7 Things Not Covered by Car Shipping Insurance
Auto transport insurance provides essential protection when shipping your vehicle across the country or even just a few states over. However, many customers are surprised to learn that not everything is covered under a standard policy.
What’s NOT Covered by Auto Transport Insurance
To avoid misunderstandings and give you better peace of mind, here’s a closer look at what’s typically not covered by auto transport insurance.
- Personal Belongings Inside the Vehicle
While it might seem convenient to pack your car with clothes, electronics, or other personal items, those belongings are not protected by the carrier’s insurance. If they’re lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, the responsibility falls on the vehicle owner and not the transporter. It’s always best to remove all non-essential items before your car is picked up. - Pre-Existing Damage
Insurance only covers damage that occurs during transport. That means any scratches, dents, or issues that existed before the car was loaded onto the carrier are not eligible for a claim. Your carrier will perform a condition report at pickup, so it’s important to be honest and thorough when reviewing it. This report protects both parties and serves as a reference if any issues arise later. - Damage from Weather or Natural Events
Weather-related events such as hail, heavy rain, flooding, and high winds are often excluded from standard coverage. These are typically considered "acts of God" and fall outside what most carrier policies are responsible for. If your vehicle will be traveling through areas prone to severe weather, consider upgrading to enclosed transport for better protection. - Aftermarket and Custom Accessories
Custom parts like spoilers, body kits, rims, or roof racks are generally not covered unless they’re clearly noted and agreed upon prior to transport. These parts can be difficult to secure and more vulnerable to damage. If your car has unique or high-value modifications, talk to your broker or carrier about additional coverage options. - Mechanical Failures
Auto transport insurance doesn’t cover issues related to your car’s functionality. If your battery dies, your brakes fail, or the engine won’t start after delivery, these are not considered insurable events unless directly caused by physical damage during loading, unloading, or transport. - Glass and Mirror Damage
In some cases, damage to windshields, windows, or side mirrors is excluded especially if it’s due to minor road vibrations or flying debris. This type of damage is more common with open transport, so it’s worth confirming with your carrier whether glass is included in the policy. - Improperly Modified or Oversized Vehicles
Vehicles with extreme modifications such as lifted suspensions or oversized tires can be harder to secure properly. If damage occurs due to these alterations and the carrier wasn’t informed in advance, the insurance may not cover it. Always disclose any customizations during booking.
While it might seem convenient to pack your car with clothes, electronics, or other personal items, those belongings are not protected by the carrier’s insurance. If they’re lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, the responsibility falls on the vehicle owner and not the transporter. It’s always best to remove all non-essential items before your car is picked up.
Insurance only covers damage that occurs during transport. That means any scratches, dents, or issues that existed before the car was loaded onto the carrier are not eligible for a claim. Your carrier will perform a condition report at pickup, so it’s important to be honest and thorough when reviewing it. This report protects both parties and serves as a reference if any issues arise later.
Weather-related events such as hail, heavy rain, flooding, and high winds are often excluded from standard coverage. These are typically considered "acts of God" and fall outside what most carrier policies are responsible for. If your vehicle will be traveling through areas prone to severe weather, consider upgrading to enclosed transport for better protection.
Custom parts like spoilers, body kits, rims, or roof racks are generally not covered unless they’re clearly noted and agreed upon prior to transport. These parts can be difficult to secure and more vulnerable to damage. If your car has unique or high-value modifications, talk to your broker or carrier about additional coverage options.
Auto transport insurance doesn’t cover issues related to your car’s functionality. If your battery dies, your brakes fail, or the engine won’t start after delivery, these are not considered insurable events unless directly caused by physical damage during loading, unloading, or transport.
In some cases, damage to windshields, windows, or side mirrors is excluded especially if it’s due to minor road vibrations or flying debris. This type of damage is more common with open transport, so it’s worth confirming with your carrier whether glass is included in the policy.
Vehicles with extreme modifications such as lifted suspensions or oversized tires can be harder to secure properly. If damage occurs due to these alterations and the carrier wasn’t informed in advance, the insurance may not cover it. Always disclose any customizations during booking.
Why It Matters
Understanding what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what is. It helps you make informed decisions, such as whether to purchase extra protection or choose enclosed transport. It also helps you avoid disputes during delivery or claims processing.
Before shipping, always request a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate and read the fine print. If you have special concerns like transporting a modified vehicle or shipping during storm season, your broker can help you explore options for additional coverage.
Final Tip
If you’re ever unsure, just ask. A reliable broker or carrier will walk you through what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how to best protect your vehicle before it hits the road.
For reliable nationwide service, Viceroy Auto Transport stands out as a trusted choice. Known for their professionalism, transparent communication, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Viceroy ensures a smooth and worry-free vehicle shipping experience from start to finish.
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