Car shipping service
Cross-Country Car Shipping Insurance and Protection
- Estimates clearly labeled
- Independent company rankings
- Free to compare
Cross-Country Car Shipping at a glance
- Cost per mile
- $0.35–$1.89 per mile
- Typical total
- $875 – $4,725
- Transit time
- 5–10 days
- Best for
- Long-distance moves
Free · No obligation · About a minute
Get a cross-country car shipping quote
Liability coverage is required
Interstate for-hire carriers must file at least $750,000 in liability coverage with the FMCSA.
Cargo coverage for the whole trip
The carrier's cargo coverage applies from pickup to delivery. Ask for the certificate and check the limit and deductible.
Weather exposure on long routes
On open trucks, a long trip means more exposure to weather and road debris. Consider enclosed for valuable or freshly painted cars.
Update your own policy
If you're moving to a new state, tell your insurer and update your policy for the new address.
What's usually covered with cross-country car shipping
- Covered: Damage caused by the carrier during loading, transport or unloading
Often not covered
- Often not covered: Personal items left in the car
- Often not covered: Damage that existed before pickup
- Often not covered: Mechanical or electrical problems
- Often not covered: Damage not noted on the Bill of Lading at delivery
If your car is damaged
- Note the damage on the Bill of Lading before signing
- Photograph it with the driver present
- Tell the shipping company right away
- File a claim with the carrier or its insurer and keep all paperwork
You and the driver inspect the car at pickup and again at delivery. Note any new damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign, and photograph it before the driver leaves.
How to check a company's coverage
- Ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance before pickup.
- Check the cargo limit covers your car's value, and ask about the deductible.
- Look up the company's USDOT number to confirm its authority and insurance on file.
- If you booked through a broker, confirm which carrier's policy applies.
Photos are your best evidence
Dated photos taken at pickup are your best evidence of the car's condition if you need to file a claim. It's also worth asking your own insurer whether your policy covers the car in transit.
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