, what do I do if my car is damaged during car shipping ?
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.
Truckers/Carriers licensed and permitted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) are required to have insurance. The real question you need to discover is do they have it? You can find out for yourself online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site.
If you are working with a Trucker/Carrier you can simply request that they email or fax a copy of their proof of insurance. If on the other hand you are working with a Broker, you will find that he is happy to advise you on this. This service is part of what a Broker is only too happy to make available.
But what is going to happen if there really is damage?
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.
Upon discovery of damage and while still with the driver, it is always a good idea to make a call to his insurance company and simply ask them how they would like to proceed. They will direct you in how to file a claim with them and you will find that the insurance company will be very pleasant and helpful as they really have no reason to be otherwise. If you can’t reach the insurance company representative it’s still not the end of the world, call your Auto Transport Broker, he can help.
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.
Although kinda scary light damage is not unusual during auto transport and is handled in a rather routine manner. You will be taken care of and your car will be fixed and guess what ???? This problem too will simply 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.
during looking for quotes to view don’t fail to check out Bob Frost’s excellent article on items to know when transporting auto transport quotes as a little knowledge can save a lot of grief auto transport quotes