It’s never been easier to ship a car. With online quotes, friendly customer service reps, and more trailers than ever before, all you have to do is make a call. However, with so many cars on trailers, shipping companies are busier than ever before. This means they may only glance over some important documents. It’s not really their fault. You really only need to be aware of these documents if something goes wrong with your shipment. The fact is that shipping is almost guaranteed to go flawlessly. Your car will arrive safely, and you won’t even need to think twice about these documents. Since there’s only a slim chance things go wrong, most shipping companies won’t think twice about these documents. However, if things do go wrong, you’ll be glad you know about these very important documents.
Insurance Terms
The first and most important thing is to make sure your shipping company has insurance. Some cut-rate shipping providers won’t even include their insurance. This is to make it look like they have better rates, but in actuality, it’s a scam. Shipping companies legally need to carry insurance, and if yours doesn’t, run. A simple question to ask for their insurance terms is all it takes to save a ton of hassles down the line. This is because, more often than not, your insurance will not cover your car while in transport. Plus, if things go wrong, you don’t want your rates to go up.
The next question is, how much insurance is enough? This depends on the type of trailer you’re using. The shipping company’s insurance should cover every vehicle on the trailer. If you’re on an open transport trailer with nine other vehicles, that’s a lot of insurance. You could, however, be in a small enclosed trailer with only one other vehicle. However, that vehicle is a priceless classic car. All in all, don’t think that just because they have enough to cover your car, that you’re in the clear. Bigger is better when it comes to insurance terms.
Bill of Lading
The bill of lading goes hand in hand with the insurance. Your driver may present this to you as a receipt for your vehicle shipment, but it’s so much more than that. If you’ve ever rented a car, you already know how the bill of lading works. When your driver picks up your vehicle, they’ll perform an inspection. They’re checking for any prior damage. When they drop off the car, they’ll have you sign it. What you’re signing is that your car arrived in the same condition that they picked it up. Insurance companies will look at the bill of lading as law. If it’s not on there, it doesn’t exist. So don’t sign just yet.
When your car arrives, do a little inspection of your own. Are there any scratches or dings? Did oil leak from another car onto yours? With an open transport ride, your car may be a little dirty, which will make this more difficult, but take your time. You’ll be glad you did. Then make sure the driver notes any new issues on the bill of lading. This will make it exponentially easier to make a claim with the insurance.
Important Documents Work for you
These important documents will rarely ever be used. That’s why shipping companies barely recognize them. Chances are, your car arrives safe and sound, and these documents are just protocol. However, if you do need them, you’ll be glad you took the extra time. After all, they only work if you know how to work them.
If you’re looking for a transparent auto shipping company, Fresno Car Transport is for you. They offer industry-leading insurance right there in their quote. With friendly drivers that can take your vehicle anywhere in the United States, including Puerto Rico.
