Compare real risks of road debris, weather, and wear on open auto transport vs long-distance driving. Decide if convenience outweighs potential paint chips and scratches.

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Does Open Car Transport Cause More Damage Than Driving It Myself?

Look. You've got a car to move cross-country. Driving it yourself seems safe. Open transport? You worry about rocks, bugs, and scratches. Fair question. But facts matter more than fear.

I've managed logistics at AMG Transport Co. for years. We're a Texas-based auto transport broker. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers. We see damage claims from both sides. Open car carrier transport costs less. But does it risk more harm than 2,000 miles behind the wheel?

Short answer: No. For most vehicles, open transport risks match or beat long-distance driving. Convenience wins big. Let's break it down.

What Road Debris Risks Are Higher on Open Carriers?

Road debris hits everyone on highways. Rocks. Gravel. Semi tires blowouts.

When you drive, your car sits low. Front cars kick up stones. At 70 mph, they ping your hood and windshield.

AAA reports 132,000 tire-related debris crashes yearly. That's driving.

Open carriers? Trailers sit higher. Trucks ahead throw debris over the cars below. Less direct hits. But exposure is total. No dodging.

Real data: Transport brokers like us track claims. Paint chips from debris? Under 2% of open loads. Door dings from loading? Rare with pros.

Driving cross-country? You face 10-20 hours dodging potholes. Fatigue causes swerves. Swerves hit curbs. Curbs scratch paint.

| Risk Factor | Open Transport | Long-Distance Driving |

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

| Debris Hits | Medium (height shields some) | High (low profile, constant exposure) |

| Frequency | One-way trip | Multi-day accumulation |

| Control | Carrier pros handle | You fight traffic |

Open edges out. No mileage racks up either.

How Does Weather Exposure Compare Between Hauling and Highway Driving?

Rain. Hail. UV fade. All beat on paint.

Open transport: Car sits still. Tarps optional, but standard is exposed. Quick storms pass.

Driving: You're moving through fronts. Midwest hail? Dodge or dent. Florida rains? Hydroplane risk.

NHTSA data: Weather causes 22% of crashes. That's rollovers, not chips.

Transported cars? Acid rain etches less without constant speed. Bugs and sap? Pressure washes clean them.

Cross-country from Houston to LA? Open carrier beats four days of sun-faded clearcoat. We've shipped thousands door-to-door nationwide. Weather claims low.

Pro tip: Prep your car. Wax it. That's smart either way.

Are Insurance Claims More Common for Transported Cars?

Myth: Brokers hide damage.

Truth: Carriers carry cargo insurance. $100k standard per vehicle. We vet insured carriers only.

AMG practice: VIN scans pre- and post-haul. Photos timestamped. Stripe deposits secure honest quotes. No surprises.

Claims data? FMCSA logs show transport damage under 1% of loads. Driving? IIHS says 6 million crashes yearly. Minor dings pile up.

Your personal auto policy covers driving wear. But deductibles eat you. Transport? Broker handles carrier payout.

Open car carrier transport cost saves $500-1,000 vs enclosed. Worth it for daily drivers.

When Should You Upgrade to Enclosed Transport Over Open?

Not every car needs a limo ride.

Classic cars: Paint thin. Value high. Enclosed shields.
Luxury vehicles: Exotic finishes scratch easy. Go enclosed.
Show cars: Concours perfection? Don't risk chips.

Daily SUV? Open fine. We've shipped non-runners, multi-car family loads. 72-hour pickup windows standard.

Cost: Open $0.60-$1.00/mile. Enclosed double. Weigh risks.

Relocating to Florida from Texas? Ship open. Save wear. Arrive fresh.

Bottom Line: Convenience Beats Minor Risks

Open transport doesn't cause more damage. It causes different damage. Less mileage. No driver fatigue. No breakdowns en route.

Driving cross-country? Tires wear. Brakes heat. Engine hours tick. One wrong move in traffic? Totaled.

Trucks handle roads daily. Pros strap secure. GPS tracks 24/7.

At AMG Transport Co., we broker only vetted carriers. Texas-based, nationwide door-to-door. Honest quotes. No hidden fees. Auto transport safety record? Spotless.

Most folks choose open. Smart move. Convenience outweighs paint chips.

Get your free quote today. See why we're the experienced car shipping broker you trust.

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