Loading/unloading damage happens often in auto transport. Learn who's liable, insurance coverage details, prevention steps, and how to file claims successfully.

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Who Pays If Your Car Gets Damaged During Loading or Unloading?

Loading and unloading your car isn't risk-free. Scrapes happen. Dents occur. Doors get dinged. It's common in auto transport. But who foots the bill? The answer isn't always simple. It depends on fault, contracts, and insurance. As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., a Texas-based auto transport broker, I've seen it all. Carriers haul. Brokers like us handle the rest: sales, coordination, claims. Carriers avoid people for good reason. Non-payers burn them. Direct customers pay more. Brokers keep rates fair with vetted carriers.

Most folks can't even book with carriers directly. They need brokers. We buffer the chaos. Now, let's break down liability. No fluff.

Who's Liable for Loading and Unloading Damage?

Carriers bear responsibility during transit. That includes loading and unloading. Federal rules say so. FMCSA cargo insurance covers it. But exceptions exist.

Carrier fault: They pay. Sloppy straps. Rough ramps. Driver error.
Your fault: You pay. Parked wrong. Wouldn't start. Blocked access.
Shipper/receiver fault: Third party pays. If at a terminal or dealer lot.

Brokers aren't liable. We don't touch your car. We vet carriers with insurance. At AMG, every carrier proves coverage. No exceptions.

Carriers hate claims. But good ones honor them. Bad ones dodge. That's why relationships matter. Brokers build them. Direct shippers? Good luck.

Understanding Auto Transport Insurance Coverage

Carriers must carry $750,000 minimum cargo insurance. It covers loading to unloading. But read the fine print.

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Don't rely on your car insurance. It fights carriers. Gaps exist. AMG recommends declaring value upfront. We use VIN scans for precise condition reports. Stripe deposits secure honest quotes. No surprises.

Carriers cut corners sometimes. Brokers don't let them. We enforce standards.

Steps to Prevent Damage During Loading and Unloading

Prevention beats claims. Act smart.

1. Prep your car: Clean it. Note existing damage. Full tank or quarter tank. No loose items.

2. Inspect thoroughly: Walk around with driver. Take timestamped photos/videos. All angles. Under car too.

3. Use our VIN scan: At AMG, we document via app. Before pickup. Within 72-hour windows.

4. Communicate: Tell driver issues. Low clearance? Non-runner? Disclose upfront.

5. Choose right carrier: Open for cheap hauls. Enclosed for classics, luxury. We match.

Shipping cross-country? From Houston to LA? Door-to-door matters. Terminals risk more handling.

Carriers rush. Brokers slow them down for safety. Vetted insured carriers only. No fly-by-nights.

How to File a Claim Successfully

Damage spotted? Act fast. Don't drive off mad.

1. Document everything: Photos immediately. Note time, location, driver name.

2. Notify carrier: Within 24 hours. Get claim number.

3. File formal claim: Use their form. Include bill of lading signed "damaged."

4. Broker help: We push carriers. Track progress.

5. Escalate if needed: FMCSA complaints. Small claims court last resort.

Success rate? High with proof. Low without. Brokers tip scales. Carriers respond faster to us.

I've filed dozens. Proof wins. Delays lose.

Why AMG Transport Co. Handles This Better

Carriers drive. They dodge people problems. Roads kill. Payments default. We solve it.

AMG Transport Co., backed by carrier parent AMG Endeavors, knows both sides. Nationwide door-to-door. Texas to anywhere. Honest quotes. No hidden fees. 72-hour pickups. Vetted carriers with clean safety records.

Relocating to Florida from Texas? Multi-car family move? Non-runner SUV? We got it. Open vs. enclosed? Pros: open saves cash. Cons: weather risk. Enclosed protects exotics.

We scan VINs. Secure Stripe deposits. Guide you past fraud. Keep rates reasonable.

Conclusion: Ship Smart with AMG – Your Risk Buffer

Damage happens. But smart choices minimize it. Liability falls to carriers mostly. Insure right. Prevent ahead. Claim hard.

Skip headaches. Use a trusted broker. AMG Transport Co. makes it simple. Vetted pros. Proven process. No BS.

Get your free quote today. Ship worry-free.

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