What Happens If Your Car Gets Damaged During Auto Transport and Who Pays for the Repairs?

Shipping your car is stressful. Worrying about damage makes it worse. What happens if your vehicle gets scratched or dented in transit? This is a critical question. Every shipper needs to understand it. You should know the answer before booking any auto transport services.

Understanding the Damage Claim Process

Immediate Inspection at Delivery

Your car arrives. First, you must inspect it thoroughly. Do this before the driver leaves. Compare its condition to the Bill of Lading (BOL). This BOL was completed at pickup. Any new damage must be noted immediately. Write it down on the delivery paperwork.

Documenting Pre-Existing vs. New Damage

Before loading your car, both you and the carrier document existing damage. This means scratches, dents, and imperfections. This documentation is crucial. It's your primary evidence if damage occurs during shipping. At AMG Transport Co., we emphasize this step. We use VIN scans for accuracy. This helps create a reliable record.

Who's Responsible for What?

The Carrier's Insurance Coverage

Most legitimate carriers carry cargo insurance. This typically ranges from $100,000 to $250,000. But there's a critical detail. Most shippers miss it: the deductible.

What You'll Actually Pay Out-of-Pocket

Most carrier insurance policies have deductibles. These usually range from $250 to $500 per claim. So, if your car sustains $800 in damage, you pay the first $500. The carrier's insurance covers the remaining $300. This is important to know. It impacts your out-of-pocket costs.

Common Damage Scenarios and Costs

Minor Cosmetic Damage

Small scratches, rock chips, and minor dings are common. These are the most frequent issues. Repairs typically cost $200-$800. This depends on the vehicle and damage severity.

Paint Chips and Scratches

These are very common. Especially with open car carrier transport. Repair costs can range from $200-$800. Again, this depends on the vehicle and damage location. An open car carrier transport cost is usually lower. But it comes with a higher risk of minor damage.

Interior Damage from Loose Items

Did you leave personal items in your vehicle? They can become projectiles. They move during transit. This causes damage to your car's interior. Or even other vehicles on the carrier. Understand that personal items are not covered by carrier insurance.

The Insurance Gap Reality

Personal Auto Insurance Limitations

Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover vehicles during professional transport. The carrier's insurance is primary. It covers the vehicle during shipping. Don't assume your personal policy will step in.

Why Carriers Don't Deal Directly with Public

Carriers operate on tight margins. They manage serious risks. The roads are dangerous. Dealing with individual claims is time-consuming. It's expensive. It's why brokers exist. We handle the frontend sales and coordinating. We manage the backend systems. This lets carriers focus on driving. They rely on brokers to solve these problems. This makes us essential in the auto transport broker Texas landscape.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Before Shipping

1. Take Detailed Photos: Photograph every angle of your vehicle. Include close-ups of any existing damage. This creates an undeniable record. This is crucial for nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.

2. Clean Your Car: A clean car makes new damage easier to spot. Dirt and grime hide imperfections.

Carrier Insurance Deductibles

You must understand this. Even with carrier insurance, you're usually responsible for the deductible first. It's an out-of-pocket expense. This is why knowing how much does it cost to ship a car cross country includes understanding potential hidden costs like deductibles.

During Inspection

• Walk around with the driver. Compare the car to your pre-shipment photos.
• Point out every existing scratch and dent. Make sure they note everything.
• Ensure all damage is properly documented on the Bill of Lading. This is your proof. Don't sign anything until you're satisfied.

What's Typically Not Covered

• Personal Items: Anything left in your vehicle is not covered by carrier insurance. Empty your car.
• Mechanical Failures: Carrier insurance covers damage from transport, not pre-existing mechanical issues.
• Acts of God: Some policies exclude damage from major natural events. Read the fine print.

Why Documentation is Your Best Protection

Creating an Undeniable Record

Your photos and the Bill of Lading create a clear "before-and-after" record. This is your leverage in a claim. Without it, you have little proof. This protects you whether you're shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles or relocating to Florida ship car from Texas.

The AMG Transport Co. Difference

We are an auto transport broker focused on customer experience. We strive to be a guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. We also buffer to keep rates reasonable. We do what carriers don't want to do. The sales, coordinating, and backend systems. All the stuff outside of driving.

We work with vetted, insured carriers. We use VIN scans for accuracy. We provide honest quotes with no hidden fees. We ensure transparent communication throughout the shipping process. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier itself. This means we understand both sides of the coin. This internal knowledge gives us an edge. We only partner with quality carriers. They are invested in taking care of our clients. That's why we're recognized as a trusted car shipping broker. We connect you with the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves.

Our Commitment to Transparency

At AMG Transport Co., we ensure our carriers have proper insurance coverage. They maintain high standards for safety and reliability. We prioritize open car carrier transport. It's the most common and cost-effective. However, we also arrange enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. This offers extra protection. We offer door pick-up and delivery car transport service. We give an honest answer to how long does car shipping take cross country. We understand vehicle logistics. We are a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. We offer affordable car shipping without hidden fees. We even handle multi-car transport for families. For shipping a non-running vehicle, what to know is also covered by our team. You get a soft 72-hour pickup window, not hard dates. This helps carriers optimize routes. It keeps your costs down. Our Stripe deposits are secure and refundable if we can't find a carrier. That's the AMG Transport Co. commitment to a stronger customer experience.

Don't leave your car's transport to chance. Work with an experienced broker. It's almost required nowadays. Choose AMG Transport Co. for reliable, transparent service. Get a quote today and experience the difference.

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