What Are the Real Insurance Gaps Between Auto Transport and Your Personal Policy?
You're shipping your car. Good. You've got insurance, right? Most folks think their personal car insurance policy covers everything. That's a mistake. When you use auto transport services, your personal policy often has holes. Big ones. Let's clear up the confusion.
Your Personal Policy: What It Covers (And What It Doesn't)
Your personal car insurance is for when you're driving. It covers accidents, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, depending on your coverage. But when your vehicle is on a transport trailer, things change.
Many personal policies specifically exclude coverage for vehicles being transported commercially. Read the fine print. It's usually there. If your car is damaged during transport and your personal policy excludes it, you're on the hook.
Then there are deductibles. Even if your personal policy offers some form of transport coverage, your deductible still applies. If a minor scratch happens, you might pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
Loss of use is another common gap. Your personal policy won't pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after transport damage. You're without a car, and you're paying for it.
Auto Transport Insurance: The Essential Layer
This is where a good auto transport broker like AMG Transport Co. comes in. We understand these gaps. We work with carriers that carry their own insurance. This isn't optional. It's legally required.
Carrier Coverage: The Basics
Every licensed auto transport carrier must have insurance. This typically covers damage to your vehicle from collision, fire, theft, or vandalism while it's in their care. The policy limits can vary.
Most reputable carriers carry at least $250,000 in cargo insurance. Some, especially those doing enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or classic car transport enclosed carrier, will have $1 million or more. Always verify. We do that for you.
What Carrier Insurance Covers
- Direct damage: Scratches, dents, or more significant damage caused by the transport process.
- Theft: If your vehicle is stolen from the carrier's possession.
- Fire: Damage from a fire on the transport trailer.
What Carrier Insurance Might Not Cover
- Acts of God: Hail, floods, tornadoes. Some policies exclude these.
- Pre-existing damage: If your car arrives with a new scratch, but the carrier can prove it was there before loading, you're out of luck. This is why a thorough VIN scan and inspection report at pickup is crucial. AMG Transport Co. ensures this is done right.
- Damage from personal items: Anything you leave inside the vehicle is generally not covered. Empty your car.
The Broker's Role in Your Protection
You're asking how to choose a reliable auto transport broker. This is a big part of it. A good broker, like AMG Transport Co., acts as your buffer. We connect you with vetted, insured carriers. We verify their insurance policies are current and sufficient. We do what carriers don't want to do: the paperwork and the problem-solving.
We're a guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. You want to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles? We don't just find any truck. We find a reliable one with proper coverage.
Dealing with Claims
If damage occurs, navigating an insurance claim directly with a carrier can be a headache. Carriers are focused on the road. They don't want to deal with people and their problems. That's our job. We help facilitate the claims process. We make sure communication stays open. This is part of the stronger customer experience we provide.
Understanding Deductibles and Exclusions
Carrier policies usually have a deductible. This means the carrier might pay the first few hundred dollars themselves before their insurance kicks in. However, the good news is that typically, these deductibles are paid by the carrier, not you, the customer. Always confirm this. With AMG Transport Co., we work with carriers where this is the standard.
Exclusions are important. We mentioned "Acts of God." Some carriers might also exclude certain types of damage, like damage to aftermarket accessories not bolted down. Read the Bill of Lading carefully. It's your contract.
Why You Need a Broker (It's Almost Required)
Let's be blunt. Most people can't work directly with most carriers. Carriers aren't set up for it. They're on the road. They deal in logistics, not customer service. Plus, there's a payment risk. Carriers shy away from individuals who might not pay. That's why they rely on brokers to solve these problems.
Working with an experienced car shipping broker you can trust ensures you're dealing with professionals who understand the entire process, including the intricacies of insurance. Whether you need nationwide vehicle shipping door to door or multi-car transport for families, we handle the backend systems and front-end sales.
We check motor carrier (MC) numbers. We review safety records. We only work with carriers we trust. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier itself. We know what to look for.
The AMG Transport Co. Edge
- Vetted and Insured Carriers: We select carriers with solid insurance and safety records.
- Transparent Communication: You get honest quotes and clear expectations. No hidden fees.
- VIN scans: Detailed vehicle inspections at pickup and delivery. If it's not documented, it's a problem. Our 72-hour pickup windows ensure flexibility, but diligence is always present.
- Stripe Deposits: Secure payments. No surprises.
- Claim Assistance: We act as your advocate if things go wrong.
Don't assume your personal policy protects you during auto transport. It's a gamble you don't want to take. Get the right coverage through a reliable broker.
Need to ship a car from Texas to California? Relocating to Florida, ship car from Texas? We're a vehicle logistics company Texas based, serving nationwide. We simplify what affects car shipping cost per mile and how much does it cost to ship a car cross country. Open car carrier transport cost versus enclosed auto transport for luxury cars – we lay out all the options and coverages.
Protect your investment. Get proper auto transport protection.
Ready to get a quote and understand your full insurance protection?
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.