Who Handles My Car Damage Claim: The Broker or the Carrier?

Your car arrives with a dent. Or scratches. Panic sets in. Who fixes it? The broker or the carrier? Straight answer: the carrier handles the claim. They carry the insurance. Brokers like us at AMG Transport Co. coordinate. We don't pay.

This confuses folks. Roads are rough. Trucks bounce. Damage happens. Rare, but real. As a Texas-based auto transport broker, we've seen it all. Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door means long hauls. From Houston to Los Angeles. Or Texas to California. Expect the unexpected.

Brokers buffer you from carriers. We handle sales. Coordination. Backend systems. Carriers drive and maintain trucks. They skip the people problems. Fraud fills this industry. We guide you. Keep rates reasonable.

Carriers aren't saints. They dodge direct deals. Too many skip payments. Those who risk it charge you more. Brokers take the margin hit. We build carrier ties. Ensure they care for our clients. Most carriers won't touch you direct. Brokers are near required.

Who Is Legally Responsible for Vehicle Damage During Transport?

Federal law pins it on the carrier. FMCSA mandates cargo insurance. Brokers? No requirement. We arrange. They transport. Liability sits with the hauler.

| Role | Responsibility for Damage |

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

| Broker | Coordinates claim, provides docs, advocates |

| Carrier | Provides insurance, pays valid claims |

Simple table. Clear split. AMG vets insured carriers only. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers too. We know both sides.

Does the Broker's Insurance Cover Transport Damage?

No. Broker policies are contingent cargo. Kicks in if carrier fails. Rare. Doesn't replace carrier coverage. Don't count on it. Save hassle. Use vetted carriers from day one.

AMG requires proof of carrier insurance. Minimum standards. No shortcuts. Honest quotes upfront. No hidden fees.

What Cargo Insurance Must Carriers Provide?

FMCSA demands $750,000 minimum per incident. Many carry $1 million. Verify before booking. Ask for certificate. AMG provides this. Our carriers exceed basics. Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. Safety first.

How Does the Damage Claims Process Actually Work?

Step one: Inspect at pickup. Note issues on Bill of Lading (BOL). Delivery same. Photos help.

File claim fast. Carrier sets timeline. Often 30 days. Don't wait.

What Role Does the Broker Play in Filing Claims?

We guide you. Pull docs. Contact carrier. Push for resolution. AMG uses VIN scans at pickup. Stripe deposits secure. 72-hour pickup windows. We streamline.

Not liable. But invested. Good brokers build carrier trust. They prioritize our clients.

When Does the Carrier's Insurance Kick In?

After claim approval. Deductible applies sometimes. $0-$500 typical. Payout direct to you or repair shop.

Takes 30-90 days. Faster with solid docs. Brokers speed it up.

What Documentation Do I Need for a Successful Claim?

• Signed BOL with damage noted.
• Photos: before, during, after.
• VIN scans.
• Repair estimates.
• Police report if severe.

AMG mandates VIN scans. Proves condition. Door-to-door car shipping how it works: we document everything.

Why Is the Bill of Lading Critical at Pickup and Delivery?

It's your proof. Carrier signs. Notes pre-existing or new damage. No note? Tough claim. Inspect thoroughly. Driver rushed? Insist.

How Do Photos and VIN Scans Strengthen My Case?

Visual proof wins. Timestamped photos. VIN verifies vehicle. AMG's process includes this. Best auto transport company Texas standard.

What Are Common Reasons Claims Get Denied?

Sloppy work. No docs. Deadlines missed. Pre-existing ignored.

How Can Pre-Existing Damage Cause Issues?

Noted at pickup? Fine. Ignored? Carrier blames you. Always document. Our VIN scans catch it.

What Happens If I Miss the Claims Deadline?

No payout. 9 months max federal. Carriers shorter: 30-60 days. Act now.

Choose right broker. Avoid pitfalls. How to choose a reliable auto transport broker? Experience. Vetting. Transparency.

Auto transport safety record matters. Trusted car shipping broker reviews praise us. Open car carrier transport cost vs enclosed. We quote both. Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles? Easy.

Relocating to Florida? Ship car from Texas. Multi-car transport for families. Non-running? We handle.

Why AMG Transport Co. Handles It Best

Damage rare with pros. But when it hits, we're your guide. Vetted insured carriers. VIN scans standard. Honest quotes. 72-hour pickups. Stripe secure.

Carriers rely on us. We deliver results. No games. Texas vehicle logistics company. Nationwide reach.

Ready? Get your quote now. Sleep easy.

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