What's the Real Difference Between Broker and Carrier Insurance Coverage?

Shipping a car. It's not rocket science. But insurance, that trips people up. Lots of folks get tangled trying to figure out who covers what. Let's cut through the noise. We'll lay out the facts. This way you know what you're actually paying for.

Who Actually Insures Your Vehicle During Transport?

Carrier Insurance: Your Primary Protection

The carrier. That's the company actually moving your car. They provide the main insurance. It covers your vehicle while it's on their truck. No ifs, ands, or buts. All legitimate carriers must carry cargo insurance. It's the law. This insurance covers quite a bit:

• Damage to your vehicle during loading, driving, or unloading.
• Accidents. If the transport truck gets into a wreck.
• Theft. If your vehicle is stolen.
• Fire and natural disasters. Floods, heavy storms, that sort of thing.

Most carriers carry between $100,000 and $250,000 in cargo insurance. Sounds good, right? Here's the kicker. They nearly all have deductibles. These usually range from $250 to $500 per claim. So, you're on the hook for that deductible. The carrier's insurance only kicks in after that.

Broker Insurance: What Does It Actually Cover?

AMG Transport Co. We're an auto transport broker. We don't directly insure your vehicle during the move. Our job is different. We focus on connecting you with good carriers. But we still offer protection. Our insurance covers:

• Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. This protects against our mistakes. Like a booking error, or a miscommunication.
• Contingent cargo insurance. This is a backup. It helps if the carrier's insurance fails. Or if it's just not enough.
• Customer deposit protection. We use secure payment systems. Like Stripe. This protects your upfront deposit.

Our main role? Make damn sure the carriers we use have solid, valid insurance. We vet every carrier in our network. We confirm their insurance meets our standards. This is crucial for your protection. Especially when looking for nationwide vehicle shipping door to door or when you need a trusted car shipping broker reviews point you toward us.

Key Coverage Differences You Need to Understand

When Carrier Insurance Applies

Carrier insurance only covers specific damage. It must happen:

• During the actual transport. From pickup to delivery.
• While the vehicle is with the carrier. On their truck.
• For physical damage to your vehicle. The car itself.

It does NOT cover these things:

• Personal items left inside the car. Don't leave valuables in there!
• Pre-existing damage. Anything noted before pickup won't be covered.
• Mechanical failures. If your engine dies from driving, that's on you. Not the transport.
• Cosmetic damage under the deductible. Small scratches usually fall below this.

When Broker Insurance Comes Into Play

Our broker insurance helps you in other situations. These include:

• If a carrier we booked pulls a no-show. We step in.
• If we mess up booking or coordination. We fix it.
• If there are issues with carrier selection. We've got your back.
• Protecting your deposit. If services aren't rendered, your money is safe.

Why This Distinction Matters for Your Protection

The Claims Process: Who Handles What?

Something goes wrong? Here's the drill:

1. You file a claim with the carrier. That's your first move.

2. The carrier's insurance handles the claim. They investigate. They process it.

3. We step in if needed. If the carrier is ignoring you. Or their insurance denies a valid claim. Our contingent coverage might apply.

4. We advocate for you. We help you navigate the mess. We work to get a proper resolution.

Documentation Is Your Best Defense

Before your vehicle is picked up, be smart. You need evidence:

• Take plenty of photos. Shoot video too. Get every angle.
• Note ALL existing damage. Write it clearly on the Bill of Lading.
• Keep all your paperwork. Every single document.
• We do VIN scans to verify identity. Just another safeguard.

Good documentation is vital for any insurance claim. Whether it's with the carrier, or using our backup protection.

Common Insurance Misconceptions

\"My Personal Auto Insurance Covers Transport\"

Wrong. Most personal auto policies specifically exclude coverage. They won't cover your car during commercial transport. The carrier's insurance is your primary protection. Don't rely on your personal insurer.

\"Broker Insurance Is Primary Coverage\"

Also wrong. Broker insurance is secondary. It's backup. The carrier's insurance is always primary. For any damage that happens during the move.

\"All Damage Is Covered\"

Not true. Insurance always has limits. Exclusions. Deductibles. Understand these. It helps you have sane expectations. You wouldn't expect a car to be shipped from Houston to Los Angeles entirely free, nor entirely without possible risk.

Why Working With a Broker Provides Extra Protection

Carriers provide the physical insurance. That's their job. But working with a broker like AMG Transport Co. adds layers of protection. We're like your buffer. A good option for anyone needing car shipping services Texas.

Carrier Vetting and Verification

We don't just pick any trucker off the street. We vet every one. We check:

• Current insurance certificates. We verify them.
• Safety records. Their history matters.
• Proper licensing and authority. No shady operators.
• Performance and customer feedback. We want reliable partners.

We know how to choose a reliable auto transport broker. Because we are one. For anyone checking trusted car shipping broker reviews, our process stands out.

Claims Assistance and Advocacy

Problems happen. If they do, we:

• Help you document damage. Get it right.
• Assist with filing claims. Walk you through it.
• Advocate for a fair resolution. We don't back down.
• Provide backup protection. If necessary.

Deposit Security

We use secure payment processing. Stripe is our choice. This protects your deposit. Ensures your funds are handled correctly. No funny business. It contributes to making us the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves.

Practical Steps to Ensure Proper Coverage

Before Booking

1. Ask for proof of carrier insurance. Don't take someone's word for it.

2. Understand the deductible. Know your potential out-of-pocket costs.

3. Review coverage limits. Make sure it's enough for your vehicle's value. Especially important for an enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or a classic car transport enclosed carrier.

4. Check our carrier vetting process. See how we select our partners.

During Transport

1. Document everything thoroughly. Photos, videos, notes. Your best defense.

2. Review the Bill of Lading carefully. Make sure all existing damage is noted. Don't sign off on something you didn't agree to.

3. Keep communication records. Save emails. Text messages. Everything.

After Delivery

1. Inspect immediately. Before the driver leaves. Don't rush this step.

2. Note any new damage. Put it on the Bill of Lading. Get the driver to acknowledge it.

3. Report issues promptly. Contact us right away if something is wrong. We even account for common pickup delays with our 72-hour pickup windows. We're the vehicle logistics company Texas businesses trust.

The AMG Transport Co. Difference

Insurance is complex. We get it. That's why AMG Transport Co. makes it clear. We:

• Explain coverage. Simple terms. No lawyer-speak.
• Verify carrier insurance. Every shipment, every time.
• Offer transparent pricing. No hidden fees for how much does it cost to ship a car cross country. Just honest quotes.
• Maintain strong carrier relationships. Ensures better claim handling.
• Provide backup protection. Our broker insurance is there for you.

We believe in being upfront. You need to know what's covered. And what isn't. Our goal is peace of mind. For you. For your vehicle. Whether you're relocating to Florida ship car from Texas or just moving down the road.

Conclusion: Know Your Coverage

Understanding broker versus carrier insurance. It's critical. It helps you make smart decisions. It protects your investment. Carriers provide the primary physical damage coverage. That's their lane. But brokers like AMG Transport Co. provide additional layers. We vet carriers. We assist with claims. We offer backup coverage. We're an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.

Don't leave your vehicle's protection to chance. Work with a broker who knows the ropes. Someone who puts your peace of mind first. That's us. We understand what affects car shipping cost per mile, and how to get affordable car shipping without hidden fees. We're your Texas based auto transport broker nationwide, offering door pick-up and delivery car transport service.

Ready to ship with confidence? Get your free quote from AMG Transport Co. today. Experience the difference proper protection makes: https://amgtransportco.com/get-quote.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.