Comprehensive Guide to Car Shipping Insurance Options

Shipping a car can seem like a complex process, but with the right insurance in place, it can be a smooth and worry-free experience. Whether you’re transporting a vehicle across the country, internationally, or just a few states away, ensuring your car is properly covered is crucial. Having the right vehicle transport insurance gives you the peace of mind that your vehicle will be protected against any unforeseen incidents during transportation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car shipping insurance, including the types of coverage available, the requirements, and some frequently asked questions that can help you make informed decisions when shipping your car.

What Are the Requirements?

When shipping your vehicle, you need to be aware of certain requirements related to insurance coverage. Understanding these requirements will help ensure that your car is adequately protected during transport.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is a legal requirement for all auto transport companies. This insurance typically covers damage to third parties and their property in case of an accident during transportation. However, it doesn’t necessarily cover damages to your own vehicle. 

It’s essential to check whether auto transport insurance requirements are met by the company you choose. Also, ensure you understand the auto transport insurance cost for any additional coverage.

Required Documents

Along with insurance, your auto transport service will also require specific documents, such as the MC (Motor Carrier) number and Department of Transportation (DOT) number. These are essential to verify that the company is licensed and regulated, ensuring that they meet safety standards.

Damage Coverage

Car shipping insurance should cover damages that occur during transport. This is one of the most critical aspects of your insurance policy, as it will ensure that any damage to your vehicle is compensated. 

Always confirm with your car transport company about the type of damage covered under their standard insurance policy. For example, does car insurance cover car shipping? If not, you may need additional coverage. Most companies include cargo insurance, which ensures the vehicle is covered during loading, transport, and unloading.

Checking Company-Specific Requirements

Each auto transport company may have its own set of requirements when it comes to insurance. It’s a good idea to check the company’s policies before finalizing your decision. Be sure to inquire about deductibles, the type of damages covered, the coverage limit, and whether or not you need to purchase any additional coverage, such as car shipping additional insurance.

Types of Auto Shipping Insurance

When shipping a car, you’ll come across several types of auto transport insurance options. Understanding these will help you make the best decision for your vehicle.

Customer Insurance

This is the insurance coverage that you, as the customer, purchase to protect your vehicle while it’s being shipped. While some auto transport companies offer basic liability coverage, you may want to purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive or collision insurance, to protect your car from a wider range of damages. 

Many companies also offer options for protecting personal belongings inside your vehicle during transport. The car shipping insurance cost will vary depending on these choices. For example, if you’re shipping a luxury or classic car, you may need to consider classic car shipping insurance to ensure proper protection.

Carrier Insurance

Carrier insurance is provided by the auto transport company. This typically includes a combination of liability and cargo insurance, covering damages to your vehicle during loading, transport, and unloading. Carrier insurance may vary depending on the company, so it’s important to ask for a detailed policy to understand what’s covered and what’s not. Some car transport companies may also offer fully insured car shipping as an option, which could be beneficial depending on the value of your vehicle.

Broker Insurance

When working with auto transport brokers, they may offer insurance coverage as part of their service. However, this insurance may not be as comprehensive as carrier insurance, and you may need to purchase additional coverage for peace of mind. It’s important to confirm the details with your broker to ensure that your vehicle is adequately protected during the transport process. In some cases, car shipping insurance may not fully cover your vehicle, and you may need to consider car shipping additional insurance.

FAQ

Do I need car insurance if shipping a car?

So, do you need insurance to ship a car? Yes, you need car insurance, just like you do when driving one, to fully protect your vehicle. While auto transport companies usually provide basic insurance coverage, it’s often a good idea to purchase additional car shipping insurance to protect your vehicle during transport. This is especially true if you’re shipping a high-value or classic car.

Do I need marine insurance for car shipping?

If you’re shipping a car overseas or via a ship, marine insurance for car shipping is important. Though most shipping goes smoothly, accidents can happen. Car shipping marine insurance will cover your vehicle in case of damage during its journey across the water. It’s always better to be prepared with marine insurance for car shipping, especially when dealing with international shipments.

Does shipping a car come with insurance?

Yes, car shipping companies typically provide basic insurance coverage during transit. This coverage usually includes liability and cargo insurance, protecting the car from damage or loss during the process. However, it’s recommended to review the policy details and consider additional car shipping insurance to ensure your vehicle is fully covered, especially if the vehicle is a classic car or has high value.

How to transport a car without insurance?

While it’s usually advisable to have insurance when transporting a vehicle, some auto transport companies may offer adequate coverage. If you don’t have your own insurance, ensure the carrier has comprehensive coverage for potential damage. If you’re shipping without any insurance, make sure you’re fully aware of the risks involved. Having your own auto insurance on the vehicle can help protect you in case of unexpected damage, particularly if auto transport insurance does not provide adequate protection.

Will I need classic car shipping insurance?

Classic cars require special care during shipping, so classic car shipping insurance is essential. This type of coverage ensures that your high-value vehicle is protected in the event of damage during transport. You may want to look into additional coverage for classic cars to ensure that your vehicle is fully covered for its full value. Classic car shipping insurance can offer protection tailored specifically to these vehicles.

What is the insurance cost when shipping a car?

The insurance cost when shipping a car varies depending on several factors, such as the value of the vehicle, the distance, and the type of transport (open or enclosed). For example, car shipping insurance rates when shipping a high-end or classic car may cost more when compared to shipping a standard vehicle. It’s best to ask for a car shipping quote that includes an accurate breakdown of the car shipping insurance cost.

How to ship a car fully insured?

To ship a car fully insured, make sure the auto transport service you choose provides sufficient coverage. You can also add car shipping insurance coverage to ensure that your vehicle is fully protected during transport. When opting for fully insured car shipping, always ask the transport company about the auto transport insurance cost and the auto transport insurance coverage limits.

Final Thoughts

When shipping a car, insurance is one of the most important factors to consider. While the auto transport company usually provides basic coverage, it’s always a good idea to explore additional insurance options to ensure your vehicle is fully protected during transport. 

Whether you’re shipping a classic car or just moving your everyday vehicle, understanding your auto shipping insurance options will give you peace of mind, knowing that you’re well-covered in case anything goes wrong during the process.

Be sure to ask the right questions, review the insurance policy in detail, and select the coverage that best meets your needs. Transporting your vehicle can be stress-free when you take the time to ensure your car is fully insured. Always ask your auto transport companies about their insurance coverage, how to ship a car fully insured, and what auto shipping insurance options are available, as they can greatly vary depending on the service chosen. 

For auto transport services that’ll suit all of these requirements, go no further than EasyHaul – we’d be thrilled to discuss our shipping options with you.