One of the first concerns many customers have is, “What if my car is damaged during shipping?” It’s a valid question, because while most vehicles arrive safely, there’s always a slight chance of damage during transport. The key is being prepared, knowing what to do, and choosing a trusted provider from the start.
At Passport Transport, we specialize in enclosed car transport, a service designed to minimize risks by shielding vehicles from weather, road debris, and other potential hazards. With decades of experience, our team has built a reputation for handling cars with care and professionalism. While incidents are rare, we believe in transparency and giving customers the knowledge they need to feel confident every step of the way.
The thought of your vehicle being scratched or dented on the road is stressful, but the reality is that damage during transport is rare. Industry data shows that fewer than 5% of vehicles shipped yearly report any kind of damage, and many of those are minor cosmetic issues. That means most cars arrive in the same condition they were picked up.
The type of transport you choose plays a big role in risk. Open carriers expose vehicles to the elements, making them more vulnerable to road debris or severe weather. In contrast, enclosed transport provides an added layer of protection by keeping vehicles shielded inside a fully covered trailer.
At Passport Transport, we’ve built our reputation on high safety standards and a focus on enclosed car transport. From experienced drivers to careful loading and unloading procedures, every step reduces the risk. It’s why so many customers trust us when they need their vehicle shipped with confidence.
Even though car damage during transport is uncommon, it helps to understand how it can happen. Road debris is one of the most frequent culprits, especially for vehicles shipped on open trailers, where rocks, gravel, and other materials can be kicked up at highway speeds. Severe weather, including hail, strong winds, or heavy rain, can also create risks. Finally, loading and unloading are sensitive stages where accidents can occur without proper care.
The good news is that you can minimize these risks with the right carrier. Professional companies use specialized equipment, secure tie-down methods, and trained drivers who know how to handle all types of vehicles. That’s especially important for classic car shipping, where even a minor scratch or dent can significantly affect value.
At Passport Transport, we invest in people and equipment to reduce risks at every stage. From careful pre-trip inspections to proven handling techniques, we aim to ensure your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left.
If you ever find your car damaged during shipping, the key is to act quickly and follow the proper steps to protect your claim. Here’s what you should do:
Understanding insurance is one of the most critical parts of protecting your vehicle during transport. Standard auto transport insurance typically covers physical damage that might occur while the car is in the carrier’s care. This can include scratches, dents, or more significant issues caused during loading, transit, or unloading.
It’s important to know that carrier-provided insurance isn’t the same as your personal auto policy. While your regular insurance usually doesn’t apply to damage during shipping, a reputable transport company’s coverage steps in to handle those situations. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking, and make sure you understand the limits and deductibles involved.
At Passport Transport, we go beyond the basics. Our coverage protects every vehicle we ship, including high-value moves such as exotic car transport. Customers can feel secure knowing that if the unexpected ever happens, they have a trusted partner who will stand behind the process.
If damage occurs to your car during shipping, filing a claim doesn’t have to be complicated. Following the correct process helps ensure your case is handled quickly and fairly.
Contact the transport company as soon as possible after delivery. Most carriers have a claims department or designated representative to guide you through the next steps.
To support your claim, you’ll need the Bill of Lading with damage noted at delivery and photos or videos you took. The carrier may also ask for a cop y of your insurance paperwork or any additional documentation that proves the vehicle’s condition before shipping.
Most claims are processed within a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the insurance provider’s review. Keeping communication open and providing complete documentation speeds up the process.
Be thorough in your initial claim submission, respond promptly to requests for more information, and keep copies of all correspondence. The clearer and more organized your evidence, the easier it will be to reach a resolution.
The best way to deal with vehicle damage is to prevent it in the first place. One of the smartest steps is choosing enclosed car transport, especially if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle such as a classic, exotic, or luxury model. Enclosed trailers shield your car from weather and road debris, reducing the more common risks with open carriers.
Preparation also matters. Before the carrier picks up your car, remove all personal belongings, secure or remove any loose parts or accessories, and take photos to document its pre-shipping condition. These small steps help protect your vehicle and provide peace of mind.
Finally, the carrier you choose makes all the difference. Passport Transport has decades of experience in luxury car transport, with trained drivers, specialized equipment, and strict safety procedures. Working with a trusted company significantly minimizes the chances of anything going wrong.
When it comes to shipping high-value vehicles, experience matters. Passport Transport has been trusted for decades to safely move classic, luxury, and collectible cars across the country. From muscle cars and vintage roadsters to rare imports, our team understands the care these vehicles require.
We rely on state-of-the-art enclosed trailers to shield cars from weather, road debris, and other hazards. Each transport is handled by trained professionals who know the specific needs of delicate vehicles. That attention to detail is one reason customers choose us when precision and protection are essential.
It’s rare. Industry data shows that only a small percentage of vehicles experience damage, and most issues are minor. Choosing enclosed transport further reduces the risk.
No carrier can guarantee zero risk, but enclosed trailers provide maximum protection against weather, road debris, and handling issues. It’s the preferred option for valuable cars.
Carrier-provided insurance typically covers physical damage while your vehicle is in transit. Always review the policy details, including limits and deductibles, before shipping.
Inspect your vehicle at delivery, take photos or videos of any issues, not them on the Bill of Lading, and contact the transport company immediately.
Most personal auto policies don’t cover vehicles in transit, so carrier-provided insurance is essential. Always confirm coverage before your car is shipped.
If damage occurs, we guide you through every step of the claims process. Our team provides clear communication, helps gather the necessary documentation, and works quickly towards a resolution.
While the thought of finding your car damaged during shipping can be stressful, the reality is that it’s rare, especially when you prepare properly, document your vehicle’s condition, and work with a trusted carrier. The right company makes all the difference in reducing risks and ensuring you’re supported if something does happen.
At Passport, we’ve earned a reputation for safety and transparency and have decades of experience moving valuable vehicles with care. From enclosed trailers to comprehensive insurance, every step is designed to protect your car.
If you’re ready to ship confidently, you can easily contact Passport Transport with any questions or get a free enclosed car transport quote today.
With over 55 years of trusted service, Passport Transport is the leader in enclosed auto shipping. We’re committed to delivering your vehicle safely, securely, and on time – every time. Get your free quote today and ship with confidence.
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