Car shipping insurance depends on the assigned carrier’s policy and shipment agreement. Ask about covered risks, limits, exclusions and any deductible before releasing your vehicle. Do not assume every type of damage or loss is covered.
Yellowfin Logistics is a transportation broker that arranges shipment with a carrier; Yellowfin does not take custody of your vehicle. Confirm the assigned carrier’s cargo coverage and ask your own auto insurer what your personal policy covers during transport.
Use the checks below alongside your order and Yellowfin’s current terms and conditions. Planning a shipment? Request a personalized car-shipping quote with your vehicle, route and preferred pickup date.
ASK THE TRANSPORT COMPANY FOR PROOF OF INSURANCE
Ask the assigned carrier or its insurer for current proof of cargo insurance and confirmation that the policy applies to your shipment. Check the coverage limits, exclusions, deductible and effective dates. Ask specifically about loading and unloading, mechanical damage and any requirements for your vehicle. FMCSA distinguishes public liability and cargo insurance requirements; do not treat operating authority alone as confirmation of cargo coverage for your vehicle.
ENQUIRE ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL AUTO INSURANCE POLICY
Ask your own auto insurer whether your policy covers the vehicle while it is on a carrier trailer, what exclusions or deductibles apply, and whether you must notify the insurer or provide documents before pickup. Your personal policy and the carrier’s policy are separate; do not assume either automatically fills every gap in the other.
GET IT IN WRITING
Review the shipment agreement and carrier’s bill of lading before releasing the vehicle. Get any special arrangements or changes agreed in writing. Under Yellowfin’s current terms, proposed changes to the original contract require mutual written agreement and a new Yellowfin contract bearing your digital signature; do not release the vehicle on the basis of an unresolved verbal change.
SECURE YOUR ITEMS
Remove personal and detachable items before pickup unless a belongings arrangement has been approved under your order and the current terms. Secure or remove loose accessories. Port shipments cannot contain luggage.
For eligible non-port shipments, personal belongings in the trunk or back compartment require the carrier’s pre-approval under the current terms. Loss of or damage to these contents is the customer’s responsibility; do not assume vehicle cargo insurance covers them. Review the belongings requirements before packing.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
Take clear photographs of the vehicle before pickup and again at delivery, including any existing marks or damage. Keep your own copies of the signed inspection reports and shipment documents. Photos supplement the inspection reports; they do not replace inspecting the vehicle with the driver.
Photos and signed reports can help document a claim, but proof of damage does not guarantee that an insurer will approve or pay it. Coverage and the claim outcome depend on the applicable policy, shipment agreement and evidence. Ask the carrier or insurer about the required documents and claims process.
CONDITION REPORTS AND THE BILL OF LADING
At pickup, inspect the vehicle with the driver and ensure that the initial condition report accurately records its condition. Under Yellowfin’s terms, you or your representative and the carrier must sign the report; do not release the vehicle without it. Inspect again at delivery, record any new damage on the final report and have both parties sign. The terms warn that failing to record damage can affect a claim. Keep copies and use the pickup and delivery checklist to prepare.
CLAIMS ASSISTANCE
Under Yellowfin’s current terms, pay the remaining carrier balance as agreed, then contact the carrier’s main office and subsequently its insurer about recorded transport damage. After carrier assignment, primary shipment communication is with the carrier; Yellowfin remains available in a supporting role. For help reaching Yellowfin, call (888) 223-5038. If your shipment includes an ocean leg, review the ocean carrier’s terms and ask it about additional insurance. Ready to plan your transport? Request a personalized quote.
