What Are the Most Common Auto Transport Scams and How Can You Avoid Them?

Shipping a car. It sounds simple enough. You need point A to point B. But the auto transport industry. It's full of sharks. You need to know what you're up against. Especially if you're looking for [nationwide vehicle shipping door to door](/get-quote).

Here at AMG Transport Co. we're a broker. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. So we know this business from both sides. We see the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mostly the ugly when you're talking about scams. Here's what to watch out for.

The Bait and Switch: Lowball Quotes

This is the oldest trick in the book. You get a quote. It's incredibly low. You're thinking. "Great. I found a deal." Then the price goes up. Way up. Sometimes right before pickup. Or even after your car is on the truck. They call it a "fuel surcharge" or "unexpected route change." It's a scam.

How to avoid it: A good broker gives you an honest quote. Not the lowest. But fair. They have relationships with carriers. They know what it really costs. We, at AMG Transport Co., give you honest quotes. We use vetting. Our trusted car shipping broker reviews speak for themselves. Don't fall for the too-good-to-be-true price. Ask about all fees upfront. Understand what affects [car shipping cost per mile](/get-quote). This includes things like shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference or open car carrier transport cost versus enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. You want to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles? Or maybe you're relocating to Florida ship car from Texas. Get a real quote. Not a fantasy.

The Disappearing Act: Fake Companies

Some companies don't exist. They take your money. Then they vanish. No website. No phone number. Just gone. You're out of luck. Your car isn't going anywhere. This is why [how to choose a reliable auto transport broker](/blog/how-to-choose-a-reliable-auto-transport-broker) is critical.

How to avoid it: Do your homework. Check their Motor Carrier (MC) number. Look for reviews. Are they a [Texas based auto transport broker nationwide](/)? Do they have a physical address? A reputable broker like AMG Transport Co. has transparency. We're a legitimate business. We're a [vehicle logistics company Texas](/services/vehicle-diagnostics). We don't hide. We work with vetted, insured carriers. We manage your [door-to-door car shipping how it works](/services/door-to-door). You're not left wondering.

The Deposit Scam: Upfront Payments for Nothing

They ask for a large deposit. Sometimes the full amount. Before any service. Then they delay. Or they never pick up your car. And your deposit? Gone. Carriers don't want to deal with this. That's why they rely on brokers.

How to avoid it: Be wary of large upfront deposits. Especially if it's the full amount. A good broker will have clear payment terms. We use a secure system at AMG Transport Co. You make a deposit via Stripe. This holds your spot. The rest upon delivery. Vetted carriers. Your VIN gets scanned. It's a process. It works. For [affordable car shipping without hidden fees](/get-quote), look for transparent payment schedules. Understand [what affects car shipping cost per mile](/get-quote).

The Uninsured Carrier: Your Car, Their Mess

Some outfits use uninsured or underinsured carriers. Your car gets damaged. Or worse, stolen. Guess who pays? You do. This is a huge risk. It's why [auto transport safety record and reputation](/blog/auto-transport-safety-record-and-reputation) matters.

How to avoid it: Ask for proof of insurance. A good broker checks their carriers rigorously. AMG Transport Co. only works with vetted and insured partners. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier itself. We know what proper insurance looks like. We ensure your car is protected. This goes for something like [classic car transport enclosed carrier](/services/classic-car-transport) or even just open car carrier transport cost. We protect your investment. Whether you're considering [enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars](/services/enclosed-auto-transport) or shipping a non-running vehicle what to know, insurance is key.

The Pressure Sell: Book Now or Lose Your Spot

"Book now! This price won't last!" They pressure you into making a quick decision. You don't have time to think. They want to rush you through. Before you can see the red flags. This is not how a trustworthy [auto transport broker Texas](/get-quote) operates.

How to avoid it: Take your time. Get multiple quotes. Compare. A reputable company won't rush you. They'll answer your questions. They'll explain the process. A broker like us is a guiding light in this fraud-filled industry. We manage your 72-hour pickup windows. We make it easy. We handle the [frontend sales, coordinating, and backend systems](/about/our-process). Everything carriers don't want to do. Because the roads are dangerous. Carriers have enough problems. They rely on brokers to solve them. Think about how long does car shipping take cross country. Planning is key. Not rushing.

The Broker Bait and Switch: Handing You Off to Anyone

Some brokers just pass your order to the cheapest carrier. They don't care about their track record. Or their insurance. They just want their fee. This leaves you vulnerable. It's why an [experienced car shipping broker you can trust](/about/why-choose-us) is essential.

How to avoid it: Choose a broker with a strong network. And good carrier relationships. AMG Transport Co. builds those relationships. We work with carriers we trust. They're invested in taking care of our clients. We offer services like [multi-car transport for families](/services/multi-car-transport) or [vehicle shipping for dealerships](/services/dealership-auto-transport). We give personalized attention. That's a strong customer experience. We screen carriers. We make sure they're legitimate. We're your buffer. We keep rates reasonable.

Don't Get Scammed. Choose an Experienced Broker.

Working with most carriers directly is difficult. Often impossible. They prefer working with brokers. We handle the hassle. Dealing with people is a hassle for them. They're busy driving. They're on the road. That's where AMG Transport Co. comes in. We offer transparent [auto transport quotes how to compare](/get-quote). We provide [door pick-up and delivery car transport service](/services/door-to-door). We are the [best auto transport company for out-of-state moves](/services/interstate-auto-transport).

We provide a strong customer experience. We are a guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. We are your buffer. We keep your rates reasonable. Because the cheapest option. It often costs you more in the long run. Trust AMG Transport Co. for your next shipment. From [vehicle transport Texas to California expert broker](/get-quote) services to all your [car shipping services Texas](/get-quote) needs.

Ready for a reliable, honest quote? Get started today and avoid the scams. Visit https://amgtransportco.com/get-quote to get your instant quote.

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