Restoring or collecting classic cars from the 1950s is a passion, but shipping your prized chrome and tailfins across the country requires more than just hoping for a smooth ride. Whether you’re moving a mint-condition ’57 Chevy or a newly acquired Thunderbird project, ensuring your vintage treasure arrives safely starts before the trailer even rolls down your driveway. Here is what every classic car enthusiast needs to know about reviewing a carrier’s Certificate of Insurance. Learn how to read a carrier’s Certificate of Insurance before shipping your car. Understand coverage limits, exclusions, and how to verify insurance.
Before handing over your vehicle to an auto transport company, one of the smartest things you can do is review the carrier’s Certificate of Insurance (COI). Many customers never ask to see it, assuming every transporter offers the same protection. In reality, insurance limits, policy types, and exclusions can vary significantly. Understanding what you’re looking at helps ensure your vehicle is adequately protected throughout the shipping process.
What Is a Certificate of Insurance?
A Certificate of Insurance is a document issued by an insurance provider that confirms an auto transport carrier has active insurance coverage. While it summarizes the policy, it is not the insurance contract itself. Instead, it provides important details such as the insurance company, policy number, effective dates, coverage limits, and policy type.
Requesting a current Certificate of Insurance before booking is standard practice and should never be viewed as an unreasonable request. Reputable transport companies are happy to provide proof of coverage.
What Information Should You Check?
When reviewing the certificate, begin by confirming that the policy is active and has not expired. Next, verify that the carrier’s legal business name matches the company transporting your vehicle. This helps ensure the insurance actually applies to the carrier you’ve hired.
Pay close attention to the cargo insurance limit. This amount represents the maximum value the insurer will pay for covered damage during transport. If you’re shipping an expensive luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle, make sure the coverage limit is sufficient for your vehicle’s value.
Understand the Coverage Limits
The Certificate of Insurance confirms that cargo coverage exists, but it doesn’t explain every exclusion. Most cargo policies cover physical damage that occurs while the vehicle is being loaded, transported, or unloaded. However, they generally do not cover mechanical failures, normal wear, pre-existing damage, or personal belongings left inside the vehicle.
If anything is unclear, ask the transport company to explain exactly what is and isn’t covered before signing your transport agreement.
Verify the Insurance Company
It’s also worth confirming that the insurance company listed on the certificate is legitimate and currently insures the carrier. If you have questions about the policy, many insurers can verify that the certificate is valid and active.
Keep Documentation Throughout the Shipment
Even with proper insurance, documentation remains essential. Before pickup, thoroughly inspect your vehicle and take high-quality photographs from every angle. Compare these photos with the inspection completed at delivery. If damage occurs, detailed documentation makes the claims process much smoother.
For a complete explanation of transport coverage and claims, read Navi’s car shipping insurance guide , which explains what customers should know before shipping their vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Reading a carrier’s Certificate of Insurance takes only a few minutes but can provide valuable peace of mind. Verifying active coverage, checking insurance limits, understanding exclusions, and documenting your vehicle’s condition before transport are simple steps that help protect your investment. A trustworthy auto transport company will always be transparent about its insurance and happy to answer any questions before your shipment begins.