When scheduling vehicle transport during the colder months, one of the most common questions customers ask is about insurance coverage. At American Car Transporters, we understand that trusting someone else with your vehicle during unpredictable winter weather requires confidence and transparency. The good news is that every licensed carrier we work with includes insurance protection for your vehicle while it is in transit. Knowing what is covered, how documentation works, and what steps to take before and after shipping gives you complete peace of mind.

Understanding Auto Transport Insurance

Auto transport insurance protects your vehicle against damage that could occur while it is in the carrier’s care. Although incidents are very rare, this coverage is an essential part of every professional shipment. Before pickup, the carrier performs a full inspection and records your vehicle’s condition on a bill of lading. This inspection serves as your official record for insurance purposes.

During transport, the carrier’s policy covers your vehicle while it is loaded, in transit, and being unloaded. Upon delivery, the same inspection is repeated to confirm that your vehicle arrived in the same condition. At American Car Transporters, we verify that every carrier meets or exceeds federal insurance requirements so that your vehicle is fully protected from start to finish.

Carrier Insurance Basics

All licensed auto carriers are required to maintain active cargo insurance. This policy protects against damage that could occur because of carrier-related incidents such as accidents, equipment malfunction, or shifting loads. The minimum coverage limit depends on the size of the carrier and the number of vehicles being transported, but every carrier must comply with Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

Our compliance team reviews every carrier’s certificate of insurance before assigning them to a shipment. This verification ensures that coverage is active, adequate, and up to date. By confirming these details before dispatch, we remove uncertainty and guarantee that your vehicle is shipped only with qualified, insured professionals.

What Is Covered During Winter Shipping

Your vehicle is covered for damage that may occur while in the carrier’s possession. This includes damage caused by shifting loads, accidental contact from other vehicles on the trailer, or rare mechanical issues involving carrier equipment. In the winter months, coverage also includes protection from weather-related damage such as ice or hail, provided the incident occurs while your vehicle is on the truck and under the carrier’s care.

If your car is shipped using enclosed transport, it receives additional protection from exposure to salt, snow, and road debris. Open carriers also maintain full insurance protection, but enclosed shipping reduces environmental risk even further by keeping your car sealed inside a trailer throughout the trip.

What Is Not Covered

Auto transport insurance does not cover personal items left inside the vehicle, pre-existing mechanical issues, or cosmetic imperfections that existed before pickup. It also does not cover damage that occurs before the carrier takes possession or after the vehicle has been delivered and signed off. Aftermarket accessories or modifications that are not permanently attached to the vehicle may not be included unless disclosed ahead of time.

To avoid complications, remove all personal belongings and let your transport coordinator know about any custom parts or specialty features before the vehicle is scheduled. This helps the carrier plan accordingly and ensures accurate insurance documentation.

Preparing for Inspection and Coverage

A smooth insurance process starts with a clear inspection. Here are the key steps to take before your carrier arrives.
1. Clean your vehicle. A clean exterior helps both you and the driver identify any existing marks clearly.
2. Take photos. Capture well-lit images of all sides, including close-ups of bumpers, mirrors, and the roof.
3. Attend the inspection. Be present when the driver performs the walkaround and review the report carefully.
4. Remove personal items. Carriers cannot transport personal belongings, and these items are not insured.
5. Confirm details. Provide accurate contact information so updates and inspection reports reach you promptly.

Following these steps ensures your vehicle’s condition is properly documented and reduces the chance of delays or disputes.

What to Expect During Transport

Once your car is loaded, it is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance until it is unloaded at its destination. Our dispatch team tracks your vehicle’s progress and communicates directly with the driver to ensure everything remains on schedule. During winter, carriers take additional precautions such as checking weather forecasts, adjusting routes, and monitoring road conditions to avoid exposure to heavy snow or icy terrain.

You will receive updates throughout the transport process, including estimated delivery windows. If unforeseen conditions such as weather cause delays, our team notifies you immediately and coordinates any necessary schedule changes.

Delivery and Final Inspection

When your vehicle arrives, the driver will contact you to arrange delivery. Together, you will inspect the car and compare it to the initial report from pickup. If you notice any differences, note them directly on the bill of lading before signing. Both you and the driver keep copies of the report for your records.

If a claim ever becomes necessary, submit a copy of the signed bill of lading and your photos to our claims department. We work directly with the carrier’s insurance provider to ensure the claim is processed quickly and fairly. Because of our thorough documentation process, customers rarely face complications.

Optional Coverage for High-Value Vehicles

Standard carrier insurance provides solid protection, but some customers transporting luxury, exotic, or classic cars prefer extra coverage for added confidence. Optional coverage can increase insurance limits or reduce deductibles depending on the vehicle and route. If you are shipping a high-value vehicle during winter, enclosed transport combined with optional coverage provides the highest level of protection available.

Our coordinators can explain the details of each option, help you review policy limits, and guide you through every stage of the booking and documentation process.

How American Car Transporters Ensures Protection

We take insurance seriously because your peace of mind depends on it. Before every shipment, we confirm that your carrier has valid insurance documents on file. We also review each policy’s coverage limits to make sure it meets your vehicle’s value and route requirements. Throughout the process, you receive transparent communication, inspection documentation, and clear next steps so you always know your vehicle is safe and insured.

Our customers value our honesty and diligence. Every year, we successfully complete thousands of winter shipments without incident because we partner only with experienced, vetted carriers who maintain clean safety and insurance records.

Frequently Asked Question

Do I need separate insurance when shipping my car. No. Licensed carriers provide insurance coverage for your vehicle while it is in transit. The carrier’s policy protects your vehicle from pickup to delivery, including coverage for potential weather or transport-related issues. However, you should keep your personal auto policy active for general liability and non-transport use.

Get Your Car Shipped Safely This Winter

Your car deserves the same protection you do when traveling during winter. At American Car Transporters, every shipment includes verified insurance coverage, documented inspections, and professional handling from start to finish. Our process keeps your vehicle safe while you focus on your move. Visit American Car Transporters to learn more about our insured transport services or contact us today to request your free winter car shipping quote.