6
Oct
2023
People ship cars all the time, which is excellent news for your Massachusetts-based car-carrier company. But without the proper insurance, one misstep could be the end of your independent auto-hauler business.
Whether you move vehicles state-to-state or within Massachusetts between, say, Newton, Needham, and Wellesley, you will need specialized auto-hauler insurance.
Car-shipping insurance goes by several names: auto-hauler insurance, car-shipper insurance, car-carrier insurance, transport-carrier insurance. They are all essentially the same thing: insurance for a business involved in the transportation of vehicles that do not belong to that business. Whether you have a Wellesley-based car-shipping service operating nationwide or a Needham auto dealer shipping cars between locations across New England, you need auto-hauler insurance.
All car-shipping insurance includes basic liability. Basic liability insurance covers damage sustained by a car when loading, unloading, or in transit and covers the shipper through every operation step, from pick-up to transportation to final delivery. However, it does not cover things already affecting the car: for example, perhaps the car has an oil or radiator leak, a slow puncture, or a dead battery.
Because your car-carrier insurance does not insure you for a car’s pre-conditions, you and the customer should inspect the vehicle together before the bill of lading is signed. This will ensure that the customer’s interests are served and you are protected from disputes.
For your car-carrier business in Newton, Needham, or Wellesley, there are simple measures you can take that will enhance your reputation and reduce your insurance costs.
It is a legal requirement in Massachusetts that auto-haulers are properly licensed. Among the necessary documents are a Motor Carrier number, giving you authority to operate and take cargo across state lines, and a USDOT number, which tracks the carrier's operations. Not only must you have these certifications, but a potential customer may ask to see them. Be upfront and produce them without fuss—you have nothing to hide and if you present documentation promptly, it will reassure the customer.
Similarly, customers may ask to verify their insurance. Be willing to share this information. And remember, you can also ask customers to prove they have insurance. They do not need car insurance, but they should have personal insurance.
Establish best-practice procedures with your drivers and loaders. Train your employees to follow the correct procedures at every stage. Having rules in place can lead to fewer mishaps and lower insurance premiums. Learn more about other forms of Massachusetts commercial insurance coverage we provide.
If you are transporting third-party vehicles, even if you are just taking them from Newton to Needham or Needham to Wellesley, inspect them from hood to trunk. Ask the customer to remove all personal belongings—your insurance will not cover their loss or damage. And don’t just take their word for it: only by looking inside the car will you know if you are unwittingly carrying something for which you are not insured.
Without the proper insurance, the auto-hauling trade can swiftly turn from dream to nightmare. If you’re operating as a car carrier from the Needham, Newton, and Wellesley areas, it makes sense to talk to a local insurance agency that specializes. The Kovalev insurance agency in Newton has been caring for auto haulers throughout Massachusetts for decades. We know the car-carrying trade, the Greater Boston area, and we offer the best insurance, providing the best auto hauler insurance coverage at the best prices.
For more information on the best car carrier insurance coverage provider in Massachusetts, contact Kovalev Insurance Agency.
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