Learn the step-by-step process to verify carrier insurance coverage, check policy validity, and ensure your vehicle is properly protected during transport.

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How Can You Actually Verify Your Auto Transport Carrier's Insurance Coverage Before Booking?

So you're looking to ship a car. Good. You're doing your research. Even better. One of the biggest things on your mind should be insurance coverage. And not just what a broker or carrier tells you they have. What they actually have. Let's cut through the noise.

Why Even Care About Insurance Verification?

Listen, the roads are dangerous. Accidents happen. Trucks break down. Stuff goes wrong. You don't want your prized possession caught in the middle with no way out. Or worse, damaged, and you're left holding the bag.

This industry has its share of shady operators. Carriers that cut corners. Brokers that promise the moon and deliver dirt. Verifying insurance isn't about being paranoid. It's about being smart.

What Kind of Insurance Should a Carrier Have?

Before we talk verification, let's talk about what you're looking for. A legitimate auto transport carrier isn't just running on fumes and a prayer. They need proper coverage. This usually breaks down into two main types:

Cargo Insurance: This covers your vehicle specifically. If it gets damaged during transport, this is what pays out. It's important. Very important.
Liability Insurance: This covers damage to other vehicles or property, or injuries, that might occur due to the carrier's negligence. Not directly for your car, but it shows they're a serious operation.

Most carriers will carry at least $100,000 in cargo insurance. Many carry more. Don't settle for less.

Step-by-Step: How to Verify Carrier Insurance

This isn't rocket science, but it takes a little effort. Don't skip it.

1. Ask for Documentation, Not Just Words

Any reputable carrier or broker will provide proof of insurance. Don't accept "Oh yeah, we're covered." Demand a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or even the policy number.

Here at AMG Transport Co., when we vet a carrier, this is standard procedure. We make sure they're legitimately insured before they touch your vehicle. This is part of being a trusted car shipping broker reviews will tell you is important.

2. Check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Database

This is your gold standard. The FMCSA is the federal body that regulates interstate carriers. Every legal carrier needs to be registered with them.

Get the MC Number: This is the carrier's operating authority number. Your broker should provide it. If they can't, or won't, that's a red flag. AMG Transport Co. works with vetted, insured carriers. We'll have this information.
Go to the SAFER System: Visit the FMCSA's SAFER Company Snapshot tool (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov). Enter the MC number there.
Review Insurance Filings: The SAFER system will show if the carrier has active insurance on file. It lists the insurance company and the policy numbers. It also shows their safety record, which is another good thing to check. This is crucial for topics like auto transport safety record and reputation.

3. Contact the Insurance Company Directly

Yes, pick up the phone. It's old school, but it works. With the policy details from the COI or the FMCSA database, call the insurance provider. Ask them to confirm:

Is the policy active? Policies can be canceled.
Does it cover auto transport cargo? Don't assume. Some general liability policies don't cover specific types of cargo.
What are the limits of coverage? Make sure it's enough to cover your vehicle's value. If you're shipping a non-running vehicle what to know is often different than a running one for insurance purposes, so always disclose specifics.

This might seem like a lot of work. For you, maybe it is. For us, an experienced car shipping broker you can trust, it's just how we do business. We do the legwork upfront.

What a Good Broker Does for You

This is whereAMG Transport Co. shines. Carriers are focused on driving. They hate paperwork. They hate phone calls. They definitely hate dealing with problems that aren't on the road. That's why they rely on brokers like us.

We act as your buffer. We handle the frontend sales. The coordinating of the loads. The backend systems. All the stuff carriers don't want to touch. And part of that is vetting. We perform VIN scans and ensure all our vetted insured carriers are properly covered. We don't just find a truck. We find a reliable, insured truck.

You might be asking, how much does it cost to ship a car cross country? Or what affects car shipping cost per mile? A good broker, even with their margin, often gets you a better deal and safer service than going direct. Carriers know they can often charge individuals more. With a broker, they deal with repeat business and reliable loads. That means better rates for you, and a commitment to taking care of our clients.

For instance, if you're looking for car shipping services Texas or needing to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles, we work with a network of carriers who are regularly transporting routes like these. We know who's reliable.

Don't Fall for the Low-Ball Quotes

Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than everyone else. That's a classic sign of a scam or a carrier cutting corners. They might not have the proper insurance, or they might be looking to bait-and-switch you later. Affordable car shipping without hidden fees means an honest quote upfront. Our quotes are honest, reflecting the real cost of getting the job done right with trusted carriers.

AMG Transport Co. and Your Peace of Mind

When you use AMG Transport Co., you're not just getting a quote. You're getting a commitment to quality. We provide honest quotes and transparent service. We use Stripe for deposits. We ensure your money is handled professionally.

Whether you need nationwide vehicle shipping door to door, enclosed auto transport for luxury cars, or multi-car transport for families, we handle the intricacies. We understand the value of classic car transport enclosed carrier versus open car carrier transport cost. We know the difference in shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference. Our process includes transparent 72-hour pickup windows, getting your vehicle picked up promptly.

We are a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide, and we understand the unique needs of relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, or handling vehicle transport Texas to California expert broker services. We are the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves because we remove the guesswork for you. We protect your investment by ensuring the carriers we assign are fully insured and reliable.

Don't leave something as important as your vehicle to chance. Verify. Or better yet, let us handle the verification for you. That's what a good broker does. That's what AMG Transport Co. does.

Ready to get a trustworthy quote and ensure your vehicle is in safe hands, fully insured and protected?

Get Your Instant & Honest Auto Transport Quote Now!

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