When you pay for an automobile to be transported to a new location, regular auto insurance often does not cover what damage may occur doing this process! Many people have no idea that their vehicle is not covered under their insurance during this move, so don’t feel bad if this information takes you by surprise.

In addition, if you are using an auto transport company, they will usually not cover what happens during the process of the move either. They often include a waiver for any damage in the contract.

These two factors leave car owners completely vulnerable to whatever may happen during the process of a move. It is strongly advised to get auto transport insurance that’ll make sure just in case the worst happens, you’re covered by insurance.

1. Check Whether Your Auto Insurance Covers Transport 

Some basic auto insurance plans do actually cover transportation. It just depends on the policy and company, but never assume that you are covered in unusual situations like these. Check with your auto insurance company to see if you are covered before pursuing onto any of the following steps. It may even pay to check twice with two different customer service representatives just to make sure that you’re receiving the correct information.

2. Consider Finding An Auto Transport Company With Insurance 

There are many auto transport companies that actually do provide insurance. Choosing one with insurance saves you the hassle of seeking out insurance to cover it during the duration of the trip. If they do not provide insurance, ask them for a recommendation where to get it. If they do provide insurance, make sure you have it in writing that they actually do provide insurance. Also, you’ll want to know exactly what the plan covers to ensure that the coverage meets your expectations.

3. Remove All Valuables From Interior

Electronics, spare change or whatever else you may have in the vehicle that you would mind losing should be removed from the vehicle. These type of small items are almost never included in insurance coverage, even in the case of theft, for automobile transport. We highly recommend removing everything, because it also makes the vehicle less of a target for theft if there is nothing visibly lying around inside of the vehicle.

4. Pre and Post Inspection 

These two steps are the most important part of the vehicle transport process. Before you hand over the keys to the auto transport company, you and a member of their staff will take a look at the vehicle. This is when they will note any existing damage to the vehicle. At this juncture, it is a good time to take photos of the vehicle, so if anything comes up you have an actual visual record of the car.

Once the vehicle is handed back over to you, the company will give you something called a Bill of Lading. This is a document that describes the condition of the vehicle upon arrival. Before signing this it is imperatively to inspect the vehicle closely. You’ll even want to check under the car to make sure nothing is amiss. In cases where the vehicle is being delivered at night be sure to have a flash light on hand, so that you can actually take a good look at the vehicle. Let them know if there is anything wrong with the vehicle and be sure they take note. Do not sign anything if you have a dispute with the driver, but instead call the company to file a complaint.