Your car should be insured during auto transport. Auto transporters are required to be insured in order to receive and maintain their license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. However, just as there are uninsured motorists, there can also be uninsured auto transporters.
Since your vehicle is most likely one of your most valuable assets, it’s worth the effort to ensure that the auto transport company you choose is insured. Don’t just get a verbal confirmation; ask to receive an actual copy of the policy so you have tangible proof.
You’ll want to review the policy to make sure it is still in good standing. Then, check to see whether their insurance is primary or secondary to yours. Is there a deductible? If so, what is it? Keep in mind that the deductible will need to come out of the auto transporter’s pocket, so the higher the deductible, the riskier it is.
Your own insurance policy may also provide coverage while in transit. It’s a good idea to review your policy and check with your insurance company to make sure you understand your coverage.
Finally, it’s important to know that any personal belongings left in your vehicle during transit will most likely not be covered. For this and other reasons, it is recommended that you don’t include any personal items in the car during auto transport. See the post about including personal belongings during auto transport for more details.
MoveCars.com is a comprehensive online directory of car shipping companies, including enclosed auto transport and international shipping companies. Even before you start looking for a car shipping company, you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car moving, car shipping tips, and a glossary of auto transport terms.