How Can You Verify Your Auto Transport Carrier's Insurance and Safety Record Before Shipping?

Shipping your car is stressful enough without worrying about whether the company moving it is properly insured and safe. When you're dealing with a valuable asset like your vehicle, you can't afford to take chances. As a Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co., I've seen what happens when people skip this crucial step. Let me show you how to protect yourself.

Why Carrier Verification Matters More Than Price

You might find a quote that seems too good to be true. Often, it is. Companies offering rock-bottom prices frequently cut corners on insurance or safety compliance. When something goes wrong—and it can—you're left holding the bag. Proper verification isn't just about checking boxes; it's about protecting your financial investment and peace of mind.

The Real Cost of Inadequate Insurance

Most legitimate carriers carry between $100,000-$250,000 in cargo insurance. This sounds substantial, but there are critical details that matter:

• Deductibles: Typically $250-$500 per claim
• Coverage gaps: Personal items, pre-existing damage, cosmetic issues under deductible
• Policy exclusions: Custom modifications, mechanical failures

If your carrier isn't properly insured, you could be responsible for thousands in repair costs out-of-pocket.

Step-by-Step Verification Process

1. Get Their USDOT and MC Numbers

Every legitimate interstate carrier must have these numbers. Don't just take their word for it—verify them.

What to ask for:

• USDOT number (Department of Transportation)
• MC number (Motor Carrier)

Where to verify:

• FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System
• Carrier search on FMCSA website

2. Check Their Insurance Status

Insurance verification goes beyond just asking "are you insured?" You need specifics.

Essential insurance questions:

• What are your policy limits?
• What's the deductible amount?
• Is this primary or contingent coverage?
• Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance?

Red flags:

• Vague answers about coverage
• Refusal to provide proof.
• Unusually low policy limits.

3. Review Their Safety Record

A carrier's safety record tells you everything about their operational standards. It reflects their daily practices.

What to look for in FMCSA records:

• Safety rating (Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory).
• Crash history.
• Inspection violations.
• Out-of-service orders.

Warning signs:

• Multiple recent violations.
• An Unsatisfactory safety rating.
• A pattern of serious infractions. These indicate a problem.

4. Verify Business Credentials

Legitimate companies have proper business registration and licensing. This is a basic requirement.

Check these details:

• A physical business address. Not just a P.O. box.
• Phone numbers that actually connect. They should answer.
• Better Business Bureau rating. See what others say.
• State business registration. This proves legality.

What Proper Documentation Should Look Like

Certificate of Insurance Requirements

A valid Certificate of Insurance should include:

• Carrier's legal business name.
• Policy number and effective dates.
• Insurance company information.
• Policy limits clearly stated.
• Certificate holder information.

FMCSA Record Details

The FMCSA SAFER system provides:

• Carrier safety rating.
• Insurance status.
• Inspection history.
• Crash reports.
• Compliance reviews.

Common Red Flags and Warning Signs

Insurance Red Flags

• "We're fully insured" without specifics. This is too vague.
• Refusal to provide documentation. This is a major red flag.
• Policy limits that seem too low for your vehicle's value. Don't risk it.
• Deductibles that shift responsibility to you. Read the fine print.

Safety Record Red Flags

• Multiple recent violations. This shows a pattern.
• Out-of-service orders for critical safety issues. Avoid these carriers.
• Unsatisfactory safety rating from FMCSA. Absolute deal breaker.
• No verifiable USDOT/MC numbers. This means they are not legal.

Why Working With a Broker Simplifies This Process

At AMG Transport Co., we handle carrier vetting as part of our standard process. This is good for you. Most people couldn't work with many carriers directly. So, not only is it a good idea to work with an experienced broker like us, it's almost required. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier too. We understand both sides.

We Do the Heavy Lifting

Carrier verification isn't just checking boxes. It's ongoing due diligence. We:

• Continuously monitor carrier insurance status.
• Track safety records and compliance.
• Maintain relationships only with reputable carriers. We only work with the good ones.
• Handle the administrative burden so you don't have to. We do what carriers don't want to do, like frontend sales and coordinating. Carriers don't want to deal with people and their problems. The roads are dangerous. They have enough problems. They rely on brokers to solve them.

Our Vetting Standards

We only work with carriers who meet our strict criteria:

• Current, adequate insurance coverage.
• Satisfactory FMCSA safety rating. We don't mess with anything less.
• Clean inspection history. Safety is key.
• Professional operation standards. We expect the best.

The Broker Advantage

Most people couldn't verify carriers properly even if they tried. The process requires:

• Understanding complex insurance terminology.
• Interpreting FMCSA records accurately.
• Knowing what constitutes adequate coverage. This changes.
• Ongoing monitoring of carrier status. It's a full-time job. A vehicle could be anywhere in the country at any point in time.

We provide this expertise as part of our service. This ensures you're protected. And it saves you a headache. We are your guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. We are an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.

What to Do If You Find Problems

If Insurance Is Inadequate

• Request an updated Certificate of Insurance. See if they can fix it.
• Ask about additional coverage options. Sometimes it's available.
• Consider finding a different carrier. Don't settle for less.

If Safety Record Shows Problems

• Ask about corrective actions taken. They might have an explanation.
• Request recent inspection reports. See how bad it really is.
• Consider this a major red flag. Seriously consider walking away.

When to Walk Away

• No verifiable USDOT/MC numbers. This is non-negotiable.
• Refusal to provide insurance proof. A clear sign of trouble.
• Multiple serious safety violations. Not worth the risk.
• Unsatisfactory FMCSA rating. Absolute deal breaker.

The AMG Transport Co. Difference

We take carrier verification seriously. We've seen the consequences when it's done poorly. Our process includes:

Regular Insurance Audits

We don't just check insurance once. We monitor it continuously. Carriers must provide updated Certificates of Insurance annually at minimum. This keeps them honest.

Safety Compliance Monitoring

We track FMCSA records and safety ratings for all our partner carriers. Any carrier falling below our standards is removed from our network. No exceptions.

Transparent Documentation

We're happy to provide verification of our carriers' insurance and safety records. We believe in complete transparency. We use Stripe for deposits for security. We also conduct VIN scans during pickup and delivery for accuracy.

Industry Expertise

With AMG Endeavors operating as a carrier, we understand both sides of the business. We know what proper insurance and safety compliance look like. We know how to provide a stronger customer experience. We also buffer to keep rates reasonable. We do what carriers don't want to do, and the truth is carriers don't want to deal with people and their problems. That's why they rely on brokers to solve them.

Protecting Your Investment

Verifying your carrier's insurance and safety record isn't optional. It's essential. This due diligence protects you from:

• Financial loss from inadequate insurance.
• Vehicle damage from unsafe carriers. Protect your investment.
• Legal complications from non-compliant operators. Avoid these.
• Stress and hassle of dealing with unprofessional companies. Keep your peace of mind.

Don't let an attractive price blind you to potential risks. The few dollars you might save aren't worth the thousands you could lose. Affordable car shipping without hidden fees means choosing wisely.

Take the Next Step With Confidence

Ready to ship with a company that handles carrier verification for you? Get your free quote from AMG Transport Co. Experience the peace of mind that comes with proper protection. We offer honest quotes and aim for 72-hour pickup windows. We are a Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide. We are your vehicle logistics company in Texas. Whether it's car shipping services Texas or nationwide vehicle shipping door to door, we handle it. When you need to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles, or relocate to Florida ship car from Texas, we are the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. We are an experienced car shipping broker you can trust. We cover cross-country car transport from coast to coast. Get your car shipping done right with us.

Get Your Verified Quote Today

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