Do you need insurance to ship a car?
Generally, if you won't be driving it, you aren't required to carry your own car insurance when shipping a vehicle by truck, ship, or rail. You may want to choose an auto transport company with adequate insurance to cover any damage that occurs to your vehicle while in transit. If there's an issue with the coverage offered by your transport company, having comprehensive and collision on your personal auto policy may help protect your vehicle against damage in transit.
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Are there specific auto transport insurance requirements?
Auto transport companies may be legally required to carry insurance to cover damage while your vehicle is in transit. However, it's up to you to verify the transporter's insurance coverage and confirm their coverage limits are high enough to replace your vehicle.
Coverage requirements can vary by state, so ask for the insurance policy details. Verify that their insurance covers pickup, transport, and delivery. Some transporters only have coverage once your vehicle is on the truck. A car hauler's insurance policy could also have exclusions that would complicate coverage for your vehicle if it sustained any damage in transit.
When your vehicle is picked up and delivered, a transport company representative will inspect the vehicle and document its condition. Request copies of both inspection reports. If your vehicle is damaged, destroyed, or stolen during transport, file a claim with the transporter's insurer.
Pro tip:
If you own a cargo trailer and plan to use it to transport your vehicle, cargo trailer insurance can cover your trailer and the personal property inside.
Can you transport a car without insurance?
If you aren't going to be driving the vehicle, you may not be required to have an auto insurance policy for your car while it's in transit. However, having an auto policy can be crucial if there's an issue with the transporter's insurance. Your auto insurance may offer coverage, minus your car insurance deductible and depending on your policy.
What types of auto insurance coverage cover auto transport damage?
Comprehensive car insurance coverage may pay to repair or replace your vehicle during transport due to damage or loss from theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, glass breakage, or collisions with animals.
Auto collision coverage may pay to repair or replace your vehicle if your vehicle is damaged in a crash while being transported.
Comprehensive and collision coverage both typically have a deductible.
Best practices when transporting a vehicle
Before shipping your car, taking a few steps can help protect your vehicle and avoid complications if damage occurs.
Ask for proof of insurance
Verify the auto transport company's proof of insurance, including coverage limits, effective dates, and exclusions. Make sure their coverage can fully protect your vehicle during pickup, transport, and delivery. If not, check your personal auto policy or contact your agent or insurer to understand how coverage applies during vehicle transport.
Get everything in writing
Before the move, ensure you have documentation of your auto transport agreement, including insurance coverage and delivery information.
If you hire someone to drive your vehicle, are they covered under your auto insurance policy?
Car insurance generally follows the car and not the driver, so if you permit someone to drive your vehicle instead of shipping it, they may be covered up to the full extent of your auto policy's coverage. If the driver doesn't have their own auto insurance policy, you might request that they get a non-owner car insurance policy.
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