What Should You Verify in Your Auto Transport Contract Before Booking?

You're about to ship your car. Deposit ready. Don't hit send yet. Read the contract. Twice. Auto transport is full of scams. Brokers like us at AMG Transport Co. guide you through it. We handle the frontend sales, coordination, and backend systems. Carriers drive the trucks. They don't want customer headaches. Roads are dangerous enough.

People skip contracts and regret it. Hidden fees hit. Pickup delays drag on. Insurance fails when needed. Verify everything. This checklist saves you pain. As a Texas-based auto transport broker, we've seen it all. Nationwide vehicle shipping door-to-door is our game. Let's break it down.

Does the Contract Match Your Original Quote Exactly?

Your quote was $1,200. Contract says $1,500. Walk away. No excuses. Scammers bait with low quotes, then add fees. A good broker locks the price upfront.

At AMG, our honest quotes match the contract. No surprises. We use Stripe deposits for security. Easy refunds if needed.

Are All Fees Listed, Including Fuel Surcharges and Tolls?

Fuel surcharges. Tolls. Storage if delayed. List them all. Or it's a red flag. Cross-country car transport from Texas to California? Fuel swings prices. But they must be itemized.

Open car carrier transport cost varies. Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars costs more. Demand transparency. AMG lists every fee. Fuel, tolls, everything.

Is the Total Price Locked In with No Hidden Add-Ons?

"Subject to change" clauses? Trash it. Total price must be fixed. What affects car shipping cost per mile? Distance, vehicle type, season. But once quoted, it's locked.

We buffer rates with carrier relationships. Keeps costs reasonable. No hidden add-ons. Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles? Know the exact cost.

What Pickup and Delivery Details Are Specified?

Vague dates kill plans. "Within two weeks" won't cut it. Demand specifics. Brokers manage this chaos. Carriers track nationwide.

Is There a Clear 72-Hour Pickup Window or Exact Dates?

72-hour pickup window is standard. Like ours at AMG. Not "sometime next month." How long does car shipping take cross country? 5-14 days usually. Pin it down.

Door-to-door car shipping how it works: We pick from your driveway, deliver to destination. No terminals.

Does It Confirm Door-to-Door Service or Terminal Pickup?

Terminal service? Cheaper, but hassle. Wait in lines. Door-to-door is king for most. AMG does nationwide vehicle shipping door-to-door. Confirmed in contract.

Is Insurance Coverage and Deductibles Clearly Stated?

No insurance mention? Run. Your car isn't covered. Liability only? Useless for damage.

What Proof of Carrier Insurance Is Provided?

Demand certificates. $100k cargo minimum. AMG vets insured carriers only. Proof attached to every contract. Auto transport safety record matters.

We scan VINs pre-transport. Documents condition. Protects you.

Are There Exclusions for Modifications or Non-Running Vehicles?

Lifted trucks. Non-running cars. List exclusions. Shipping a non-running vehicle what to know: Extra fees, winching. Must be stated.

Classic car transport enclosed carrier? We specify coverage. No gotchas.

What Are the Cancellation Policy and Deposit Terms?

Deposits non-refundable after 24 hours? Sketchy. Read fine print.

When Is the Deposit Refundable?

Full refund before pickup window starts. AMG uses Stripe. Cancel anytime before 72-hour window. No questions.

What Triggers Final Payment Upon Delivery?

Cash on delivery? Fine, but inspect first. Sign bill of lading. Note damages. Final payment after inspection.

Door pick-up and delivery car transport service like ours ensures this.

How Will Communication and Tracking Work During Transit?

"We'll call you" isn't enough. Demand updates. GPS tracking. Daily calls.

AMG provides real-time tracking. 72-hour pickup windows start communication. You're in the loop.

| Good Contract | Bad Contract |

|---------------|--------------|

| Exact quote match, all fees listed | "Estimate only," hidden fees |

| 72-hour pickup window, door-to-door | Vague timeline, terminal service |

| Insurance certs, VIN scan proof | No proof, high deductibles |

| Refundable Stripe deposit | Non-refundable after quote |

| Tracking and updates specified | No communication plan |

This table spots fakes fast. Use it.

Relocating to Florida ship car from Texas? Multi-car transport for families? SUV vs sedan cost difference? We've got you. As an experienced car shipping broker you can trust, AMG cuts the BS.

Carriers avoid direct deals. Non-payers burn them. They charge more to individuals. Brokers negotiate better. Most carriers won't touch retail anyway. You need us.

Don't risk it. Verify your contract. Or better, book with AMG Transport Co. Vetted carriers. Honest quotes. No surprises. Get your quote now. It's the no-brainer choice.

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