Protection
Car shipping insurance, without the fine print
Every carrier we dispatch is verified against live FMCSA authority and a current certificate of insurance. Here is exactly what that covers, what it does not, and how to protect yourself in the ten minutes that actually matter.
Minimum coverage we enforce
| Transport type | Cargo coverage | Liability |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | $100,000+ per load | $750,000+ |
| Enclosed transport | $250,000+ per load | $1,000,000+ |
| Exotic / high value | $500,000+ per vehicle | $1,000,000+ |
Coverage is verified from the certificate of insurance on file and re-checked before a carrier can claim a load. Expired insurance automatically blocks dispatch.
The four steps that win claims
Photograph everything at pickup
Walk the vehicle in daylight. Wide shots of all four sides, close-ups of every existing chip or scratch, roof, wheels, and the odometer. Timestamped photos are your evidence.
Read the Bill of Lading before signing
The BOL is the condition record. Anything the driver marks at pickup is what you will be compared against at delivery. Disagree on the spot, not later.
Inspect before you sign at delivery
Do not accept the keys and sign clean if the truck arrives after dark and you cannot see the paint. Write the damage on the BOL and have the driver initial it.
File the claim with documentation
Submit the annotated BOL, pickup photos, delivery photos, and a repair estimate. Carriers on TankWorldWide must respond within 5 business days or we escalate it.
Insurance questions, answered
Is vehicle and equipment shipping insurance included in the price?
Yes. Every FMCSA-registered motor carrier must carry cargo insurance, and that coverage is included in the transport price. You should never pay a separate insurance fee to move a standard vehicle.
How much cargo coverage does a carrier need?
Open carriers on TankWorldWide must show at least $100,000 in cargo coverage, and enclosed carriers at least $250,000. Coverage is per load, so a 9-car open trailer splits its limit across all vehicles on board.
Does my personal auto policy cover transport damage?
Usually only as secondary coverage, and comprehensive claims may carry your deductible. The carrier's cargo policy is primary for damage that happens between pickup and delivery.
What is not covered by cargo insurance?
Acts of God (hail, flooding, falling debris), pre-existing damage, mechanical failure, personal items left inside the vehicle, and aftermarket parts that were not declared before pickup.
How long do I have to file a damage claim?
Note the damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign at delivery, then file within 24 hours. A signed clean BOL is the single biggest reason valid claims get denied.
Already shipping with us? File and track a claim from your shipment dashboard.