Carrier Insurance
The cargo insurance policy held by each licensed carrier that covers your vehicle while it is in their physical possession during transport.
Intelligence highlights
Operational Posture
Current operating conditions across the EZ Auto Movers carrier network. Editorial signals updated by coordinators — not a live market feed.
What it means
Every active motor carrier must hold a minimum of $100,000 in motor truck cargo insurance per FMCSA regulation. Reputable carriers carry $250,000–$1,000,000 per load. The policy covers physical damage to the vehicle while it is in the carrier's possession — from loading at pickup, through transit, to unloading at delivery. Claims are filed against the carrier's policy with the carrier's insurer; your broker advocates on your behalf through the process. Carrier insurance does NOT cover items inside the vehicle, mechanical issues unrelated to transit, or damage that existed before pickup (the Bill of Lading is what proves what existed before).
Why it matters
Carrier insurance is your protection against transit damage — but only if you can prove damage occurred during transit. This is why the Bill of Lading process matters so much. A damage claim requires three elements: a pickup BOL showing the pre-existing condition, a delivery BOL noting the new damage, and timely claim filing (typically within 60 days). Customers who understand this triangle are protected; customers who don't, often aren't.
First-time shipper guide
Carrier insurance is the equivalent of the contractor's liability policy on a remodel. It's not your homeowner's policy — it's the trucking company's federally-mandated cargo coverage, and it activates only on damage that occurs while the vehicle is in their custody.
Every carrier in our network carries verified cargo coverage before assignment. If damage occurs in transit, the carrier's insurer adjudicates the claim using your signed BOL as the baseline. That's why the BOL inspection at pickup matters so much.
Operational reality
Claims that follow the documented process (pickup BOL → noted delivery BOL → photos → filed within 30 days) typically resolve in 2–6 weeks. Claims that skip steps (missing BOL note, no photos, delayed filing) often stall or get denied. The strongest predictor of a smooth claim is documentation quality at the moment of delivery — not the size of the carrier's policy.
Real-world example
A customer ships a 2022 Toyota Highlander from Texas to Colorado. The pickup BOL notes one small chip on the front bumper. At delivery the customer inspects carefully and finds a fresh dent on the driver's side rear quarter panel — clearly new, not on the pickup BOL. The customer notes the dent on the delivery BOL with the driver present, photographs the damage, and the driver signs acknowledging the new damage. Within 48 hours, EZ Auto Movers files a claim with the carrier's insurer. Three weeks later, the customer receives payment for the repair. Total time investment: 30 minutes at delivery and one phone call.
What to expect as a customer
- Verify the assigned carrier's cargo insurance policy is active and in good standing — your broker confirms this at assignment.
- Cargo insurance covers vehicle damage during transit — not items inside the vehicle.
- Personal property inside the vehicle is generally not covered — remove valuables before pickup.
- Claims require the pickup BOL, delivery BOL with damage noted, photographs, and timely filing.
Common mistakes to avoid
Leaving valuables in the vehicle expecting cargo insurance coverage — it doesn't apply.+
Filing a claim without the pickup BOL — the comparison baseline is missing.+
Filing a claim months after delivery — most policies have 30–60 day filing windows.+
Accepting a carrier whose insurance certificate cannot be produced — verify before pickup.+
Common misunderstandings
- Carrier cargo insurance is not the customer's personal auto policy — they cover different things.
- Cargo insurance does not cover personal items inside the vehicle — those need a separate rider.
- A high policy limit does not assure a fast claim — documentation quality drives speed.
What happens next
- 1Coverage verified before dispatchCoordinator confirms active cargo coverage on file before assigning any carrier.
- 2Pickup BOL establishes baselinePre-existing condition documented and signed — the evidentiary baseline for any claim.
- 3Delivery BOL captures any changeCompare and note any new damage on the delivery BOL before signing.
- 4Coordinator advocates the claimWe work with the carrier's insurer on your behalf through resolution.
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How we keep your shipment safe
Frequently asked questions
Is my car insured during shipping?+
Are personal items inside my car covered?+
How do I file a damage claim?+
How long do claims take to resolve?+
What if the carrier's insurance denies my claim?+
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