Car shipping service
Open Car Transport Insurance and Protection
- Estimates clearly labeled
- Independent company rankings
- Free to compare
Open Car Transport at a glance
- Cost per mile
- $0.70–$1.89 per mile
- Typical total
- $875 – $2,365
- Transit time
- 3–5 days
- Best for
- Everyday cars, SUVs and pickups
Free · No obligation · About a minute
Get a open car transport quote
Liability coverage is required
Most for-hire interstate carriers must file at least $750,000 in liability coverage with the FMCSA.
Cargo coverage is set by the carrier
Cargo coverage pays for damage the carrier causes to the vehicles it hauls. Limits and deductibles vary, so ask for the certificate.
Weather and road debris
On an open trailer, minor chips from road debris or weather exposure may not be covered. Ask how the carrier handles these claims.
Your own policy
Some personal auto policies cover a car in transit. Call your insurer before pickup to check.
What's usually covered with open car transport
- 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.
Ready to ship your car with open car transport?
Enter your route to compare estimated prices, pickup dates and transport companies.