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The Importance Of Auto-Transport Insurance : For Long Distance

Camilo Jaime • Jun 27, 2021
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Auto transport is a service that helps you transport your vehicle from one location to another, usually a long distance. The idea of driving through this distance is not appealing for many and in some cases, impossible. The service provided by auto transport companies is transporting vehicles through the ship or road trailers.


Not only does auto transport save you the stress of having to drive yourself but it protects your vehicle from wearing off. However, there are risks associated with this form of transport. Even the most professional auto transport companies can not prevent everything from some unforeseen damages. This is why it is important to protect your vehicle with auto transport insurance. 

What is Auto Transport Insurance?

You may already have auto insurance for your car but this does not cover circumstances that arise during auto transport. Since your car is a valuable investment, it is only right that you keep it well protected. 


Here are some of the issues that may arise from auto transporting your car:

  • Your car is unable to start after it arrives
  • Scratches or cents may happen during transport
  • Undercarriage damage
  • Leakage of fluid such as brake, oil, steering fluid, or coolant
  • Alignment problems


The first place you may want to start is by checking if your current insurance covers automobile transport insurance. You can find this out by contacting your provider. Inform them that you need to transport your car and ask if your insurance covers it. If they do then you can rest assured.


Some auto transport companies have liability insurance which covers any potential damage they may cause to your vehicle. It is similar to how your insurance covers the damage you cause to another vehicle. Find out if your transport company has this liability insurance and its coverage. They must have this liability insurance. 


Liability insurance, as much good as they are do not cover every situation that may arise. And they sometimes have limits as to how much their policies can pay for claims. This is where cargo insurance comes in. Inquire from your shipping company if they offer cargo insurance. Such insurance covers damages caused by the shipping carrier. This will bridge the gap for what your auto insurance and transporters liability does not cover. 


It is important to verify if your auto transport company has liability insurance if your auto insurance covers shipping damages and if the shipping company has cargo insurance. This will ensure that your car gets VIP treatment. 


You might need additional insurance if there are costly accessories in your car as a sound system. Or if you just have major replacements or repairs on your car that made use of aftermarket parts and not the generic parts. 


Auto transport insurance rates vary as many things affect them. Checking the difference requirement with your provider is important as it may affect the coverage of your auto transport insurance. 

Things To Note When Car Shipping

Shipping car to Hawaii or any other location requires you to do certain things:

  1. Check your vehicle thoroughly - Auto transport insurance does not cover preexisting issues or damages that result from them. Most auto transport companies will perform a vehicle inspection to locate any problem. Be wary of vehicular parts that are loose, cracked windshield or windows, and exhaust system. These are parts that can easily get damaged. 
  2. Take photos and clean - You should take detailed photos of your vehicle before it is transported, these pictures will serve as evidence in case of any damage that occurs. You should also clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle. This will decrease the likelihood of damages caused by debris or dirt. 
  3. Empty your gas tank - An empty gas tank will make your vehicle lighter and thus help prevent some form of damages. Also, this might reduce the car transport insurance cost as the weight of the vehicle sometimes affects the auto transport insurance rate. Your car should be in great condition and empty before it is shipped. 


When your vehicle is delivered inspect it thoroughly for any damage. Check the interior, undercarriage, and exterior. The earlier you notice any issue, the easier it will be to get re-compensation. You will be given a bill to sign by the auto transport company after offloading your car. The form signifies that they have accomplished their obligations. 

Choose Right

The fact that you have good automobile transport insurance does not free you of the responsibility of doing your findings. Before you choose the shipping carrier or company that will handle your transport, make your research. There are certain things you need to take into consideration as you make your choice, these includes: 

  • Car shipping insurance cover - does the company has coverage for the place you are traveling to?
  • Auto insurance transportation expense coverage - What logistics are involved in delivering or picking up your car?
  • Car transport insurance cost - What is the cost of having your car auto transported? Does the auto transport insurance rate cover it? 
  • Auto transport insurance - What type of insurance does the company have and its coverage?

Why You Need an Insurance 

Car shipping is suitable and secure. When you hire a good and trusted company, your vehicle will be effectively hoisted and unscathed through the entire process. And if damages occur, the car shipping insurance could cover the damages. Having insurance will put your mind at ease while the transportation is being done. It also will save you from unplanned expenses that may arise from the damages that occur during shipping.

Type of Auto Transport

Different forms of auto transport are available. There is open transport and enclosed auto transport. In open transport, the vehicle is kept in a truck without closure. This is the most compact and lowest option of transport available. It is usually used for shorter distance trips with unique demands. They are also used in home delivery. 



In the enclosed system, the car is placed in a trailer with protection around it. Those on the road will be unable to see into the trailer and this is often considered the safest mode of auto transport. This is also the preferred method for long-distance transportation. The enclosed model of auto transport protects the car from damages that may occur during transport. 


There is the single level and multi-level for both open and closed trailer. The single-level trailers have only one level and may be able to carry one or multi cars depending on the size. On the other hand, the multi-level can carry up to four cars. 


Take your time to choose the best-suited type for you. Enclosed auto transport may be more expensive but it could be worth it. Consider all your pros and cons and make the right decision. You could speak to your auto transport company if you are confused as to what is the best option for you. 

What You Don’t Know About Auto Transport

1. Auto transport company not only helps you transport your vehicles but they also help manufacturers move their cars. They do this through a carrier trailer that may be open or close. The shipping cost of a new car is referred to as the destination price. Customers pay this charge as part of the overall vehicle’s price. 



The price is not determined by the vehicle type and it comes in a tax form. Usually, auto-manufacturers receive an average nationwide cost. What this means is that an SUV will give the same tax price as a smaller car even though it cost more. 


Racecar delivery is also transported through this method. It is forbidden to drive them to their destinations as they could be damaged by the weather and road. In these cases, race cars have their special trailers with branded logos and names. 


2. The transport time for vehicle transport is always estimated. Car shipping services are usually requested for long-distance travel and in some cases over the seas. The situations of the road and sea can not be pre-determined by the company as much as they want to. Traffic, mechanical failures, and weather conditions may affect the smooth transition. 


Weather forecasts help choose a specific time for transportation. The road trail also needs to be considered, for example, if the route will pass through a mountain road then it is wise to use slower speeds and lower gears. 


During the winter months, carriers face slippery roads and dangerous storms which may delay shipping. Even though these trucks go through regular check-ups and maintenance, malfunctions can still occur. The company needs to let the customer informed on all these to avoid dissatisfaction. If a delay happens then it’s best to carry the customers along so they do not just keep hanging in the loop. 


3. The reality of freight hijacking is not much talked about but it does occur in some. Freight hijacking is very frustrating and cargo carriers are most vulnerable. The hijackers are more focused on the cargo than the delivery truck. You can reduce the chances of this from happening by making use of enclosed carriers. This form of transport does not just protect the cars but also make them less visible on the road. 

In Conclusion

Auto transport is a good way for getting your car to any desired location. While you are it make sure to get good auto transport insurance coverage so that you do not have to spend more than budgeted. If you have auto insurance transportation expense coverage then you do not have to worry about this but if not then discuss with the auto transport companies like Car Shipping Hawaii to know what insurance coverage they offer. 

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