Uncover what carrier insurance covers for rock chips, scratches from road debris, and common transit damage. Learn deductibles, exclusions, and protection strategies (128 chars).

auto transport car shipping rock chips insurance road debris damage transport exclusions

Does Auto Transport Insurance Cover Rock Chips and Road Debris Damage?

Rock chips. Road debris scratches. They're common gripes in auto transport. As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., I've seen plenty. Carriers haul vehicles nationwide. Roads throw rocks, gravel, bugs at them. But does insurance pay up? Short answer: rarely. Standard policies exclude minor stuff like this. Let's break it down. No fluff.

What Does Standard Auto Transport Insurance Actually Cover?

Carrier insurance is cargo coverage. It kicks in for big hits. Think collision damage. Fire. Theft. Vandalism. Overturn. That's the core.

FMCSA requires $750,000 minimum liability. But for your car? It's separate cargo insurance. Most carriers carry $100,000 to $250,000 per vehicle. Check their certificate.

We at AMG vet carriers. All insured. We pull certificates before dispatch. No shortcuts.

This covers physical loss or damage during transit. From pickup to delivery. Driver at fault or not. But exclusions abound. Chips? Scratches from flying rocks? Often no dice.

Are Rock Chips and Road Debris Considered Covered Damage?

No. Rock chips count as road hazards. Like potholes or normal wear. Policies call it "act of God" or "inherent vice."

Debris scratches? Same deal. If it's superficial, insurers deny. They argue it happens on public roads. To any car driving.

I've filed claims. A Texas to California run. SUV got chips on I-10. Denied. "Normal road risk," adjuster said. Brokers like us buffer this. We push carriers for details upfront.

How Do Deductibles Affect Minor Debris Claims?

Deductibles kill small claims. Typical: $500 to $2,500. Your $300 rock chip repair? You pay out of pocket.

Even if covered, hassle isn't worth it. Photos. Disputes. Weeks of back-and-forth. Most skip it.

AMG uses VIN scans at pickup. Document condition. Stripe deposits secure honest quotes. Helps claims if needed.

Why Open vs. Enclosed Transport Changes Your Risk Level?

Open carriers rule for affordability. 80% of shipments. Cheap. Like open car carrier transport cost under $1 per mile.

But exposed. Vehicles side-by-side. Front to wind. Debris hits easy.

Enclosed? Tarped or fully boxed. Shields from elements. Rocks bounce off. Ideal for luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open.

Cross-country from Houston to Los Angeles? Open risks chips. Enclosed minimizes.

Here's a quick comparison:

| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |

|------------------|-------------------------|--------------------------|

| Cost | Lower ($0.80-$1.20/mi) | Higher ($1.50-$3/mi) |

| Debris Risk | High | Low |

| Best For | Standard cars | Luxury, classics |

| Coverage Limits | Same policy | Same policy |

Does Enclosed Transport Eliminate Debris Damage Risks?

Not fully. Tarps tear. Gaps exist. Rear doors vulnerable.

But 90% safer. Less claims. For classic car transport enclosed carrier, it's standard.

At AMG, we match you right. Door-to-door nationwide vehicle shipping. 72-hour pickup windows.

What Exclusions Should You Watch For in Carrier Policies?

Read the fine print. Always.

Common exclusions:

Surface scratches under 2 inches
Chips from road debris
Pre-existing damage
Mechanical breakdown
Owner modifications

Carriers aren't saints. They hate lowball claims. Brokers negotiate better terms.

AMG Transport Co., Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide. We know carrier pain points. People skip payments. We handle frontend sales, coordination.

When Is Road Debris Damage Denied by Insurers?

Always if "normal transit risk." No proof of negligence.

Denied if:

No pre/post photos
Damage matches road type (gravel highways)
Under deductible
Policy excludes "foreign objects"

Relocating to Florida? Ship car from Texas. Inspect thoroughly.

How Can You Minimize Rock Chip Risks Before Booking?

Prep smart.

1. Clean car. Note existing chips.

2. VIN scan photos. All angles.

3. Choose enclosed for high-value. Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars.

4. Avoid peak gravel seasons. Spring construction.

5. Ask broker for carrier routes. Avoid chip-prone interstates.

AMG does VIN scans standard. Vetted insured carriers only. Honest quotes, no hidden fees.

Should You Add Supplemental Coverage for High-Value Cars?

Yes. Carrier policy maxes out. Get gap insurance.

Options:

Broker add-ons (we offer)
Personal auto policy rider
Standalone transit insurance ($50-200 extra)

Covers chips, scratches fully. Low deductible. Peace of mind.

For multi-car transport for families or shipping an SUV vs sedan, it stacks.

Bottom Line: Protect Yourself in a Fraud-Filled Industry

Auto transport insurance skips rock chips and debris. Standard stuff. Deductibles bite. Open hauls risk more.

Brokers like AMG Transport Co. guide you. Stronger customer experience. Vetted carriers. Backend systems humming.

Carriers drive trucks. We handle people problems. Fair rates. Reliable door pick-up and delivery car transport service.

Texas to California? Coast to coast? We're your buffer.

Ready? Get a free quote today. No games. Just results.

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