Whether you are relocating, purchasing a vehicle from out of state, or preparing your car for repairs, your main focus would always be the protection and safety of your vehicle. When it comes auto transport, choosing certified and insured auto shippers will certainly help mitigate risk and keep your car secure throughout the entire transport process. While most companies claim to offer car shipping services, only those with appropriate licensing and insurance documents can provide sufficient peace of mind.
In this post, we will examine the questions surrounding the implications of having an auto shipper who is licensed and insured, what their verification process involves, and what considerations should be taken based on these criteria.
What’s the Meaning of Licensed and Insured Auto Shippers?
When a car shipping company has a license, it indicates that the business is solely registered with the necessary government bodies and has undergone some form of background check. Insurance, in this case, refers to the protection taken by the vessel bearing your car from any loss or damage.
- Together, these two factors allow for a streamlined and effective shipping service. 1. Licensed Auto Shippers: A licensed auto shipper has been granted a license from pertinent government bodies in the form of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA requires that all companies that transport vehicles across states borders (interstate) are registered and certified to perform vehicle transport. An interstate auto transport company issues a licensed carrier a Motor Carrier (MC) number which identifies that the carrier has the legal authority to transport vehicles interstate.
- Insured Auto Shippers: An insurance policy guarantees coverage for your vehicle during transit. For instance, if damage is incurred to the vehicle while being transported, the insurer is responsible for paying the cost of repair. However, this amount might not be full. Mid-value policies would pay only a fraction of the vehicle’s value payment and higher-end policies would pay fully. The policyholder must be aware of the terms concerning the limitations of the coverage, especially when dealing with additional insurance for high-risk items or specialty vehicles.
What are the Risks of Using Unlicensed and Uninsured Auto Transport Services?
The prospect of saving up some money makes the decision to work with unlicensed and uninsured auto shippers all the more appealing; however, this option comes with great risk. Trusted auto shippers guarantee their customers protection so that they do not have to worry about going through numerous legal procedures. Licensed and insured auto shippers have the utmost assurance that, in the event that your vehicle gets caught up in some unfortunate incident, it will be handled with care. Here is why it matters:
- Comfort for the Customer: Auto transport services with proven licenses and insurance provide comfort concerning the security of your vehicle. The mere thought of additional expenses, reckless vehicle handlers, and incompetent management due to vehicle mismanagement is enough turmoil to any person.
- Financial Deception: Blockades along the route, adverse weather conditions, and even during the loading and unloading of the vehicle may increase the chances of accidents taking place. Every auto car shipper needs to protect him/herself from these eventualities, and payment of damages needs to be insured.
- Requirement for the Law: Legal auto shippers must obtain a legal business permit which requires them to follow the set laws and regulations or face fines that could jeopardize their company until they see fit.These individuals must be contractually obligated to the pricing, damages, and safety provisions, as they stand to offer better protection than unlicensed businesses.
- Improved Interactions with Customers: Businesses focus on customer support because they are under the supervision of many regulatory bodies. Take the FMCSA for instance. The customer can complain to these authorities who, for promotional reasons, take the side of the customers. These businesses have an easier time acquiring strong credibility, good reviews, and dependable service in general.
- Controlled Disclosure: Shippers of motor vehicles who possess adequate insurance and licenses are known to afford more to their clients in terms of openness regarding the services provided, fees levied, and even the methods of undertaking the work. Such companies will highlight clear terms of the insurance to be provided as well as licensing which should not possess terms that will mislead customers.
How to Check a The Auto Shipper’s Credentials
There are many risks involved in selecting an auto transport company and confirming them the company is both licensed and insured is an important, although straightforward, first step.
- Is their registration viewable in the FMCSA: Transport companies within one state and operate in another are auto transport companies regulated by the FMCSA.
- The compliance history can be evaluated using the company’s MC number as it will indicate their booking of license status. 2. Request Proof of Insurance: It is the responsibility of the auto shipper to provide proof of coverage, so ask for the insurance documents. A reputable auto transport company will include the amount of coverage, specific policy exclusions, and detailed policy provisions in the insurance documents. If the vehicle is a classic or high-end model, pay close attention to the coverage limits.
- Ask for Their License: The company should hold a Motor Carrier License (MCL) and be able to present it to you. They may also have a DOT number which serves as verification of registration and compliance.
- Review Analysis: Check the Trust pilot, Google, and The Better Business Bureau (BBB) websites to see if customers have written and rated reviews. If an overwhelming percentage of reviews are positive, this indicates the company is established and reliably provides dependable service.
- Aggregate Data from Multiple Sources: It is advisable to gather as many quotes as possible from different automobile transport companies to evaluate service offer prices. Remember to inquire about licensing and insurance information.
This helps determine the best option available without putting the safety of your vehicle at risk.
The Dangers of Using an Unlicensed or Uninsured Auto Shipper
The consequences of using an unlicensed or uninsured auto shipper may involve:
- No Compensation: If such a service is used and there is damage to your vehicle, there is no way to seek compensation. Unlicensed companies do not pay for loss sustained. You bear the burden of expenses with no reimbursement.
- Contribution: Unlicensed companies pose the greatest difficulty when you have problems with the car. Without them, there is no way to lodge complaint through the appropriate channels and there would be no one to resolve it.
- The Cost: Without adequate transport licensing, your vehicle may end up in the wrong hands and if carelessly handled could accrue expensive damages which you will have to pay for. This will be heart-wrenching but will pale in comparison to the amount of damage that can be done when transporting, say, an expensive, classic, or rare car.
- Negligent Client Support: Businesses operating without insurance or a license might engage in reckless disregard for safety and service alike. These businesses may purposely employ incompetent drivers or use substandard equipment that poses a risk of delay or accident. These outfits, without supervision, lack the basic renovator professionalism and reliability of an insured and licensed shipper.
How 1A Car Shipping is Able to Assist You
1A Car Shipping is glad to provide an insured and licensed auto transport service as a registered carrier, having worked with these companies for a number of years. 1A Car Shipping provides detailed and reliable auto servicing vehicle transport for motorists, professional drivers, and shipping companies. Our customer support aims to achieve the highest standards, full multi-stage care, and complete escorting attention during every step of the vehicle shipping process manifold.
Your choice of 1A means a company that deals with you regards your vehicle, provides secure delivery of the vehicle to the pointed place, and the vehicle is guaranteed to arrive safely. Our coverage precludes damages to your cargo. Throughout the process, we defend our clients’ concerns. We strive to offer every client highly trusted services executed with no violations of required legal documents as insured dependability and bounded trust.
To Ensure Optimal Results
To ensure your peace of mind, only work with licensed and insured auto transport companies. With these companies, you receive trustworthiness and quality service as all their promises and guarantees are fully met. Since a vehicle is a significant asset, you want to ensure that you experience the best shredding possible. Working with a trusted licensed incurred auto transport company guarantees that.
Here at 1A Car Shipping, we are ready to offer our insured family owned business chartered truck auto transport services. We are always available to respond to any queries that you might have. Contact us so that we may schedule a satisfying timeframe for the car shipping.
