Know the AFTA Gap Protection Transport Car Insurance
Shipping a car can be a stressful process. You're entrusting a valuable possession to a company to deliver it across potentially long distances. While reputable auto transport companies take every precaution, unexpected situations can happen. That's where transport car insurance comes in, and within that realm, AFTA Gap Protection offers a specific layer of coverage.
This article talks about the details of AFTA Gap Protection, a product offered by Allied Freight Transportation Assistance (AFTA), helping you decide if it's the right fit for your car shipping needs.
Understanding Transport Car Insurance
Standard auto insurance policies typically don't cover damage that occurs during transport. Transport car insurance offered by auto shipping companies bridges this gap. It's additional coverage you can purchase specifically for the duration your car is being shipped.
There are generally two main types of transport car insurance:
Carrier Liability Insurance: This is the basic coverage typically included in the base price of car shipping. The carrier's insurance policy covers damages exceeding a specific deductible, but the limit of coverage may not reflect the car's full value.
Optional Transport Car Insurance: This is additional coverage you can purchase to supplement the carrier's liability insurance. This can include:
Gap Coverage: Protects you in a situation where the carrier's insurance payout doesn't cover the full value of your car if it's damaged during transport.
Full Coverage: Provides comprehensive and collision coverage similar to your standard auto insurance policy, protecting your car against theft, vandalism, and other covered perils.
What is AFTA Gap Protection?
AFTA Gap Protection is a specific type of optional transport car insurance offered by companies partnered with Allied Freight Transportation Assistance (AFTA). It focuses solely on gap coverage, meaning it kicks in if the carrier's insurance payout isn't enough to cover the full value of your car in the event of damage during transport.
There are typically two tiers of AFTA Gap Protection coverage:
Standard Protection: This tier typically covers minor damages up to a set amount and reimburses you for your personal car insurance deductible up to a specified limit. It may also include coverage for lost or damaged keys and a rental car for a limited period if there's a delay in delivery.
Comprehensive Protection: This tier combines Standard Protection with additional coverage, often including cancellation protection for your transport order in case you need to back out.
Do You Need AFTA Gap Protection?
Whether or not you need AFTA Gap Protection depends on several factors:
Value of Your Car: If your car is relatively new or holds high value, the gap between the carrier's insured value and the actual cash value (ACV) of your car can be significant. In such cases, AFTA Gap Protection can provide valuable financial protection.
Your Standard Auto Insurance: Check your policy to see if it offers any coverage for transport. Some comprehensive policies may extend limited coverage during transport.
Carrier's Insurance Limits: Review the details of the carrier's included insurance policy. The deductible and coverage limits may be sufficient for your needs.
Peace of Mind: Even if the financial risk seems low, AFTA Gap Protection can provide peace of mind knowing you're fully covered in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Things to Consider Before Opting for AFTA Gap Protection
Cost: Compare the cost of AFTA Gap Protection against the potential financial risk you're facing.
Alternatives: Explore if other gap coverage options are available from your auto insurance provider or a different transport company.
Policy Details: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the AFTA Gap Protection policy, including coverage limits, deductibles, and claim procedures.
AFTA Gap Protection offers an additional layer of security for your car during transport. By understanding your existing coverage, the value of your car, and your risk tolerance, you can make an informed decision about whether AFTA Gap Protection is the right fit for your car shipping needs. Remember, it's always wise to shop around and compare different transport car insurance options before making a purchase.
Additional Tips:
When choosing a car shipping company, inquire about the details of their included insurance and any available add-on coverage options.
Ensure your car is in good running condition before shipping to minimize the risk of damage during transport.
Document the condition of your car thoroughly with photos and videos before it's picked up for transport.
By following these tips and understanding the role of AFTA Gap Protection, you can be sure of a secure and stress-free car shipping experience.
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