Learn the step-by-step process of verifying auto transport insurance. Protect your vehicle by checking carrier credentials and ensuring proper coverage.

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How Do You Actually Verify an Auto Transport Company's Insurance Before Shipping Your Vehicle?

You're about to ship your car. You've heard horror stories. Damaged vehicles. Denied claims. The single most important step is verifying insurance. Do this before you hand over your keys. This isn't just paperwork. It's your financial safety net.

Why Insurance Verification Is Non-Negotiable

Shipping a vehicle means trusting strangers with your property. It's thousands of dollars. Without proper insurance verification, you're gambling. Many shippers learn this too late. Carrier coverage might be insufficient. Deductibles can be massive. You could be footing the bill.

What Happens When Insurance Falls Short?

Imagine your $50,000 vehicle. It gets $5,000 in damage during transport. The carrier's insurance has a $1,000 deductible. It only covers repairs up to a policy limit. You might pay thousands out-of-pocket. This nightmare happens more often than you think.

Step-by-Step Insurance Verification Process

Step 1: Ask for the Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Don't accept talk. Demand a current Certificate of Insurance. Get it from the carrier. This document proves active coverage. It shows policy limits. It lists effective dates. It includes insurance company details.

What to look for in the COI:

Policy expiration date (must cover your shipping dates)
Cargo liability limits (should be at least $100,000)
Named insured matches the carrier's legal business name
Insurance company contact information

Step 2: Verify Carrier Authority with the FMCSA

Every legitimate interstate carrier needs active operating authority. This is from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Use the FMCSA's SAFER system. Check these things:

Active operating status
Insurance on file
Safety rating
Out-of-service violations

This takes five minutes. It can save you from an uninsured or unsafe carrier. For example, if you're looking for car shipping services Texas, always check their FMCSA record.

Step 3: Understand the Coverage Details

Insurance isn't all the same. Ask critical questions:

What's the deductible amount?

Most policies have deductibles. They are usually $250-$1,000. You pay this before coverage starts.

What types of damage are covered?

Some policies exclude certain types of damage. Cosmetic scratches under a specific dollar amount are common exclusions.

Are there vehicle value limits?

Standard policies cap payouts per vehicle. This is an issue for luxury or classic cars. An enclosed auto transport for luxury cars might need higher limits.

Step 4: Contact the Insurance Company Directly

Don't just trust the carrier's documents. Call the insurance company. It's listed on the COI. Do this to:

Confirm the policy is active
Verify coverage amounts
Ask about recent claims or policy changes

This extra step catches fake or altered certificates.

Common Insurance Red Flags

Warning Signs That Should Stop You Immediately

\"Our insurance covers everything\"

No policy covers \"everything.\" Vague answers mean hidden limitations.

Inability to provide a COI

Legitimate carriers can get this document instantly. Delays mean problems.

Policy limits that seem too low

For modern vehicles, anything under $50,000 in cargo coverage is suspicious.

Recent policy inception dates

New policies might mean past coverage lapses. Or cancellations.

How Brokers Like AMG Transport Co. Handle Insurance Verification

We're an experienced auto transport broker. We verify insurance for every carrier. We do this before they transport any vehicle. Our process is thorough:

Regular insurance certificate audits
Direct verification with insurance providers
Confirmation of adequate coverage for each vehicle type
Ongoing monitoring of carrier safety records and reputation

We act as your advocate. We ensure you're protected. We use carriers with proven, adequate insurance coverage. Think of us as your buffer. We make sure carriers are invested in taking care of you. We're proud to be a vehicle logistics company Texas based, serving nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.

What Your Personal Auto Insurance Probably Doesn't Cover

Many shippers believe their personal auto insurance covers transport damage. That's a mistake. Most personal policies exclude commercial transport. Your carrier's insurance is your main protection. Often, it's your only protection during shipping.

The Gap Between Expectations and Reality

Your comprehensive coverage likely doesn't apply. Not when your vehicle is transported commercially. Even if it did, you'd still face a deductible. And potential premium increases for filing a claim.

Documentation: Your Best Defense

Before shipping, document your vehicle's condition. Create an undeniable record. This is vital before pickup.

Take timestamped photos from every angle. We use VIN scans at pickup.
Video walkarounds showing all surfaces. Document any pre-existing damage.
Note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading.
Keep all communication and documentation.

This evidence is crucial. Especially if you need to file an insurance claim. This is how we ensure a smooth experience for you, whether shipping a non-running vehicle or a multi-car transport for families. We also offer door pick-up and delivery car transport service.

When to Walk Away

If a company hesitates with insurance verification, walk away. If they make excuses, walk away. If they pressure you to proceed without proper documents, terminate the relationship. No deal is worth the risk of uninsured transport. This applies to enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars or open car carrier transport cost. Always verify.

The AMG Transport Co. Difference

We get it. Insurance verification isn't just paper. It's peace of mind. That's why we operate differently:

We only work with fully vetted, insured carriers. We verify these continuously.
We provide transparent insurance information upfront. We give honest quotes.
We maintain ongoing carrier compliance monitoring. This includes safety and insurance.
We guide you on adequate coverage. For your specific vehicle. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier itself. We know the ins and outs.

Our commitment to proper insurance verification is key. It's part of our comprehensive approach. We protect your vehicle through the shipping process. Whether it's shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles or relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, we're the experienced car shipping broker you can trust.

Take Action Before You Ship

Insurance verification must happen first. Before any deposit paid. Before pickup scheduled. Once your vehicle is in transit, it's too late. You can't fix coverage gaps. Protect your investment. Demand and verify proper insurance coverage. Do it from day one. At AMG, we use Stripe for deposits for security and transparency, and aim for a 72-hour pickup window.

Ready to ship with confidence? Get a quote from a company that prioritizes your protection. That's us. We're a trusted car shipping broker. We provide affordable car shipping without hidden fees. We understand what affects car shipping cost per mile, and we're dedicated to finding the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves.

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