Car Shipping Insurance: What You Need to Know

Cargo insurance carried by licensed auto transport carriers typically covers physical damage to your vehicle caused directly during transport. This includes:

• Physical damage that occurs during loading and unloading
• Collision or impact damage that happens during transit
• Damage caused by improper securement of the vehicle
• Fire or catastrophic loss during transport
• Damage properly documented on the Bill of Lading at delivery

Carrier cargo insurance has limitations. The following are typically not covered:

• Personal belongings left inside the vehicle
• Pre-existing damage present before pickup
• Mechanical or electrical failures unrelated to the transport itself
• Acts of nature (hail, flooding) in some policy terms — verify before shipping
• Damage not documented on the Bill of Lading at delivery

Both open and enclosed carriers are required to carry FMCSA cargo insurance. However, the physical protection provided differs significantly.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the official vehicle inspection report completed at both pickup and delivery. It is the primary record used in any insurance-related damage claim — without it, claims become very difficult to pursue.

1. 1

   Document damage before signing

   Note all new damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery before you sign. This is the most critical step — without documentation on the BOL, claims become very difficult to process.

2. 2

   Take clear photos immediately

   Photograph all damage from multiple angles. Include photos of the BOL notations, the carrier's truck, and any relevant vehicle details.

3. 3

   Keep all documents

   Retain your copy of the Bill of Lading, the delivery receipt, any photos, and correspondence. These are required for the claim process.

4. 4

   Contact EZ Auto Movers right away

   Notify us as soon as damage is discovered. We will help initiate the carrier's cargo insurance claim process and guide you through next steps.

5. 5

   File the claim promptly

   Most cargo insurance policies require claims to be filed within a specific time window — typically 15–30 days. Act quickly to preserve your rights.

Before booking any car shipment, you can verify the carrier's credentials and insurance status using these steps:

• Request proof of cargo insurance

  Any licensed carrier should provide a certificate of insurance upon request.

• Check the MC number

  The Motor Carrier (MC) number identifies the carrier in FMCSA records. You can look it up at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

• Verify USDOT number

  The USDOT number confirms the carrier's registration and safety record with the federal government.

• Confirm FMCSA active authority

  Active operating authority confirms the carrier is legally permitted to transport vehicles for compensation.

EZ Auto Movers works exclusively with FMCSA-authorized carriers. We verify carrier credentials, insurance status, and safety records before assigning any shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping Insurance

Insurance coverage varies by carrier and policy. EZ Auto Movers helps connect customers with licensed and insured carriers, but final coverage details should be reviewed before pickup.

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