Who Is Responsible for Vehicle Damage: Auto Transport Broker or Carrier?
Shipping a car cross country? Damage happens. Roads are rough. Drivers push limits. Question is, who pays? Auto transport broker or carrier? Most folks get it wrong. Brokers coordinate. Carriers drive. Liability follows the truck.
At AMG Transport Co., a Texas-based auto transport broker, we deal with this daily. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers too. We know both sides. Brokers handle sales, quotes, and headaches carriers avoid. Carriers focus on wheels turning. Not customer gripes.
Who Is Ultimately Responsible for Vehicle Damage During Transport?
Carrier. Period. They load your vehicle. They secure it. They drive. If damage occurs in transit, their cargo insurance covers it. Federal rules back this. FMCSA mandates carriers carry at least $750,000 in liability. Most have $1 million cargo coverage.
Brokers? We don't touch your car. No loading. No driving. Our job: match you with vetted carriers. Get door-to-door service nationwide. Like shipping from Houston to Los Angeles.
Carriers hate direct deals. Too many deadbeats skip payments. Brokers enforce terms. Stripe deposits here at AMG. We pay carriers only after delivery.
Does the Broker or Carrier Pay for Damage Claims?
Carrier pays. Always. But process matters. File claim with carrier first. Broker helps coordinate. Don't expect broker payout. That's not our policy.
Seen it too often. Customer skips inspection. Blames broker later. Nope. Sign bill of lading clean at pickup. Note issues at delivery. Photos help.
| Responsibility | Broker | Carrier |
|---------------|--------|---------|
| Loading/Securing Vehicle | No | Yes |
| Driving & Transit | No | Yes |
| Cargo Insurance | Contingent Liability Only | Primary $1M Coverage |
| Claim Filing Assistance | Yes | Primary Handler |
| Payment for Damage | Rarely (Negligence Only) | Yes |
Table shows it clear. Carrier owns transit risk.
What Role Does Broker Insurance Play vs Carrier Cargo Coverage?
Broker insurance: general liability. Covers our ops. Mistakes in booking. Not your car scratches.
Carrier cargo: covers vehicle damage. Declared value matters. Basic: actual cash value. Full: replacement cost. Ask upfront.
AMG vets carriers. All insured. Proof on file. No fly-by-nights. We run VIN scans pre-pickup. Protects everyone.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Liability Disputes?
Inspect. Document. Insist.
Pickup: Walk around with driver. Note every dent, scratch. Sign bill of lading. Take timestamped photos. Four angles. Underneath if possible.
Delivery: Same drill. Driver signs off. Dispute on spot.
72-hour pickup window at AMG. No endless waits. Honest quotes. No bait-and-switch.
What Documentation Proves Damage Happened During Shipping?
- Bill of lading: Signed pickup and delivery copies.
- Photos: Pre and post. Geotagged.
- VIN scan report: AMG standard.
- Carrier inspection sheet.
- Witness statements if needed.
No docs? Claim dies. Carriers fight vague claims. Build your case solid.
Should You Get Extra Insurance for High-Risk Routes or Vehicles?
Yes, if smart. Luxury cars? Enclosed transport. Classic rides? Same. High-risk: snow belts, flood zones.
Open carrier: Cheaper. Pros: multi-car loads, coast-to-coast speed. Cons: weather, debris.
Enclosed: Protects exotics. Costs more. Worth it for value.
Carrier base covers most. Extra from third-party? Peace of mind. Compare auto transport quotes carefully.
Cross-country from Texas to California? We handle SUVs, sedans, non-runners. Know costs per mile factors.
Texas to Florida relocators: Door-to-door. No hassle.
Conclusion: Brokers like AMG Transport Co. buffer you. Vetted insured carriers. VIN scans. Stripe security. 72-hour pickups. Nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.
Don't risk shady outfits. Fraud everywhere. Choose experienced auto transport broker you can trust. Get your honest quote today. We'll sort liability. You drive worry-free.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.