What Is Covered by the Carrier's Cargo Insurance?
Carrier cargo insurance covers your vehicle against physical damage during transport. Here's exactly what is covered, what the limits are, and what TransitShield adds as an optional layer.
What Carrier Cargo Insurance Covers
Every FMCSA-licensed carrier is required by federal law to carry cargo insurance. This policy covers physical damage to your vehicle while it is in the carrier's possession — from loading at the pickup location through unloading at delivery.
Typically covered:
- Exterior scratches and dents caused during loading, transit, or unloading
- Damage from road debris during transport
- Broken mirrors or lights caused by a transport incident
- Vehicle theft while in the carrier's custody
- Damage caused by another vehicle on the same trailer
- Loading and unloading accidents
Typically NOT covered:
- Pre-existing damage present before pickup
- Personal belongings or loose items inside the vehicle
- Mechanical or electrical failure during transit
- Acts of God (floods, earthquakes, named storms)
- Diminished value after repair
Coverage Limits
Standard open carrier cargo policies typically cover $100,000–$250,000 per load, shared across all vehicles on the trailer, not per vehicle individually. Enclosed carrier policies are often higher, sometimes $250,000–$1,000,000 or more.
For most everyday vehicles, the carrier's cargo policy is sufficient. For high-value, luxury, or classic vehicles, the per-vehicle share of a shared policy may not fully cover the vehicle's actual cash value, which is where TransitShield becomes relevant.
The Bill of Lading Is Your Proof
Cargo insurance only pays for damage that can be proven to have occurred during transport. The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the key document:
- Damage noted on the pickup BOL = pre-existing, not covered
- New damage appearing at delivery that was NOT on the pickup BOL = potentially covered
- Damage discovered after you've signed the delivery BOL without noting it = very difficult to claim
Always inspect the vehicle before signing the delivery BOL. Always take timestamped photos at both pickup and delivery.
Optional: TransitShield
For customers who want a named, per-VIN policy beyond the carrier's standard coverage, Web Auto Transport offers TransitShield, Shipper's Interest Transit Insurance underwritten through Tint's TrustedTransport™ program.
- Cost: $99 per vehicle (flat rate)
- Per-Vehicle Limit: Up to $200,000
- Deductible: $100
- Coverage period: Pickup to final delivery
- How to add: Select at booking, per VIN
- Eligible vehicles: Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans with ACV of $200,000 or less
TransitShield is optional, not automatic. It provides a broader coverage trigger, a low $100 deductible, and a direct digital claims process with a 7-day resolution target. See the dedicated TransitShield article for the full breakdown.
Q&A
Q: Is insurance included in my quote?
Yes. Carrier cargo insurance is included on every shipment at no extra charge. TransitShield is an optional $99/vehicle add-on.
Q: How do I verify the carrier's insurance?
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your logistics coordinator before pickup, or verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov using the carrier's MC number. Web Auto Transport re-verifies insurance at every dispatch through Highway and Carrier Assure.
Q: Does insurance cover personal items in the car?
No. Cargo insurance covers the vehicle only, not personal belongings. Remove all valuables before shipping.
Q: What if the carrier's insurance has lapsed?
We re-verify insurance before every dispatch. If a lapse is discovered, the carrier is removed from the network and your shipment is reassigned to a compliant carrier before pickup.
Q: Will I have to pay a deductible?
In most cases, no. The carrier's deductible is the carrier's responsibility. If you add TransitShield, the customer-side deductible is $100.
Questions about coverage? Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email: info@webautotransport.com.