Is Car Shipping Safe? What You Need to Know

The Truth About Car Shipping Safety

Entrusting your vehicle to a car shipping company is a big decision, and it’s natural to wonder: is car shipping safe? The short answer is yes. The auto transport industry moves millions of vehicles every year with an excellent safety record. However, not all transport companies operate at the same standard, and knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a seamless experience and a stressful one. This guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping safety, from insurance and carrier vetting to the inspection process and practical tips for protecting your vehicle.

How Safe Is Car Shipping? Industry Statistics

The professional auto transport industry has a strong safety track record. Consider these facts:

• Damage rate under 1%: Industry data shows that fewer than 1 in 100 vehicles transported experience any damage, and most reported damage is minor cosmetic issues like small scratches or chips.
• Millions shipped annually: Over 25 million vehicles are transported within the United States each year by professional carriers. This includes new cars from manufacturers, dealer transfers, auction purchases, and private consumer shipments.
• Federal regulation: The auto transport industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces safety standards, insurance requirements, and carrier licensing.
• Mandatory insurance: All licensed carriers must maintain minimum cargo insurance and liability coverage as a condition of their operating authority.

When you work with a reputable company like Autos Mover, the risk is minimal and manageable.

Understanding Auto Transport Insurance

Insurance is your primary financial protection when shipping a vehicle. Here’s how it works:

Carrier Cargo Insurance

Every FMCSA-licensed carrier is required to carry cargo insurance that covers the vehicles on their trailer. Typical coverage levels are:

• Open carriers: $100,000 to $250,000 per load, covering all vehicles on the trailer proportionally.
• Enclosed carriers: $500,000 to $1,000,000 per load, reflecting the higher value of vehicles they typically transport.

This insurance covers damage that occurs while your vehicle is in the carrier’s custody, including during loading, transit, and unloading.

What Does Carrier Insurance Cover?

• Physical damage from collisions or road incidents
• Damage from improper loading or securing
• Weather-related damage (for enclosed shipments)
• Theft while in carrier custody

What Is Typically NOT Covered?

• Personal belongings left inside the vehicle
• Pre-existing damage not noted on the Bill of Lading
• Mechanical or electrical issues unrelated to transport
• Damage caused by acts of nature on open carriers (such as hail, though this is extremely rare)

Should You Buy Additional Insurance?

For most shipments, the carrier’s insurance provides adequate coverage. However, if you’re shipping a vehicle worth over $100,000 or a rare collectible, consider purchasing supplemental transport insurance through your personal auto insurance provider or a specialty insurer. Ask your insurance agent about inland marine coverage, which specifically covers vehicles in transit.

How Autos Mover Vets Carriers for Safety

One of the most critical safety factors is the quality of the carrier handling your vehicle. At Autos Mover, we thoroughly vet every carrier in our network. Our vetting process includes:

• FMCSA authority verification: We confirm every carrier holds active operating authority with valid MC and DOT numbers.
• Insurance verification: We verify current cargo insurance certificates directly with the carrier’s insurance provider before every dispatch.
• Safety rating review: We review each carrier’s safety record, inspection history, and crash data through the FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system.
• Experience requirements: We work with established carriers who have demonstrated track records of safe, reliable vehicle transport.
• Equipment inspection: Carriers must maintain their trailers and trucks in compliance with DOT equipment standards, including proper tie-down systems, ramp conditions, and lighting.

This rigorous screening means your vehicle is handled by professional, experienced, and fully insured drivers.

The Vehicle Inspection Process

The inspection process is your most important safeguard against disputes over vehicle condition. Here’s how it works:

Pre-Pickup Inspection

Before your vehicle is loaded, both you and the carrier driver will walk around the vehicle together and complete a detailed condition report on the Bill of Lading (BOL). This inspection documents:

• All existing scratches, dents, chips, and paint imperfections
• Windshield condition including any cracks or chips
• Tire condition and wheel damage
• Interior condition
• Mileage reading
• Mechanical condition (running or non-running)

We strongly recommend taking your own photos and video of the vehicle from all angles, including close-ups of any existing damage, immediately before the carrier arrives. These serve as your independent record.

Delivery Inspection

When your vehicle arrives at its destination, conduct another thorough inspection before signing the delivery receipt. Compare the vehicle’s condition against the pickup BOL point by point. If you identify any new damage:

• Note it clearly on the delivery receipt before signing
• Take photos of the damage immediately
• Contact the transport company the same day to initiate a claim
• Do not wash the vehicle until the claim process is resolved

Signing the delivery receipt without noting damage makes it significantly harder to file a successful claim afterward.

Open vs Enclosed: Which Is Safer?

Both open transport and enclosed transport are safe methods of shipping a vehicle. The difference is in the level of protection from external elements:

• Open transport exposes vehicles to weather and road debris but has an excellent safety record. The overwhelming majority of new vehicles sold in the U.S. are delivered to dealerships on open carriers.
• Enclosed transport provides maximum protection inside a sealed trailer. This is recommended for luxury, classic, exotic, and high-value vehicles where even minor cosmetic exposure is unacceptable.

For standard vehicles, open transport is perfectly safe. For vehicles over $75,000 in value or with sentimental significance, enclosed transport provides extra peace of mind.

Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing a Transport Company

Protect yourself by avoiding companies that exhibit these warning signs:

• No FMCSA registration: Any company without a valid MC and DOT number is operating illegally. Verify registration at the FMCSA website before booking.
• Unusually low quotes: If a quote is dramatically lower than competitors, the company may be planning to increase the price after pickup or may not have the capacity to fulfill the shipment.
• Large upfront deposits: Reputable companies may require a small booking deposit, but demanding full payment upfront is a red flag. Autos Mover collects payment upon delivery.
• No written contract: Always receive a written order agreement detailing the price, timeline, insurance coverage, and cancellation policy before committing.
• Poor communication: If a company is difficult to reach during the quote process, service will likely be worse once they have your vehicle.
• No physical address or reviews: Legitimate transport companies have verifiable business addresses and a presence on review platforms.

Tips for a Safe Car Shipping Experience

Follow these best practices to ensure the safest possible transport:

• Choose a reputable company: Research thoroughly and select a licensed, insured, and well-reviewed transport provider.
• Document everything: Photograph your vehicle before pickup and at delivery. Keep copies of all paperwork including the BOL and order agreement.
• Remove personal items: Items left in the vehicle are not covered by carrier insurance and could shift during transit, potentially causing interior damage.
• Disable alarms: A triggering alarm can drain your battery during transit and cause unnecessary complications.
• Check your own insurance: Review your personal auto insurance policy to understand whether it provides any coverage during professional transport.
• Communicate clearly: Provide accurate vehicle information, accessible pickup and delivery locations, and respond promptly to carrier communications.

What Happens If Damage Occurs?

In the unlikely event that your vehicle is damaged during shipping, here’s the claims process:

• Note all damage on the delivery receipt at the time of delivery
• Contact the transport company immediately to report the damage
• File a formal claim with the carrier’s insurance company
• Provide your pre-shipping photos, the pickup BOL, and the delivery receipt as documentation
• Obtain repair estimates from qualified body shops

Autos Mover assists customers through the entire claims process, acting as your advocate with the carrier’s insurance company to reach a fair resolution.

Ship Your Vehicle Safely with Autos Mover

At Autos Mover, safety is our top priority. We work exclusively with vetted, fully insured carriers and provide transparent communication throughout every shipment. Whether you choose open transport, enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, or expedited service, your vehicle is in professional hands from pickup to delivery.

We also offer specialized motorcycle shipping with the same commitment to safety and care. And don’t forget to check our discount programs for military, students, and multi-vehicle shipments.

Get a free quote at Autos Mover or call (279) 300-3808 to ship your vehicle safely and affordably.