Car hauler insurance for every car on the deck.
Primary auto liability, cargo written for vehicles and physical damage for auto transporters, from a dually with a single-car wedge to a 7 to 10 car stinger.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
Your cargo has a VIN
A car hauler's cargo is someone else's vehicle, and the claims are specific: scratches and dents found at delivery, damage while loading and unloading, and the value of a full deck of newer cars. Cargo policies for auto haulers usually have a per-vehicle limit and a per-load limit, and both need to fit what you carry.
I place car haulers with carriers that write the class, check the cargo form for the conditions that matter to auto transport, and send the certificates dealers, auctions and brokers ask for.
- Primary auto liabilityInjuries and damage you cause, with the FMCSA filing for interstate authority.
- Motor truck cargoThe vehicles you're carrying, per car and per load.
- Physical damageYour truck and your car-hauling trailer.
- General liabilityClaims at dealer lots, auctions and customers' homes.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Rig: truck and trailer year, make, VIN, type and value.
- Capacity: how many cars you carry and the most valuable load you'd take.
- Drivers: names, dates of birth, license class and car-hauling experience.
- Authority: USDOT and MC numbers, or that you're applying.
- Customers: dealers, auctions, brokers or private owners, with rough percentages.
- History: any prior policy and loss runs.
Car hauler insurance, answered
How much cargo coverage does a car hauler need?
Enough for the most valuable load you'll carry, both per vehicle and per load. Brokers and dealers often set a minimum, but a deck of late-model trucks can be worth far more than a common limit.
Is damage during loading and unloading covered?
Often, but cargo forms differ. Some restrict loading and unloading damage or apply a separate deductible, so I check that wording before you bind.
Does the car owner's insurance cover their car on my trailer?
Don't count on it. Shippers, dealers and brokers expect the carrier's cargo coverage to respond to damage in transit.
Do I need MC authority to haul cars?
Hauling other people's vehicles for pay across state lines generally requires USDOT registration and MC authority, which isn't active until your insurer files proof of liability. Carriers running only in California may need a CA number and a Motor Carrier Permit from the DMV.
Can a new car hauler get insured?
Yes. New authorities have fewer markets, and carriers look closely at driving experience, especially with trailers. A clean record and a realistic cargo limit help.
Do you offer car hauler insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see truck insurance by state or insurance requirements by state.
Send your rig and your loads. I'll shop it.
Truck and trailer details, how many cars you carry and your authority status are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.