What Counts as 'Normal Wear and Tear' in Auto Transport Damage Claims?

Shipping a car cross-country? You've got enough worries. Damage claims top the list. Most disputes boil down to one thing: what's "normal wear and tear"? Carriers and brokers define it clearly. Ignore it, and you're fighting uphill.

As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., an auto transport broker Texas-based with nationwide reach, I see this daily. We handle door-to-door car shipping. We vet carriers. We push for honest quotes. But even we can't prevent road realities. Know the rules. Protect yourself.

What Does 'Normal Wear and Tear' Actually Mean in Auto Transport?

Normal wear and tear means minor damage from normal transport conditions. Think highway debris. Strap rub. Dust. It's expected. Not claimable.

Industry standards come from FMCSA guidelines and carrier insurance policies. They exclude cosmetic issues under certain sizes. Dents smaller than a quarter? Often normal. Deep gouges? Not.

Brokers like us buffer you from carriers. Carriers drive. They face rocks, rain, rigs. They don't want customer hassles. That's our job.

Are Rock Chips and Road Debris Considered Normal?

Yes. Absolutely. Open car carrier transport exposes vehicles to highways. Gravel flies. Bugs hit. Chips smaller than a dime are normal.

Open transport costs less for a reason. Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door on open carriers? Expect chips. It's physics.

I've coordinated ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles runs. Chips happen. No claim pays for them. Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars dodges this. But it costs more. Weigh your risk.

Do Minor Surface Scratches from Loading Count?

Minor ones? Yes. Loaders secure cars tight. Straps shift. Doors rub. Scratches under 1 inch? Normal wear.

Trucks bounce. Metal flexes. Perfect paint stays perfect only in garages. If it's superficial, insurance skips it.

At AMG, we use vetted insured carriers. They train loaders. But perfection? Rare.

How Can You Tell Pre-Existing Damage from Transport Damage?

Half of claims fail here. You think it's new. Carrier says no. Proof wins.

Inspect before pickup. Note everything. Photos from all angles. Timestamp them.

Why Is Thorough Pre-Shipment Documentation Essential?

It is. No doubt.

VIN scans prove condition. We do them at AMG Transport Co. Stripe deposits lock your spot. 72-hour pickup windows start the clock right.

Snap close-ups. Dings. Scratches. Rust. Upload to us. Carriers sign off. No arguments later.

People skip this. Then cry foul. Don't.

What Role Does the Bill of Lading Play?

It's your contract. Driver notes damage on it. You check. Sign only what's listed.

Blank Bill? Assume perfect. But add your notes. Photos back it.

Delivery? Compare. New marks? Note them. File claim fast.

When Should You File a Damage Claim After Delivery?

Real damage only. Dents. Cracks. Frame issues. File within 48 hours. Contact carrier's insurance. Broker helps coordinate.

We guide you at AMG. Honest quotes upfront. No hidden fees.

What Minor Issues Are Typically Not Covered by Insurance?

Lists vary. But common exclusions:

• Rock chips under 1/4 inch
• Scratches under 2 inches
• Door dings smaller than a credit card
• Fading or oxidation
• Interior dirt from open air

| Issue | Normal Wear & Tear? | Claimable? |

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

| Rock chips (<1/4") | Yes | No |

| Surface scratches (<2") | Yes | No |

| Dime-sized dent | Yes | No |

| Deep gouge (>2") | No | Yes |

| Broken glass | No | Yes |

Save this table. It cuts disputes.

How Do Open vs. Enclosed Transports Affect Wear Expectations?

Open: Budget-friendly. Exposed. Chips, scratches, weather marks normal. Great for daily drivers. How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? Open saves 30-50%.

Enclosed: Premium. Shields from debris. Best for classic car transport enclosed carrier or luxury vehicle transport. Less wear. Higher cost.

Open carrier car shipping pros & cons: Cheap, fast. Cons: Exposure. Choose based on value.

Choose Right: Why AMG Transport Co. Wins

Roads are rough. Carriers grind daily. They need brokers like us. We handle sales. Coordination. Backend. Vetted insured carriers. VIN scans. 72-hour pickups.

Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. Experienced car shipping broker you can trust. Door pick-up and delivery car transport service. Affordable car shipping without hidden fees.

Don't risk it. Get a quote today. Click here.

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