Myths about Car Shipping and Auto Transport
Myth #1: Working Directly with an Auto Transport Carrier Saves Money and Hassle
Many people think that they can save time and money by working directly with an auto transport carrier rather than dealing with an auto transport broker. It can be quite a struggle to find a carrier that will be traveling on your exact route—more so, to find more than one in order to compare quotes. It is also common to end up paying more when the carrier has to set up times with you, handle all the paper work, and possibly work things out with the people where the car is going. Finding a reputable auto transport broker means working with someone who will not only help you to find the best deal, but who will also handle all the details for you to ensure the car shipping process go smoothly.
Myth #2: Car Shipping on an Open Carrier is Unsafe
Another common myth is that shipping your car on an open auto transport carrier is an unsafe. When you ship your car on an open transport it is exposed to the elements on an open auto transport carrier, the risk of damage from road debris is only slightly higher than shipping via closed container. In fact, the majority of cars are shipped on open carriers, including most new cars. The cost to ship your vehicle on a closed carrier is typically 25-50% more, so it’s up to you to determine whether the additional cost is worth it.
Myth #3: My Car Insurance Provides Sufficient Coverage
This is not always true. It is important to check with your insurance before you assume and start the auto transport process. As you may need to pay for extra coverage to make sure your car will be safe the whole time it is being shipped if you are expecting to cover it with your own insurance. However, you should not need to use your auto insurance, since auto transporters are required by law to have cargo insurance coverage to be licensed by the FMCSA. In order to be confident your car is covered, it is always a good idea to check with the car shipping company’s insurance agent to check that the policy is still in force.
