Auto Transport Insurance: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Investment

Auto Transport Insurance

With vehicle shipping, whether across the state or the country, protecting your investment is a prime concern. However, auto transport insurance is a critical component of the car shipping process that many owners or those unsure of what it covers often overlook. Knowing that your car is being fully covered during transport can be very fulfilling by understanding the type of auto transport insurance, how it works, and why it's necessary for your vehicle.

 What is Auto Transport Insurance?

Auto transport insurance is a specific kind of policy that protects your car whenever you are moving it with the help of a transport agency. In other words, this insurance protects possible damages which might arise from the process of transportation. Car shipping is a careful task, and while most of the professional auto transport firms will handle your vehicle with care, misfortunes sometimes do happen. Your vehicle transportation could be done on an open-air carrier, or in a closed one. Having the right auto transport insurance for your vehicle ensures you do not bear financial liability for damages during shipment.

Types of Auto Transport Insurance

You will want to be aware of two types of coverage when shipping a car: carrier insurance and additional insurance options.

1. Carrier Insurance (Basic Coverage)

Your auto transport company should provide a basic level of insurance that will cover your vehicle when it is being transported. Mainly, this is termed carrier insurance or basic liability insurance. Remember, though, that this is more often than not just if your vehicle meets with significant damage, like in an accident or theft.

Carrier insurance is usually by the carrier shipping company, and coverage limits are under the terms of the carrier's policy. This type of insurance normally covers:

  • Accidental damage: resulting from ship or mishap or weather-related incidents during shipment.
  • Theft: Should your vehicle be stolen when left under the care of the shipping firm?
  • Natural Disasters: If your vehicle gets damaged by forces beyond the control of the shipping firm, for instance, hail or floods.

While the carrier's insurance usually covers damages resulting from transportation, ask how much protection they provide. The difference in the scope of protection may be pretty high, and the basic coverage may not cover you in case you have high-end cars or significant damage.

2.  Additional Insurance Options

It is also possible to consider additional coverage for further vehicle protection beyond the basic insurance coverage. This coverage is particularly useful for luxury or classic vehicles that need special care during transport. Some of the other coverages include:

  • Full Coverage Insurance: This can provide a higher level of protection, often including coverage for minor damages like scratches, dents, and chips that may not be covered under basic carrier insurance.
  • Additional Liability Insurance: This can help cover situations where the carrier's basic policy is insufficient. It's designed to fill in any gaps in the basic coverage.
  • Gap Coverage: It is designed to fill the gap between what your carrier will pay on a total loss and the actual market value of your vehicle.
  • Custom or Classic Car Coverage: This is a type of insurance specialising in covering rare and modified vehicles, as these may not be covered under a standard transport policy.

This is also important to discuss with your car transport company before the shipping process begins. Additional coverage incurs some cost on the transport but offers protection over and above what regular transport usually provides. Hence, it is a good investment in cars that require care because they are valuable or fragile.

insurance from auto transport companies

Why Do You Need Auto Transport Insurance?

Even if there is insurance from auto transport companies, there are many good reasons why you should ensure your vehicle is fully covered against potential losses during transit.

1.  Accidents Do Happen

Even if the transportation carriers are professional, accidents will happen sometimes. Vehicle damage can result from collision with other vehicles, severe weather, or unknown road hazards during auto transport. Comprehensive auto transport insurance will save you from paying the repair cost out of pocket.

2. Total Coverage for Your Vehicle

Your vehicle is probably one of the biggest investments you will ever have. Luxury car or a family car, maybe even an antique, insurance ensures that your asset is covered. In the event of damage, your insurer will pay for the repair of your vehicle, and you will not lose the value of your car either.

3. Peace of Mind

Insurance coverage is indeed an important aspect when it comes to shipping your car and this is the reason why it brings the needed comfort when one wants to dispatch their vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you are moving the car across the continent or to an alien one, you can always be confident that you are taking good care of your vehicle in case of any damages and even loss.

4. Prevents Financial Loss

You may incur all the costs to repair damaged cars without proper coverage when you get them. This can be quite costly, especially with top-of-the-line cars. Auto transport insurance can save you from all this.

How to Choose the Best Auto Transport Insurance

The choice of auto transport insurance depends on several aspects. Here's what you need to consider:

  • Additional Coverage: Even if the transport carrier provides some insurance on your vehicle, you should invest in extra coverage if you have a classic car.
  • Type of Transport: The risk of damage is minimal when using an enclosed trailer, while an open-air carrier creates potential exposure risks.
  • The Transport Company's Reputation: Always ensure the auto transport company is reputable, licensed, and insured. Check their insurance policy to ensure it covers your vehicle appropriately.
  • Your Insurance: Your existing car insurance policy may sometimes cover damages during transport. Before purchasing additional insurance, you must check with your insurance provider to understand what is already covered.

Shipping a car is stressful, but you can ensure your investment is well covered with the proper auto transport insurance. It will depend on whether you decide on the basic carrier insurance or take the extra coverage available; you must understand what is included in the policy. It's always good to discuss your options with your auto transport company to ensure that you will be covered, mainly when shipping a high-value or custom vehicle. With this in mind, rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands and your investment is safe during transport.