Need to have your car shipped to another state?

Millions of people use auto transport every year to safely deliver their vehicles to their desired destination. Whether you’re moving across the country for a new job, buying a vehicle online, or taking your classic beauty to a show…

Auto transport services can save you money and headaches.

But wait.

Not all auto shipping companies will provide safe and secure transport for your vehicle. If you don’t choose wisely, you may come back to damages, hidden fees, or late deliveries that disrupt your schedule.

Fortunately…

There are many reputable auto transport services out there who specialize in safe delivery and take pride in their work. As the car shipping industry grows, with revenue expected to exceed $11.5 billion in 2025, there are plenty of options to choose from.

In this article I’ll explain exactly how to get safe and secure auto transport for your car.

You’ll Learn

• Auto Transport Safety Requirements
• Open Transport vs Enclosed Transport
• Tips for Hiring A Reliable Auto Transport Company
• Types of Insurance Coverage
• Prepping Your Vehicle for Safe Transport

Auto Transport Safety Standards You Should Know

All auto transport companies are required to adhere to safety standards.

Legitimate carriers are required by law to abide by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and maintain valid licensing. Some rules include driver requirements, insurance standards, and maintenance of equipment.

When you compare car shipping quotes keep in mind that prices will reflect those who invest in qualified drivers, updated equipment, and proper insurance to protect their customers.

If they transport your vehicle safely every day, they should have no problem providing you with their FMCSA number and insurance certificate. Suspicious?

Carriers are required to carry minimum insurance coverage. There is one caveat to this…

Most companies provide only the minimum required liability coverage. If your vehicle is over a certain value, you may want to purchase additional insurance to cover your car. We’ll discuss this later.

Open Transport vs Enclosed Transport: Safety Explained

Now you’re ready to learn about the two different types of auto transport methods.

For most consumers, Open transport is the most commonly used vehicle shipping method. Approximately 85% of all transported vehicles travel by Open transport.

Your vehicle will be placed on an open trailer during transit. Outside elements are exposed.

Is open transport safe? You bet.

Since most vehicles are shipped this way, open carriers have perfected the art of safe transit. Improper loading can cause exposure to sun, rain, and debris on the road. All professional auto transport services take extra precautions to secure your vehicle correctly.

Enclosed car transport takes safety precautions one step further.

When To Choose Enclosed Auto Transport

We recommend enclosed transport if you own:

• Classic or antique vehicles.
• Luxury automobiles valued at $50,000 or more.
• Vehicles that will be displayed at a show.
• Specialty cars with custom paint or bodywork.

Here’s the deal:

If your car doesn’t fall into one of these categories, you don’t need enclosed transport. Your car will be perfectly safe with an open transport carrier. It’s just not cost-effective to spend the extra money on a sedan or SUV.

Open or enclosed, all professional auto transport services utilize specially made straps to secure vehicles to the trailer during transit. Wheels are also blocked with rubber chocks to prevent movement.

Tips For Choosing A Reliable Auto Transport Company

OK. Let’s dive into the best ways to find safe auto transport services.

Research potential companies before agreeing to anything. The car shipping industry is extremely competitive, with over 7,800 active businesses nationwide. With numbers like that, quality can vary greatly from company to company.

Checking a few things will help you weed out the bad apples:

• Do they have a valid FMCSA license and DOT number?
• Can they prove cargo insurance and liability coverage?
• Do they have positive reviews across multiple platforms?
• Is their contract clear and free of hidden charges?
• How professional are they when you call with questions?

It’s always best to work with a shipping company that will assign you a personal transporter coordinator. Someone who will keep you updated on the transport process and provide detailed tracking information once your vehicle departs.

Once promising companies pass these tests, look for these red flags:

Any company that asks for a large percentage of payment upfront. Never give a transport company full payment until your car has safely arrived at its destination.

Promises that sound too good to be true. Delivery times are typically 1-7 days, depending on distance and destination. If someone quotes you a 2 day cross-country transport, they’re lying.

No physical address or FMCSA licensing. Run their DOT number through the FMCSA website. It’s quick and easy.

Insurance Coverage Options You Should Know

Car shipping companies are required to carry insurance.

That doesn’t mean all insurance is equal. Liability coverage is standard with all carriers. The amount of coverage they provide can vary substantially from company to company.

Before you choose a transporter, ask them these questions:

“How much cargo insurance do you provide per vehicle?”

Many carriers offer anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000 in cargo insurance. For high end vehicles and transports, some companies offer up to $1 million in insurance per vehicle.

“What does your insurance cover?” Get specific, in writing. Some carriers exclude things like tires and windshield damage. Others may have a higher deductible.

“Do you offer gap insurance?”

While your personal auto insurance policy may cover damages during transport, you may want to invest in a company that offers gap insurance.

Gap insurance covers anything not included in your personal automobile insurance policy.

Keep in mind:

Many car insurance providers will not cover your vehicle while it’s in transport. Call your provider before you ship to confirm your level of coverage. You may want to consider purchasing additional insurance to protect your investment.

Photograph your vehicle BEFORE it’s transported. Take pictures of every angle of your vehicle and note existing damages on your inspection report.

How To Prep Your Vehicle For Safe Transport

All reputable auto transport services will send you a vehicle prep guide.

But here are a few key points to remember when preparing your vehicle for transport.

Start With a Clean Vehicle

Wash your car inside and out.

We can’t stress this enough. Do NOT skip this step. Why spend money to have your vehicle transported only to find new damages because you didn’t take the time to clean your car?

If your vehicle is dirty, pre-existing damages on your car will be harder to spot on the initial inspection.

Remove Personal Belongings

Don’t leave anything in your vehicle.

Personal belongings are not covered by your transport company during shipping. Empty everything out of your vehicle. Trunk, glove box, console doors, everywhere.

Fluid Levels and Tire Pressure

Make sure your vehicle is in running condition before it’s transported.

Fill all fluid levels to prevent leaks that could damage your vehicle. If your vehicle has extensive problems, be sure to notify your transporter. Some vehicles cannot be transported without being loaded on a flatbed.

Disable Your Alarm

Many cars get transported with their alarms intact. Avoid delays and unnecessary headaches by simply turning off your alarms.

ALSO:

Keep your fuel tank between 1/4 to 1/2 of a tank. Any more than that and you’re just paying your transporter to transport fuel.

Final Recommendations

As you can see, safe and secure auto transport is really quite simple.

Look for licensed, insured companies with plenty of experience and good customer feedback. Know the difference between open vs enclosed transport and choose which best fits your needs.

Verify your transporter has adequate insurance coverage before signing any contracts. Prep your vehicle for safe transport and take detailed photos prior to shipment.

Safe and secure auto transport all comes down to doing your research.

If you take the time to find reputable companies, the process is quick and easy. Millions of vehicles are transported every year without incident.

Make sure yours is one of them.

Last modified: February 25, 2026