Learn the crucial insurance differences between brokers and carriers when vehicle damage occurs during auto transport shipping. Understand your coverage.

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What's the Difference Between Broker and Carrier Insurance When Your Car Gets Damaged?

So you're shipping a car. Good. You're thinking about insurance. That's smart. This is a topic that trips up a lot of people in auto transport. Let's clear it up once and for all.

The Insurance Confusion in Auto Transport

Your car got damaged during transport. Who pays? This is where many get lost. Many companies don't make this clear. At AMG Transport Co., we deal in facts. No fluff.

The Carrier's Insurance: Primary Coverage

When you ship a car, the carrier is primarily responsible. Their cargo insurance covers your vehicle. This is true for nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.

Every carrier needs insurance. It's the law. But carriers don't want to deal with individual customers often. Why? Because some people don't pay. It's a risk they take. So, they often charge individuals more. They factor in that hassle. That's part of why carriers rely on brokers like AMG Transport Co. We handle the headaches.

The Broker's Role: Facilitation, Not Direct Coverage

Many folks think brokers carry vehicle insurance. That's typically not the case. A broker connects you with an insured carrier. We verify their policies. We make sure they're properly vetted. We don't just pick anyone off the street.

Why This Distinction Matters for Your Wallet

Knowing who covers what is key. It saves you money. Here's why:

Deductibles differ: Carrier insurance usually has $250-$500 deductibles.
Coverage limits vary: Standard policies might cover $100,000-$250,000. For high-value vehicles, you need to know this. Covered for exotic cars? Or just a regular sedan?
Claims processes vary: Knowing who to call first saves time. Confusion costs money.
Out-of-pocket costs can differ: A good broker ensures clarity. We tell you upfront what to expect.

What Happens When Damage Occurs?

So, your car takes a hit during transport. Here's the drill:

1. Report the damage immediately. Note it on the Bill of Lading.

2. The carrier's insurance is primary. They are responsible.

3. You pay the deductible first, if applicable. This is standard.

4. The carrier's coverage kicks in after that. Simple as that.

The Critical Insurance Gaps Most Shippers Miss

Many people make assumptions. Don't be one of them.

Brokers typically don't carry primary cargo insurance. We facilitate the transport. We don't drive the truck.
Carrier insurance is your first line of defense. Always. It's what protects your vehicle.
Your personal auto insurance likely won't cover professional transport damage. Check your policy. Most don't.

How AMG Transport Co. Protects Your Investment

At AMG Transport Co., we don't mess around. We understand the roads are dangerous. Carriers have enough to worry about without dealing with individual problems. That's where we come in. We take pride in our service. We give honest quotes. We aim to keep rates reasonable. That often includes open car carrier transport cost, which is the most common. We also handle enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or classic car transport enclosed carrier.

We:

Only work with vetted, insured carriers. We run VIN scans. We ensure proper operating authority.
Verify insurance certificates before assigning a load. No guesswork.
Ensure carriers meet minimum coverage requirements. We check to protect your investment. We know vehicle logistics company Texas standards.
Provide a secure payment system. We use Stripe for deposits. This helps maintain good relationships with our reliable carriers. Carriers trust us because we ensure they get paid.
Guarantee 72-hour pickup windows. That means less waiting around for you. This is part of our commitment to a stronger customer experience.

You couldn't work with most carriers directly if you tried. They aren't set up for it. They don't have the frontend sales, the systems, or the desire to deal with consumer questions. That's our job. We are a trusted car shipping broker. We simplify what's complex and guide you through the process, acting as a buffer in what can be a fraud-filled industry. We solve the problems carriers don't want.

Conclusion: Your Peace of Mind Matters

Understanding insurance protects you. It prevents unexpected costs. When it comes to shipping your car, you need an experienced broker. You need a partner. Whether you're relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, or looking for cross-country car transport from coast to coast, we've got you covered. We can tell you what affects car shipping cost per mile. We can explain open carrier car shipping pros & cons.

AMG Transport Co. stands as your reliable choice. We handle the details. We work with carriers from Texas to California and everywhere in between. Our goal is to make car shipping easy for you. Ready for an easy, no-nonsense experience? Get your free, honest quote today.

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