Car Hauler Insurance

Auto Hauler
New cars being transported by a car hauler.
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Why do car haulers need insurance?

Business insurance covers accidents involving your car hauler trailer, and damage to the vehicles you transport. It can help you comply with the law, sign contracts, and pay for costly injuries, lawsuits, and property damage.

A technician checks the tires on a vehicle loaded onto a car hauler.
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Get the right insurance

Insureon's licensed agents help you find insurance coverage that matches the unique risks of car haulers.

Fill out our easy online application to get quotes from top-rated providers and expert advice.

What types of car hauler insurance do I need?

These insurance products protect against common risks faced by auto transporters.

General liability insurance icon

General liability insurance

This policy covers basic third-party risks, such as a client who slips and suffers a bodily injury in your office. It's often required for a commercial lease.

BEST FOR
  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Accidental damage to a client's property
  • Libel and slander lawsuits
Business owner’s policy icon

Business owner's policy

A BOP is a cost-effective way to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together. It covers the most common types of liability and property claims.

BEST FOR
  • Accidents that harm clients
  • Stolen or damaged business property
  • Business interruption insurance
Commercial auto insurance icon

Commercial auto insurance

Commercial auto insurance helps pay for legal costs and other expenses from an accident involving your car hauler. Each state has its own laws for auto insurance.

BEST FOR
  • Injuries caused by your car hauler
  • Property damaged by your car hauler
  • Vehicle vandalism and theft
Workers’ compensation insurance icon

Workers’ compensation insurance

Most states require workers' comp for car transportation companies with employees. It also covers work-related medical bills for sole proprietors, which personal health insurance could deny.

BEST FOR
  • Employee medical expenses
  • Disability benefits
  • Lawsuits from employee injuries
Errors and omissions insurance icon

Errors and omissions insurance

This policy covers legal expenses related to unsatisfactory work performance or professional negligence. It's also referred to as E&O insurance or professional liability insurance.

BEST FOR
  • Breach of contract
  • Late deliveries
  • Errors and oversights
Cyber insurance icon

Cyber insurance

This policy helps car hauler companies recover financially from cyberattacks and data breaches. It's sometimes called cyber liability insurance or cybersecurity insurance.

BEST FOR
  • Ransomware attacks
  • Data breach investigations
  • Customer notification costs
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.

How much does car hauler insurance cost?

Trucking business owners calculating the cost of insurance.

Insurance companies look at different aspects of your car hauling business to determine your commercial insurance rates, including:

  • Business revenue
  • Type of trailer, such as flatbed, enclosed, or double-decker
  • Whether you transport brand-new or damaged vehicles
  • Number of employees
  • Employee driving records and experience
  • Types of coverage purchased, such as comprehensive coverage
  • Coverage options and deductibles
  • Claims history

How do I get commercial car hauler insurance?

It’s easy to get insurance for your car hauler or towing business. To get started, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your company.

Our application will ask you for your annual revenue, payroll, and other business details. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:

  • Complete a free online application.
  • Compare free quotes and choose a policy.
  • Pay for your policy and download a certificate for proof of insurance.

Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the best coverage for your car hauler, whether you work independently or hire employees.

Verified business insurance reviews

Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.

FAQs about car hauler insurance

Review answers to frequently asked questions about auto hauler insurance.

Do I need commercial auto insurance to cover my car hauler business?

Yes, you need commercial auto insurance for your car hauler and other vehicles used by your business. Each state has its own laws for the amount of commercial trucking insurance that's required, which varies depending on the materials you transport and the weight of the vehicle.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) classifies car haulers as carrying hazardous materials. That means federal law requires at least $1 million of public liability insurance, in addition to the insurance required by your state.

You'll also want to carry cargo insurance to protect the vehicles you transport. In this case, your clients will likely specify the amount of coverage they require.

Beyond these requirements, it's important to have enough insurance so that your business can recover financially from an auto accident. Carrying only the minimum amounts could leave you paying a large amount out of pocket if a claim exceeds your policy limits.

Can I get temporary car hauler trailer insurance?

While temporary coverage is sometimes available, it's better to maintain continuous insurance for your car transportation business. There are several advantages to keeping your policies active:

  • You save money. Insurers often charge more when you cancel and then restart coverage, which to them is a red flag.
  • You can accept new contracts. Having continuous coverage means you can pick up a contract at any time, knowing you're protected from liabilities and in compliance with insurance requirements. On the other hand, a business with a history of starting and stopping coverage might have a hard time buying a new policy.
  • You're protected in the event of an accident. Your insurance will pay for legal expenses, medical bills, and property damage up to the policy limits, so you can get back to business fast after an accident or lawsuit.

What other types of insurance do I need to haul cars?

In addition to those mentioned above, owners of car haulers should consider the following commercial truck insurance policies:

  • Bobtail liability insurance provides auto liability coverage while the car hauler is being used for non-trucking purposes, such as driving while no vehicles are loaded onto the trailer.
  • Motor truck cargo insurance, also called cargo coverage, covers the vehicles hauled by your business. It helps pay for cargo that's lost or damaged due to causes like fire, collision, or striking of a load.
  • Trailer interchange coverage, or trailer coverage, provides physical damage coverage for your trailer. It protects your trailer from damages while it's being transported by another trucker or trucking company outside of your own.

How can I find the best rates for car hauler insurance?

Car hauling businesses can save money on insurance by comparing rates from different insurance companies. With Insureon, you can get free quotes from top-rated insurance carriers by filling out our easy application.

There are a few other ways to save, such as:

  • Bundle your policies. A popular option for trucking businesses is a business auto policy or BAP. This policy bundles auto liability insurance and auto physical damage insurance, with the option to include additional coverage. It's often cheaper than getting these policies individually.
  • Customize your policies. You can choose lower limits, a higher deductible, or certain exclusions to save on your premium.
  • Focus on workplace safety. Fewer accidents means fewer liability claims, which helps lower your insurance costs. For example, keep your drivers safe by not texting or calling while they're on the road.

Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.

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