How Much Does Auto Transport Insurance Actually Cover When Your Car Gets Damaged?

Let's cut right to it. You're shipping your car. You're wondering about insurance. That's smart. The roads are a dangerous place. Things happen. So, what does auto transport insurance really cover? It's not as simple as flipping a switch.

Carrier Insurance: The Basics

Every carrier is required to carry insurance. This isn't optional. It covers damage to your vehicle while it's in their care. This is the primary protection you have. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But the coverage isn't limitless. And it often has a deductible.

Carriers usually have a large policy. Think millions of dollars. But that policy is for all the cars on their truck. Not just yours. If there's an accident, that money gets split up. Or, more accurately, applied to all the damaged vehicles.

What About Deductibles?

Yes, deductibles exist. Just like your personal auto insurance. The carrier's insurance policy will often have one. This is the amount you're responsible for paying first. Before their insurance kicks in. It can be a few hundred dollars. Or more. It varies by carrier.

Now, here at AMG Transport Co., we work with vetted, insured carriers. We verify their insurance. We know their deductibles. We can tell you what to expect. This isn't always something you get directly from a carrier. They're focused on driving. We're focused on the details.

What Common Damages Are Covered?

Generally, carrier insurance covers damages caused by the carrier's negligence. This means things like:

• Accidents during transit.
• Damage during loading or unloading.
• Theft of the vehicle.
• Fire during transport.

Basically, if the driver screws up, or something outside your control directly related to the transport goes wrong, it's typically covered. This includes damage from things like road debris. Or a tire blowout that flings rocks at your car. These are risks of the road.

What Often Isn't Covered?

This is where people get surprised. And often frustrated. Not everything is covered. Here are some common exclusions:

• Acts of God: Things like hail, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes. These are usually not covered by carrier liability insurance. Your own personal auto insurance might cover this. Check your policy.
• Pre-existing damage: Any dings, dents, scratches you had before transport? Not covered. This is why thorough inspections are critical. We encourage this heavily. VIN scans are part of our process at pickup and delivery. Helps avoid disputes.
• Mechanical failures: If your engine seizes during transport, that's on you. Not the carrier. Unless they did something negligent to cause it. Which is rare.
• Loose parts: If you leave a bike rack or something unsecured, and it falls off or causes damage, it's not the carrier's fault. Secure your vehicle. Remove loose items.
• Personal items: Don't pack valuable personal items in your car. Carrier insurance doesn't cover them. Period. We deal with car shipping services, not household moves.

Your Personal Auto Insurance: A Second Layer

Many personal auto insurance policies offer some form of coverage for your vehicle during transport. This is often called "in-transit" coverage. It's usually secondary to the carrier's insurance. Meaning, it kicks in after the carrier's liability. Or covers things their policy doesn't. Like those "Acts of God."

It's always a good idea to call your own insurance company. Ask them. Explain you're shipping your car. Get it in writing if you can. Don't assume anything. This is especially important for luxury vehicle transport. Or when shipping a classic car. You want every angle covered.

The Role of an Auto Transport Broker

So, why use an auto transport broker like AMG Transport Co.? Because we navigate all this. Carriers don't want to deal with insurance claims. Or customers. They just want to drive. That's where we come in.

We act as your buffer. From coordinating everything to managing potential issues. We ensure the carriers we work with have good insurance. We confirm their safety record and reputation. We are a vehicle logistics company Texas residents trust. But we operate nationwide. From car shipping services Texas to California, we cover it.

We provide honest quotes. No hidden fees. We vet carriers. We manage the pickup windows – typically 72 hours. We handle the frontend sales, the coordinating, the backend systems. All the stuff carriers don't want to touch.

Think about it. Can you call up XYZ Auto Haulers directly? Probably not. Even if you could, they'd charge you more. Why? Because you're a single customer. A one-off. They know they can ask for a higher price. They also know you're more work. We bring them regular business. We have relationships. That relationship helps keep rates reasonable for you. It also means they're invested in taking care of our clients.

Filing a Claim: The Process

If damage occurs, here's the basic rundown:

1. Inspect thoroughly: At delivery, inspect your vehicle before signing any paperwork. Compare its condition to the Bill of Lading (BOL) or our VIN scans from pickup. Note any new damage. Take pictures. This is non-negotiable.

2. Document everything: Get the driver to acknowledge the damage on the BOL. Get their insurance information. Take clear photos and videos.

3. Contact the broker: Call us immediately. We'll guide you through the next steps. We have experience with this. We act on your behalf.

4. Initiate the claim: We'll help you submit the claim to the carrier's insurance. We'll provide all the documentation.

This process can be a headache. Especially if you're trying to manage it alone with a carrier. They'd rather you just go away. We ensure you don't. That's part of what makes us an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.

A Final Word on Pricing and Protection

People always ask, "how much does it cost to ship a car cross country?" Or "what affects car shipping cost per mile?" Insurance is part of that. It's built into what you pay. You want affordable car shipping without hidden fees, right? We provide that. But you also want your vehicle protected. There's a balance.

When shipping a non-running vehicle, or an enclosed auto transport for luxury cars, insurance clarity is even more critical. These often require specialized handling. And potentially higher value coverage. We understand these nuances.

So, while it'll never be "cheap" to get the job done right, a good broker like AMG Transport Co. makes sure you're covered when you need it most. We bridge the gap between people and carriers efficiently.

Don't leave your vehicle's safety to chance. Work with a broker that understands the insurance complexities. We're a Texas based auto transport broker, but our reach is nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. You need a transparent process, a clear understanding of costs, and reliable protection.

Ready to ship your car with a team that has your back?

Get Your Free, Honest Quote Today!

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