How to Verify Carrier Insurance Coverage Before Booking?

Listen, you're shipping a car. Maybe it's from Houston to Los Angeles, or a cross-country move for that new job in Florida. You need a vehicle logistics company. This isn't a small purchase. Your car is an asset. Don't let some fly-by-night operator mess with it. When you're looking for car shipping services, especially something like nationwide vehicle shipping door to door, the talk always turns to cost. How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? What's the open car carrier transport cost versus enclosed auto transport for luxury cars? These are valid questions. But there’s a more important one: Is your car actually covered if something goes wrong?

That's where insurance comes in. And not just any insurance. Carrier insurance.

Why Insurance Verification Matters

I’ve seen it all in this business. Good intentions, bad outcomes. The roads are dangerous. Accidents happen. Trucks break down. Cargo gets damaged. You might think, "I have my own insurance." And you probably do. But your personal policy likely won't cover damage incurred during transport by a third party. That's a carrier's responsibility.

If your car gets scratched, dinged, or worse, during a door pick-up and delivery car transport service, you need to know the carrier has actual coverage. Not just a promise. Actual, verifiable insurance. This is especially true for classic car transport enclosed carrier or luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open. These aren't cheap vehicles. The liability is higher. You want an experienced car shipping broker you can trust to make sure these bases are covered.

At AMG Transport Co., we deal with these carriers every day. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. So we know the game. We vet our carriers. We insist on proper insurance. It's part of being a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide.

Working directly with some carriers is like pulling teeth. They don't want to bother with people and their problems. They just want to drive. That's why brokers exist. We handle the frontend sales, the coordinating, the backend systems. We're the buffer. And a big part of that buffer is ensuring reputable carriers are used. It ensures your car gets from Texas to California safely.

Where to Find Carrier Insurance Documents

So, you've got a quote. Maybe it's for shipping a non-running vehicle, which has its own challenges. The carrier might even say they're insured. Don't take their word for it. You need proof. Here's what to look for:

• FMCSA Website: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is your first stop. They regulate interstate motor carriers. Every legitimate carrier must register with them. You can search their database by the carrier's USDOT number or MC number. This lets you check their operating authority and insurance status.
• Certificates of Insurance (COI): A reputable carrier (or broker like AMG Transport Co.) should be able to provide a COI. This document comes directly from the insurance company. It details the policy limits, effective dates, and types of coverage. Look for cargo insurance and liability insurance.
• Broker Verification: If you're using an auto transport broker, they should perform this verification for you. At AMG Transport Co., we don't just pick any carrier. We work with a network of vetted, insured carriers. We demand high standards. This is part of being the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. We save you the headache of chasing down documents.

Quick Check: What to look for in a COI

| Item | What it means & why it matters |

| :------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |

| Policy Holder | Should be the carrier moving your car. If it's someone else, ask why. |

| Effective/Expiration Dates | Make sure the policy is active and covers your transport dates. A lapsed policy is useless. |

| Types of Coverage | Cargo Insurance: Covers damage to your vehicle during transit. Liability Insurance: Covers damages the carrier might cause to other property or people. |

| Limits of Liability | This is crucial. It's the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out. Is it enough to cover your vehicle's value? |

We always advocate for transparency. That's why we offer honest quotes and work with carriers who stand behind their service.

Red Flags in Insurance Policies

Even with a document in hand, you need to be sharp. Some things just aren't right. Here are some red flags:

• Low Coverage Limits: If your luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open is only covered for $10,000, that's a problem. Most standard cars need at least $50,000 in cargo coverage. Luxury or classic cars need significantly more. Don't settle for less than your vehicle's value. We make sure our carriers have appropriate coverage for what they haul.
• Exclusions: Read the fine print if you get a chance. Some policies have exclusions. Damages from acts of God, or certain types of vehicle modifications, might not be covered. Clarify these before transport.
• Outdated Information: An old COI is no good. Insurance policies expire. Make sure the dates are current. A good broker will always provide up-to-date documentation.
• No FMCSA Record: If you can't find the carrier on the FMCSA website, run. Fast. They are likely operating illegally, and their insurance (if any) won't be worth the paper it's printed on. This is a critical step for trusted car shipping broker reviews.
• Vague Answers: If the carrier or "broker" can't plainly answer your questions about their insurance, or tries to brush you off, that’s a massive red flag. We believe in clear communication. That includes discussing auto transport safety record and reputation.

Getting a good rate is important. What affects car shipping cost per mile? Many things. Fuel, distance, vehicle type (shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference), open carrier car shipping pros & cons, enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars. But don't let a cheap quote bypass essential protections. An affordable car shipping without hidden fees doesn't mean no insurance. It means a well-managed network and honest pricing.

The AMG Transport Co. Difference

As your auto transport broker Texas, we handle all this heavy lifting. We verify carrier insurance. We process Stripe deposits securely. We give you clear 72-hour pickup windows. We use VIN scans for accurate tracking and damage reports. We act as your advocate. This means you don't have to worry about whether a carrier is playing games or if they'll actually take care of your car. We've got the relationships with carriers to ensure they're invested in taking care of our clients. That's why we're the best auto transport company Texas.

Whether you need multi-car transport for families, vehicle shipping for dealerships, or just a single-car transport vs multi-car load cost comparison, we simplify the process. We know how long does car shipping take cross country. We handle all the details. We do what carriers don’t want to do. We solve their problems, and more importantly, we solve yours.

Don't leave your vehicle's safety to chance. Verify insurance. Or, better yet, let AMG Transport Co. do it for you. We provide peace of mind in an industry that desperately needs it.

Get your honest quote from us today: https://amgtransportco.com/get-quote

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