Are you concerned about your car being damaged or stolen during transport?
Every year, thousands of vehicles require long-distance shipping throughout the country. Whether it’s moving across states, buying a car online or shipping a vehicle to a family member, auto transport services play an important role in moving vehicles from point A to point B. However…
Most people don’t know how auto transport companies actually keep vehicles safe throughout transport.
Don’t worry.
Reputable auto transport companies have designed systems to keep your car safe and secure throughout transport. In general, a reliable auto transport service combines the right equipment with proper insurance and experienced professionals to create a strong system of protection during transport.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How Auto Transport Insurance Protects Your Vehicle
- Safety Equipment and Transport Methods
- Driver Training and Licensing Requirements
- Vehicle Inspection Process
Auto Transport Insurance Coverage
Something most people don’t know…
Each legitimate auto transport carrier in the United States is required by federal law to carry cargo insurance. Auto transport companies can’t legally transport vehicles without cargo insurance.
When choosing an auto transport service, you can visit www.a1autotransport.com, to help figure out your needs. Insurance coverage should be one of your first considerations when looking to protect your vehicle.
But not all auto transport insurance is created equal.
Most auto transport carriers provide cargo insurance in the range of $100,000 to $350,000 for the entire load they are shipping. For example, if a carrier has eight vehicles on a trailer and $350,000 in cargo insurance, each vehicle only has around $43,750 of coverage.
Here’s why that matters:
If your vehicle is worth more than the $43,750 per vehicle in divided coverage, you’re not entirely protected with standard insurance. If that’s the case, supplemental insurance is necessary.
On the bright side, the auto transport industry has seen significant growth in recent years. Data indicates that the auto transport industry is projected to exceed $10 billion by 2025, helped by increased vehicle sales and better logistics technologies.
What does Insurance Cover
Auto transport insurance generally covers things like:
- Road collisions during transit
- Damage during loading and unloading
- Theft and vandalism
- Fire damage to the vehicle
While you may assume that all perils are covered, there are some exclusions in most policies.
Coverages typically do not apply to “Acts of God”, which include hail storms, flooding and other types of weather damage. Additionally, most policies will not cover personal belongings left in the car. This is why carriers require you to remove all personal items from the vehicle prior to transport.
Transport Methods to Keep Vehicles Safe
What’s the best way to keep vehicles safe during transport?
It begins with the right shipping method.
Open Transport
Open transport is the most common auto transport method. In an open transport situation, vehicles are loaded onto a multi-car carrier, exposed to the elements. While this may seem dangerous, professional open transport is very safe.
Drivers use specialized equipment and trained staff, including:
- Hydraulic lifts for smooth loading and unloading
- Soft straps to secure vehicles without damage
- Wheel chocks to prevent rolling
- Multiple tie-down points for stability
The vast majority of vehicles make the entire journey without a scratch, and it’s much cheaper than enclosed transport.
Enclosed Transport
For classic, high-end or expensive vehicles, enclosed transport provides the highest level of protection.
Enclosed trailers provide weather protection, as well as keeping vehicles safe from road debris and other vehicles. Enclosed carriers typically hold fewer vehicles, usually two to six cars.
For obvious reasons, this option is much more expensive than open transport. But for expensive vehicles, the additional protection is worth the money.
Driver Training and Professional Standards
Something you may not know…
Professional auto transport differs significantly from amateur vehicle hauling.
Professional drivers are subject to strict federal standards. Drivers are required to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to legally transport more than 26,000 pounds.
Driver requirements go beyond just a CDL though.
Responsible auto transport companies invest in training their drivers. Auto transport drivers are taught:
- How to load and secure vehicles
- Navigating with oversized loads
- Pre-trip inspection procedures
- Safe driving techniques for multi-car carriers
One more thing…
Drivers are subject to federal regulation on hours of work. No driver is legally allowed to work for more than eleven hours in a 24-hour period, and they must rest ten hours in a row. This keeps tired driving to a minimum.
Thankfully, all of these safety precautions are working. According to recent data, traffic fatalities decreased to 39,345 in 2024, a 3.8% decrease from the prior year. This marks the 11th quarter of continuous decline in traffic deaths.
The Vehicle Inspection Process
Have you ever wondered how auto transport companies keep track of vehicle conditions?
Drivers utilize something called a Bill of Lading.
This document provides protection. When a driver first picks up a vehicle, they are required to conduct a thorough inspection. The driver documents:
- Exterior condition with photos
- Mileage reading
- Fuel level
- Any damage already present
The same process occurs on delivery.
The driver and customer will both sign off on the condition of the vehicle. If any new damage is noted, it is documented on the Bill of Lading.
Here’s what you need to know:
It’s in your best interest to thoroughly inspect your vehicle upon delivery. New damage is much harder to claim after the fact.
Safety Technology and Modern Innovations
The auto transport industry is not what it used to be.
Modern auto transport companies employ the latest technology to keep vehicles safe, including:
GPS Tracking: Vehicle location can be monitored in real time by customers and companies. The technology also helps optimize routes and avoid high-risk areas.
AI-Powered Inspections: Image recognition software is now used by some companies to detect scratches and dents. This improves the efficiency and accuracy of inspections.
Electronic Logging Devices: Drivers are required by federal regulations to electronically track hours worked. This prevents drivers from working over federal limits.
Safety is further improved by combining these modern technologies.
Choosing the Right Auto Transport Company
Just like any industry, not all auto transport companies are equal.
When it’s time to choose an auto transport carrier, make sure they have:
- Active FMCSA licensing and a DOT number
- Adequate cargo insurance (ask for a certificate)
- Strong customer reviews and track record
- Clear communication during the process
Red flags to watch for include companies that:
- Refuse to provide proof of insurance
- Ask for large upfront deposits
- Have consistently negative reviews
- Lack proper licensing
Take the time to vet your auto transport company before booking a service. Saving a few dollars isn’t worth risking damage to your vehicle.
Pre-Transport Safety Preparations
Wondering how you can maximize the safety of your vehicle during transport?
Remove all personal items from the vehicle. Insurance does not cover belongings left in the car.
Document everything before you give the car for transport.
Take detailed photos of your vehicle from all angles. Write down any existing scratches, dents, etc. in writing.
Perform some basic maintenance before shipping.
Make sure tires are inflated, there are no fluid leaks and the battery is charged.
Secure any loose parts that could become damaged.
Removing or securing antennas, spoilers and other aftermarket parts goes a long way in keeping your vehicle in good shape during transport.
Wrapping Things Up
Professional auto transport companies have strong safety systems in place to keep vehicles safe during transport. The proper combination of insurance coverage, professional drivers and modern technology, vehicles are well-protected during transport.
Fundamentally, safe vehicle transport comes down to:
- Choosing licensed, insured carriers
- Understanding insurance coverage
- Selecting the right transport method
- Performing pre-transport inspections
- Verifying credentials before booking
With over 750,000 active motor carriers in the United States, the auto transport industry is large, and well-regulated. Safety is strong in the industry, as reputable auto transport carriers maintain solid safety records through driver training, proper equipment and comprehensive insurance.
The moral of the story?
Professional auto transport is one of the safest ways to move vehicles across the country when done correctly.
