Looking for Vehicle Transportation Insurance?
Protect your auto transport business from vehicle damage, accidents, liability claims, and cargo loss. Get coverage for car haulers, auto transport carriers, and vehicle delivery services.
What is Vehicle Transportation Insurance?
Vehicle transportation insurance protects auto carriers from vehicle damage, accidents, theft, and liability claims. Coverage includes motor truck cargo for vehicles, commercial auto liability, and on-hook coverage. Dealers, auctions, and brokers require proof of insurance before transport contracts.
Cargo Coverage
Protection for vehicles being transported from damage, theft, or loss.
Commercial Auto Liability
Covers hauler accidents and third-party injuries during transport operations.
On-Hook Coverage
Protects vehicles while loaded on carriers or in transit custody.
Certificates
Fast proof for dealers, auctions, and transport brokers.
Who Needs Vehicle Transportation Insurance?
- Auto Transport Carriers : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Car Hauling Companies : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Vehicle Delivery Services : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Enclosed Auto Transport : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
Why Harper?
Auto Transport Expertise
We understand vehicle hauling risks—cargo damage, loading accidents, transport mishaps, and high-value vehicle exposure. Get coverage for open carriers, enclosed transport, or specialty vehicle hauling.
Fast Proof for Dealers
Auto dealers require insurance before authorizing vehicle transport. We deliver certificates quickly for dealer relationships.
Clear Simple Guidance
We explain motor truck cargo for autos, on-hook coverage, and auto transport requirements clearly.
Tailored to Your Hauling
Match coverage to your transport—open car carriers, enclosed transport, classic/exotic cars, or dealer fleet delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do auto transport companies need?
Auto transport carriers need motor truck cargo insurance specifically for automobiles, protecting vehicles being transported (typically $100,000-$250,000 per vehicle with aggregate limits of $500,000-$1 million+), commercial auto liability meeting FMCSA requirements ($750,000 minimum for interstate), and on-hook coverage for vehicles loaded on carriers. Physical damage protects carrier trucks and trailers, while garage liability covers loading/unloading operations. General liability protects non-driving operations at terminals or storage facilities.
Is vehicle transport insurance required?
FMCSA requires interstate auto transport carriers to maintain minimum commercial auto liability and file proof before granting MC authority. Dealers, auction houses, and auto transport brokers require motor truck cargo coverage for vehicles before authorizing transport, with minimum per-vehicle limits typically $100,000-$150,000 but higher for luxury vehicles. Lenders require physical damage on financed carrier equipment. Operating without proper cargo coverage results in immediate contract termination by shippers.
How much does auto transport insurance cost?
Owner-operator auto haulers with single carriers pay $15,000–$35,000 annually for commercial auto and cargo coverage, depending on operating radius and vehicle types. Small fleets with 2-5 carriers pay $50,000 to $150,000+ annually. Large auto transport companies with multiple carriers pay $200,000 to $1,000,000+ annually. Costs depend on carrier count, vehicle types transported (exotics cost more), per-vehicle cargo limits, annual vehicle count, operating areas, driving records, claims history, and whether operating open or enclosed carriers.
Does insurance cover vehicle damage?
Motor truck cargo insurance for automobiles covers vehicle damage during transportation, including loading/unloading damage, road debris damage, weather exposure (on open carriers), theft from carriers, or damage from carrier accidents. Coverage applies when proper loading procedures, securing methods, and transport care are followed. Pre-existing damage should be documented with condition reports to avoid disputes. Damage from overloading carriers, improper securing, or grossly negligent driving could complicate claims.
Does insurance cover exotic car transport?
Standard motor truck cargo for autos may have per-vehicle sublimits (often $100,000-$150,000), inadequate for exotic, classic, or collector vehicles worth $200,000-$500,000+. Carriers transporting high-value vehicles need higher per-vehicle limits or special coverage for exotic automobiles. Enclosed transport is typically required by insurers and customers for vehicles exceeding certain values. Some policies exclude vehicles over specific values without special endorsements.
Can dealers require specific insurance?
Yes, auto dealerships and manufacturers contracting for vehicle transport require minimum motor truck cargo coverage per vehicle (typically $100,000-$150,000 for standard vehicles, higher for luxury brands), adding the dealer or manufacturer as certificate holder or additional insured, and proof of enclosed transport for new luxury vehicles. Dealer agreements specify insurance requirements, prohibit open transport for certain models, and require certificates before vehicle release.