Things you must know about Auto Transport Insurance

Request a Quote in Two Minutes!

To
firsthauler BBB reviews

Excellent service and punctual deliveries! The team is professional, and our shipments always arrive on time. Highly recommended!

firsthauler google reviews

Great transport company with reliable service and friendly staff. Smooth booking process and timely deliveries every time!

firsthauler Trustpilot reviews

Outstanding experience! Affordable rates, prompt service, and exceptional customer care. A transport company you can trust.

Auto transport insurance is a crucial safeguard that protects your vehicle during shipping. Shipping your car across the USA? Understanding auto transport insurance isn't just important—it's essential for your peace of mind. Whether you're relocating, buying a vehicle from another state, or sending your prized possession to a car show, proper insurance coverage can make the difference between a smooth transport experience and a costly nightmare.

Auto transport insurance is essential for protecting your vehicle during shipping. At FirstHaulers.com, we ensure that every automobile we transport is covered by comprehensive cargo insurance, safeguarding against significant damages or unforeseen circumstances that may occur while your car is in transit.

It is crucial to understand different aspects of Auto transport Insurance, mainly are

Alabama Auto Transport

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Auto Transport Insurance

At FirstHaulers.com, we prioritize the safety and security of your vehicle. Our carriers maintain robust cargo insurance policies that cover a wide range of potential risks during transport. This means that in the unlikely event of damage, our insurance is designed to cover the costs of repairs or replacement, providing you with peace of mind.

Primary Carrier Insurance

Most reputable auto transport companies maintain comprehensive cargo insurance coverage. This primary insurance typically covers damages caused during loading, transit, and unloading. The coverage usually ranges from $100,000 to $250,000 per load, distributed among all vehicles transported.

The carrier's insurance includes liability coverage that protects against accidents, collisions, and other incidents that might occur during transport. However, it's essential to understand that this coverage has limitations and may not cover certain situations like natural disasters or theft.

Supplementing with Personal Auto Insurance

While carrier insurance provides essential protection, consider supplemental coverage for added peace of mind. Your personal auto insurance policy may offer some protection during transport, but coverage varies by provider and policy type.

Auto Transport Insurance For High-end or Classic Cars

Our auto transport company offers additional valuation coverage or gap insurance to protect against situations not covered by primary carrier insurance. These options can be particularly valuable for high-end vehicles or classic cars requiring extra protection. We always consider using enclosed carrier transport for such cars.


Before shipping your vehicle, it's advisable to:

Verify Carrier Insurance: Request proof of the carrier's insurance policy to understand the coverage limits and any rejection.

Consult Your Insurance Provider: Discuss with your personal auto insurance company whether your vehicle is covered during transport, and consider any additional coverage if necessary.

Key Takeaway: Auto transport insurance combines carrier coverage with optional supplemental protection, ensuring comprehensive security for your vehicle during shipping, though coverage limits and options vary by provider.

Types of Insurance Providers in Auto Transport

Direct Carriers and Their Insurance

Auto transport carriers are businesses that own and operate their own fleet of transport trucks. These carriers must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage as mandated by federal law. Their insurance typically includes cargo insurance, which protects vehicles during transit, and liability insurance, which covers potential damages to third parties. Most reputable carriers maintain coverage ranging from $750,000 to $1,000,000 per load.

When working directly with carriers like First Haulers, you benefit from dealing with the company that physically handles your vehicle. This direct relationship can streamline the claims process if any issues arise during transport.

Auto Transport Brokers and Insurance Coverage

Brokers are intermediaries between customers and carriers, coordinating vehicle shipments without owning transport trucks. While brokers don't provide direct insurance coverage, they maintain contingent cargo insurance as backup protection. This additional layer of security comes into play if the carrier's primary insurance proves insufficient or if the claim is complicated.

Most professional brokers thoroughly vet their carrier network, ensuring each partner maintains proper insurance coverage. They typically require carriers to provide proof of insurance and maintain minimum coverage levels before adding them to their network. Some brokers even offer supplemental insurance options for added protection during transport.

Liability Understanding

Understanding liability distribution is crucial. The carrier's insurance primarily covers damage during transit, while your personal auto insurance might be needed for specific situations. Always clarify coverage boundaries and exclusions before shipping.

Why Choose FirstHaulers.com?

By choosing FirstHaulers.com, you're partnering with a company that values transparency and customer satisfaction. We ensure that our carriers are fully insured and comply with all legal requirements, providing you with detailed information about our insurance policies upon request.

Shipping your vehicle doesn't have to be stressful. With FirstHaulers.com, you can trust that your vehicle is in safe hands, backed by comprehensive insurance coverage and a commitment to excellence.


💡 Key Takeaway: Auto transport insurance providers include direct carriers with mandatory coverage and brokers offering contingent protection, each playing distinct roles in ensuring your vehicle's safety during shipping.


💡 Key Takeaway: Auto transport insurance requires carriers to maintain specific coverage levels, proper documentation, and verification processes to ensure comprehensive protection during vehicle shipping.

Things you must check at the time of delivery

When shipping your vehicle, understanding the damage claim process is crucial for protecting your investment. The first step is to inspect your vehicle immediately upon delivery thoroughly. Don't rush this process – take your time to check every angle and document any damages you find.

Most auto transport companies require you to file a claim within 24-48 hours of delivery. This tight timeline makes immediate inspection critical. Be sure to note any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues on the Bill of Lading (BOL) before signing it. The BOL serves as your primary evidence in the claims process.

Documentation Requirements for the Claim Process

Proper documentation is your strongest ally when filing a damage claim. Start by taking clear, time-stamped pictures of any damage from multiple angles. These photos should be well-lit and clearly show the extent of the damage.

Keep all relevant paperwork organized, including:

- The original Bill of Lading

- Pre and post-transport inspection reports

- All communication with the carrier

- Repair estimates from certified mechanics or body shops

- Time-stamped photographs of damage

- Insurance policy documents

You must contact our official mail or customer care number with written notification of damage claims to maintain a clear submission record.

Conclusion

Take time to thoroughly document your vehicle's condition, verify the carrier's insurance credentials, and understand the coverage limits before signing any contracts. Whether you're shipping a family sedan or a luxury vehicle, proper insurance coverage protects against unexpected situations during transit.

Don't hesitate to ask questions about policy details and coverage options from your auto transport company. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and working with reputable carriers who maintain adequate insurance coverage, you can ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely and securely. Your car is a valuable investment—protect it with the right insurance coverage during transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most auto transport insurance policies have a specific timeframe for reporting damages. It's crucial to thoroughly inspect your vehicle during delivery and document any damage immediately on the Bill of Lading. However, if you notice hidden damage later, report it to the carrier and their insurance company within 24-48 hours.
Yes, it's recommended to inform your personal auto insurance provider about shipping your car. While the carrier's insurance is primary, your insurance company should be aware of the transport. This helps avoid any complications if an incident occurs during shipping.
Most auto transport insurance policies cover weather-related damage under “Acts of God” coverage. However, coverage limits and precise conditions may vary by carrier. It's essential to review the policy details and understand what weather-related incidents are covered before shipping.
Yes, you can purchase supplemental insurance coverage through third-party providers or gap coverage for extra protection. This additional coverage can help protect against higher-value vehicles or provide coverage for items left in the vehicle during transport.
To file a transport-related claim, you'll need the Bill of Lading, detailed photos of the damage, written documentation of the incident, the carrier's MC number, and any communication with the auto transport company. Keep copies of all insurance policy details and correspondence with the insurance adjuster.
The claims process is similar for both transport types, but enclosed transport typically offers higher coverage limits due to the premium service. Coverage amounts and deductibles may differ, and enclosed transport insurance often includes additional protection against environmental factors.
It is not possible to transport or ship your car without auto insurance, as you need to drive your vehicle at the pick-up or drop-off point.

How We Make Vehicle Shipping Easy?

First Hauler has made the vehicle shipping process simple and hassle-free by streamlining all the steps to make it easier for you. When you contact us, we will ensure everything works out most efficiently and transparently for you.

The process begins with a free, no-hassle quote. Once you provide us with the details of your vehicle and shipping preferences, we offer you a personalized, competitive quote with no hidden fees. After confirming the details, we will schedule a convenient pickup time that works best for you.

Our team takes care of all the transportation. Depending on your preference, we ensure that your vehicle is loaded firmly onto the carrier, be it open or enclosed transport. You will receive updates on the way so you can track your vehicle and stay updated at all times.

We coordinate the delivery of the vehicle to its destination and perform a final inspection to ensure that it is in the same shape as when it was picked up. From local moves to road voyages, we help you make the whole shipping process smooth, reliable, and prompt, according to your needs.

Alabama Auto Transport
Step 1
Get a quote and book your order
Alabama Auto Transport
Step 2
Your vehicle is picked up
Alabama Auto Transport
Step 3
You recieve your vehicle

What Our Customers Say

John D

Verified

"Excellent service from start to finish! Your team is professional and kept me informed about the transportation process. The car arrived in perfect condition, even earlier than I was expecting. I am very satisfied with the services of your company which is reliable and did a super job the transport"

★★★★☆

Samantha P

Verified

"I really did not know how to handle my car across the country, but after communicating with first Haulers, I found it surprisingly easy. They proactively explained everything, and the driver was also very polite and professional. I don’t see why I should not use it the next time."

★★★★★

Michael R

Verified

"My car was picked up and delivered on time and it looked as good as new without any scratches. I was impressed by how helpful the customer service team was in resolving all the questions I had and their ability to put my mind at ease. It was awesome!"

★★★★★

Karen L.

Verified

"I was shipping my classic car with them, and I had chosen the enclosed trailer, and guess what? They took good care of it, and the quality of the communication during the transport really impressed me. Incroyable!"

★★★★☆

Distance

Pick-up date

Route

Vehicle (Make and Model)

Vehicle condition

Transport method

Seasonality

Discount