What Is NOT Covered by Car Shipping Insurance?

Cargo insurance has exclusions that surprise many shippers. Know what isn't covered, including personal items, Acts of God, and pre-existing damage, before your car ships.

Common Cargo Insurance Exclusions

Understanding what's excluded is just as important as knowing what's covered. These exclusions apply to most standard carrier cargo policies:

1. Personal Items Inside the Vehicle

Not covered. Cargo insurance covers the vehicle, not its contents. Electronics, clothing, sports equipment, gifts, and any other belongings left inside are entirely at your own risk.

Do not leave anything you cannot afford to lose in the vehicle during transport.

2. Pre-Existing Damage

Not covered. Damage that existed before the carrier took possession is the owner's responsibility. This is documented on the pickup Bill of Lading. If you don't note pre-existing damage at pickup, it creates ambiguity at delivery.

Always do a thorough pickup inspection and photograph everything.

3. Acts of God (Weather Events)

Typically not covered. Hail damage, flood damage, tornado damage, and other weather events while in open transport are generally excluded as Acts of God.

This is one of the primary reasons to choose enclosed transport for weather-sensitive, classic, or high-value vehicles.

4. Mechanical or Electrical Failure

Not covered. If your car's engine, transmission, battery, or electrical system fails during or after transport, this is not a transport-related claim. It's a mechanical issue.

The exception: if a carrier's negligence directly caused a mechanical problem (e.g., rolling a vehicle down a steep ramp, damaging the suspension), a claim may be possible with documentation.

5. Aftermarket Parts Not Disclosed

Not covered (or limited coverage). Custom wheels, spoilers, body kits, aftermarket bumpers, and other modifications may not be covered by standard cargo insurance if they weren't disclosed at booking.

Always disclose all significant modifications when booking. We can ensure the carrier's policy covers them or arrange supplemental coverage.

6. Normal Wear from Open Transport Exposure

Not covered. Bug residue, bird droppings, road grime, light dust, and similar surface contamination from open transport exposure are not claimable damage. They're the normal result of road exposure, the same as if you drove the car yourself.

7. Damage Found After Signing the Delivery BOL

Very difficult or impossible to claim. By signing the delivery BOL without noting damage, you legally confirm the vehicle arrived in acceptable condition.

Always inspect before signing.

8. Convertible Soft Top Damage (Open Transport)

Often excluded. Soft tops are particularly vulnerable to wind and debris on open carriers. Enclosed transport is strongly recommended for convertibles.

Summary Table

Questions about coverage? Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, or use LiveChat. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email: info@webautotransport.com.