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FAQ

Is the consumers auto insurance primary or secondary?

There is no such thing as secondary and primary – insurance works as such: Most carriers hold $1,000,000 liability coverage & $250,000 cargo coverage. This insurance covers damage done to your vehicle in transit – there is no other insurance. The auto transport carrier is the main and only coverage. (exception: Automobile personal contents are not covered by any carrier insurance and in most cases if lost, stolen or otherwise will not be covered).

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What type of damage is not covered?

In short, carriers will cover damages caused by negligence on their part.  Damage caused by theft, vandalism, weather, or Act of God is typically never covered by the carrier.  These damages should be covered by your personal auto insurance policy.

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How long should an auto transport take on average?

Shipping time all depends on the transporter – listed below are some very basic ideas to help you along the way. Make sure however you contact your shipper for their actual scheduled times. East Coast to West Coast – approx. 7 to 14 days Midwest to East Coast – approx. 5 to 8 days South to the North – approx. 5 to 8 days All shipping times are estimated do not base your transport on these examples without first contacting your shipper for assistance. Too many variables go into the time it takes to deliver any vehicle, thus all times are estimates only!

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Why does a truck (SUV) shipment cost more than a regular sedan?

Shipments are based on weight that a truck can legally carry – this is why there is a small price difference between $50.00 and $100.00 for a regular truck or S.U.V. Size of the vehicle also dictates how many vehicles a particular carrier can haul at any one time. The larger the vehicles, the less amount can be hauled, thus smaller vehicles are cheaper to ship.

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How is a transport supposed to work?

Auto transport is made very simple with Hilton Auto Transport Inc. Once your order is placed you will be contacted by our customer support department, where your order information will be confirmed and the payment will be processed. At that point your vehicle is placed into the system and our dispatch department proactively finds a carrier capable of delivering your vehicle. Upon dispatching a carrier, Hilton Auto Transport Inc. will send you an email with all of the carrier’s contact information. You should contact your carrier immediately and open the lines of communication. The carrier will pickup your vehicle and deliver it as fast as possible. At the point of delivery the customer pays the remainder of the order (order total minus deposit) in cash, cashier’s check or money order to the carrier directly.

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What should a consumer do if their vehicle arrives with damage?

Vehicle damage is rare, but occasionally can occur. First thing you should do is make sure the driver understands that the damage is new and was not on the original bill of lading. The damage should clearly be marked and noted, then signed for by the driver. Upon completion of delivery a call should placed to your carrier or broker to inform them of the damage. In most cases the carrier will ask for an estimate and send you payment in a couple weeks. If the carrier is not responsive and unwilling to work with you to resolve the issue make sure you contact their insurance company and make a claim. Be sure however you have all the documentation to back up your claim – false claims can result in legal action by the carrier or agent. Be sure to alert Hilton Auto Transport Inc. if your vehicle arrives with damage. Hilton Auto Transport Inc. will assist you in the claims process.  Be aware that all transportation fees must be paid to broker and carrier before a claim can be resolved.

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Review:

STEP 1: Take a deep breath, this will be resolved.
STEP 2: Inform carrier driver of damage.
STEP 3: Exchange insurance and contact information with the carrier driver.
STEP 4: Document on the inspection/Bill of Lading (reciept) that damage occurred in transit. Sign Bill of Lading and keep a copy.
STEP 5: Pay carrier the FULL balance due.
STEP 6: Notify Hilton Auto Transport Inc.. We are here to help you resolve the problem.
STEP 7: Get pictures and estimates for repair as soon as possible. Copies should be sent to the carrier and Hilton Auto Transport Inc.

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How does a pick up window work?

When a transporter mentions a pick up window they are referring to the time surronding your pick up date. For instance some shippers may have a 14 day window – that way they can pick your vehicle up anywhere between 7 days before and 7 days after your pick up date. Beware of lower priced carriers who do not specify their pick up dates, you may recieve an outstanding price. However you may not see your vehicle for 4 or 5 weeks. It is very important to make sure the transporter you use can get your vehicle within a reasonable time frame.

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Is Hilton Auto Transport on Angie’s List?

Hilton Auto Transport is a proud to provide outstanding service to Angie’s List members.  We give special competitive rates to all of our Angie’s List customers. Angie’s List has given award us with the Super Service Award the last two years.
Please click here to see us on Angie’s List.

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