Car Shipping Insurance
Every vehicle we ship is covered. Here's how insurance works during auto transport.
How Car Shipping Insurance Works
All FMCSA-licensed carriers are required to carry cargo insurance. This insurance covers your vehicle from the moment the driver loads it onto the trailer until it is delivered to your destination. State Wide Auto Transport (SWA) verifies every carrier's active insurance policy before dispatch.
Carrier Cargo Insurance
Every carrier in our network carries a minimum cargo insurance policy. Coverage ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000+ depending on the carrier.
Liability Insurance
Carriers also carry general liability and auto liability insurance as required by the FMCSA for operating authority.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
A detailed inspection report is completed at both pickup and delivery. This document is your proof of vehicle condition before and after transport.
Your Personal Insurance
Your own auto insurance policy typically remains active during transport. Check with your insurer for gap coverage details.
What Is Covered?
Covered
- ✓ Damage during loading or unloading
- ✓ Damage from road debris or rocks while on the trailer
- ✓ Damage from carrier equipment failure
- ✓ Damage from carrier accidents
- ✓ Weather-related damage while on the trailer
Typically Not Covered
- × Pre-existing damage not noted on the BOL
- × Personal items left inside the vehicle
- × Mechanical issues unrelated to transport
- × Acts of God (extreme weather events)
- × Damage from items stored in the vehicle
The Claims Process
Inspect at Delivery
Before signing the delivery BOL, carefully inspect your vehicle. Note any new damage directly on the BOL and take photos.
Report Immediately
Call us at (855) 469-8090 to report the damage. We will guide you through the process and connect you with the carrier's insurance.
Document Everything
Provide photos of the damage, the signed BOL with damage notes, and any repair estimates from a certified body shop.
Claim Filed
The carrier's insurance company reviews the claim. Most claims are resolved within 30-90 days. SWA advocates on your behalf throughout.
Important: The Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the most important document in the shipping process. It records the condition of your vehicle at pickup and delivery. Always inspect your vehicle carefully before signing the delivery BOL. If you notice any new damage, write it on the BOL before signing. Without documentation on the BOL, filing a claim becomes significantly harder.
Tips to Protect Your Vehicle
- ✓ Take detailed photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup
- ✓ Remove all personal items from the vehicle (they are not covered)
- ✓ Note any pre-existing damage on the pickup BOL
- ✓ Inspect carefully at delivery before signing
- ✓ Choose enclosed transport for high-value or classic vehicles
- ✓ Keep copies of all documents (BOL, photos, communications)
Questions About Insurance?
Our team can explain coverage details for your specific shipment.