Vehicle

Car Hauler Insurance

Car hauler insurance for owner-operators, auto transport companies, and dealership logistics operations—fast to quote, straightforward to place, and priced on how each operator actually runs. Auto hauler insurance is available through STAR Mutual’s program across 40 states through appointed independent agents.

0

states

0+

classes

0 A+

reinsurers

10%

online

0

states

0+

classes

0 A+

reinsurers

10%

online

  • Auto hauler. Owner-operator.

    AZ

    $12,867

  • Refrigerated goods hauling. Owner-operator.

    CA

    $10,390

  • Dirt, sand & gravel and refuse hauling, new venture. 1-5 vehicles.

    FL

    $14,095

  • Dry van / flatbed / LTL. Owner-operator.

    GA

    $8,109

  • Dry van / flatbed / LTL, new venture. 5-10 vehicles.

    IL

    $9,359

  • Refrigerated goods hauling, renewal, retained account. Owner-operator.

    IN

    $8,816

  • Dirt, sand & gravel and refuse hauling, $1,500,000 liability limits. Owner-operator.

    NJ

    $12,916

  • Dirt, sand & gravel and refuse hauling, new venture. 1-5 vehicles.

    TX

    $12,098

  • Dirt, sand & gravel, large fleet. 10+ vehicles.

    TX

    $11,829

  • Mixed fleet operations, large fleet, new venture. 10+ vehicles.

    WA

    $10,318

Reviewed by STAR Mutual RRG.

What Is Car Hauler Insurance?

A car hauler, also referred to as an auto hauler, auto transport truck, or car carrier, is a commercial vehicle designed to transport multiple passenger vehicles, light trucks, or motorcycles at one time. Car haulers range from open multi-car carriers used in high-volume auto transport to enclosed carriers used for high-value and specialty vehicle transport.

Car hauling insurance is commercial auto liability coverage available for auto transport operators and vehicle hauling companies. The open or enclosed carrier configuration, the number of vehicles being transported, and the routes operated all contribute to the specific liability profile of a car hauling operation, making it distinct from general freight trucking in both operating characteristics and coverage considerations.

Commercial auto liability insurance is part of the operating structure for every car hauler used for commercial purposes. For car transport operators running under their own FMCSA authority, the BMC-91X filing is part of the operating authority activation process. An appointed agent can confirm the coverage structure appropriate for a specific car hauler operation and state.

Who Is Car Hauler Insurance For?

Commercial car hauler insurance, also referred to as auto hauler insurance and car carrier insurance, is available for any operation that uses a car hauler or auto transport vehicle for commercial purposes. Coverage is available through STAR Mutual’s program for car hauler operations across 40 states.


Owner-Operators

Independent car hauler owner-operators running their own authority or contracted to auto transport brokers and auction houses carry commercial auto liability as part of their operating structure. Auto hauling insurance is available for new and established operators across open and enclosed carrier configurations. New authority operators are welcome—the rate reflects the operator's own safety record and driving history.

Auto Transport Companies

Auto transport companies managing fleets of car haulers and auto carriers carry commercial auto liability exposure across the operation. Auto transporter insurance is available for operations ranging from regional two- to three-car haulers to full-size multi-car carriers operating across interstate routes—priced to the specific profile of each operation.

Dealership and Auction Transport

Car haulers contracted by auto dealerships, auction houses, and vehicle remarketing companies carry commercial auto liability as part of their operating structure. Commercial auto hauler insurance is available for dealer and auction transport operations—dealers and auction houses commonly specify minimum liability limits as part of their specifications for working with a carrier. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific operation.

New Authority Car Haulers

New authority car hauler insurance is available across a range of configurations and operation types for commercial auto liability. Physical damage coverage through the RTA program requires extended business and CDL experience for car hauler operations—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific new authority car hauler operation.

Owner-Operators

Independent car hauler owner-operators running their own authority or contracted to auto transport brokers and auction houses carry commercial auto liability as part of their operating structure. Auto hauling insurance is available for new and established operators across open and enclosed carrier configurations. New authority operators are welcome—the rate reflects the operator's own safety record and driving history.

Auto Transport Companies

Auto transport companies managing fleets of car haulers and auto carriers carry commercial auto liability exposure across the operation. Auto transporter insurance is available for operations ranging from regional two- to three-car haulers to full-size multi-car carriers operating across interstate routes—priced to the specific profile of each operation.

Dealership and Auction Transport

Car haulers contracted by auto dealerships, auction houses, and vehicle remarketing companies carry commercial auto liability as part of their operating structure. Commercial auto hauler insurance is available for dealer and auction transport operations—dealers and auction houses commonly specify minimum liability limits as part of their specifications for working with a carrier. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific operation.

New Authority Car Haulers

New authority car hauler insurance is available across a range of configurations and operation types for commercial auto liability. Physical damage coverage through the RTA program requires extended business and CDL experience for car hauler operations—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific new authority car hauler operation.

Car Hauler Types We Cover

Commercial car hauler insurance is available across a range of auto transport configurations. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific vehicle and operation.

  • Open Multi-Car Carriers—commercial auto liability for standard multi-vehicle transport; two- to ten-car configurations; the most common car hauler type in the auto transport industry; used in high-volume dealership delivery, auction transport, and manufacturer distribution.

  • Enclosed Car Carriers—insurance for high-value, specialty, and collector vehicle transport; full protection from weather and road debris; used in luxury vehicle delivery, exotic car transport, and classic car hauling.

  • Two-Car and Three-Car Haulers—compact configurations, often a heavy-duty pickup paired with a gooseneck or wedge trailer, used in local and regional vehicle transport. They are commonly operated by independent owner-operators and small auto transport businesses. Commercial auto liability is available for these configurations; physical damage availability depends on the power unit. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility and insurance requirements for a specific state and car hauler configuration.

  • Single-Car Haulers—flatbed or wheel-lift configurations for individual vehicle transport; used in dealership delivery, repossession, and specialty vehicle moves.

  • Motorcycle Haulers—specialty configurations for motorcycle and powersports vehicle transport; open and enclosed options.

Car Hauler Insurance Coverage

A complete car hauler insurance program involves several coverages, each addressing a different aspect of the operation’s exposure. The coverages below are available for car hauler operations through appointed independent agents.

Core Coverages


Additional Coverages


Car Hauler Insurance Cost

Car hauling insurance cost is determined by the specific profile of each operation. The determination is individual: car hauler insurance rates reflect the operator’s own safety record and operating history, not a market average that treats every car hauling operation the same way. Several factors influence the final rate:

  • Car hauler configuration—open multi-car carriers, enclosed carriers, two-car haulers, and hotshot configurations factor into the rate.

  • Type of vehicles transported—standard passenger vehicles, luxury vehicles, exotic and collector cars, and motorcycles each carry different exposure characteristics that are weighed in the rate.

  • Driving history—the safety record and CDL experience of scheduled operators are weighed; prior violations and loss history are considered alongside.

  • Operating radius—local delivery, regional, and long-haul  interstate car transport operations are rated differently.

  • Fleet size—single-unit owner-operator and multi-unit fleet operations are rated on the specific profile of each scheduled unit.

  • Coverage limits selected—the liability limit selected is weighed; auto transport brokers, auction houses, and manufacturers commonly specify minimum limits.

  • New authority or established operation—new authority operations typically carry higher initial premiums; the rate is reviewed at renewal as the operation builds a record.

An appointed agent can request a car hauler insurance quote for a specific operation and state.

For Agents Who Write Transportation

STAR Mutual gives agents who place trucking business a carrier that works: a clear appetite answer on every submission, a rate that holds at renewal, and a program that keeps safety-first operators on the book.

Fast
Same-Day Eligibility

a fast, clear answer—same-business-day quote review

Fast Filings

BMC-91X and Form E/F filings in 24–48 hours of binding; COIs same day

Easy
Online from Quote to Bind

quote, bind, and service online—filings handled, COIs same-day

No-Interest Billing

zero-interest direct bill, no third-party finance company

Fair
Performance-Based Pricing

the rate reflects each operator's own safety record and history

Disciplined Pool

safety-first operators aren’t carrying the market’s losses

Fast
Same-Day Eligibility

a fast, clear answer—same-business-day quote review

Fast Filings

BMC-91X and Form E/F filings in 24–48 hours of binding; COIs same day

Easy
Online from Quote to Bind

quote, bind, and service online—filings handled, COIs same-day

No-Interest Billing

zero-interest direct bill, no third-party finance company

Fair
Performance-Based Pricing

the rate reflects each operator's own safety record and history

Disciplined Pool

safety-first operators aren’t carrying the market’s losses


Ready to Place Car Hauler Coverage?

Same-day eligibility. Fast filings. A rate that reflects the operator’s own record. STAR Mutual is built for safety-first operators. For the agents who place them, it’s a program that holds at renewal. Long-term relationships start with the right appointment.


States We Support

Car hauling insurance is available across 40 states—from Texas and California to Florida and Illinois—through appointed independent agents. Coverage availability varies by operation type and state—an appointed agent can confirm availability for a specific car hauler operation and location.

Explore States We Cover

Other Vehicle Types We Insure

Coverage is available for a wide range of commercial vehicles beyond car haulers. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific vehicle type and operation.

  • Flatbed—oversized loads, equipment, and construction materials

  • Semi Truck / Tractor—Class 7–8 power units for long-haul and regional freight

  • Hotshot Truck—time-sensitive freight on gooseneck trailers

  • Dump Truck—construction, excavation, and aggregate hauling

  • Tow Truck—roadside assistance and recovery operations

  • Box Truck—local delivery and freight distribution

  • Reefer / Refrigerated Truck—temperature-controlled transport


Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hauler Insurance

What insurance does a car hauler need?

Commercial auto liability insurance is part of the operating structure for any car hauler used for commercial purposes—it addresses third-party bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs. Beyond the liability policy, most auto transport operations carry physical damage coverage for the car hauler itself and auto cargo coverage for the vehicles being transported. The specific coverage structure varies by the type of operation, the vehicles being transported, and the states in which the car hauler operates. An appointed agent can confirm the appropriate coverage structure for a specific car hauler operation.


Is car hauler insurance different from regular commercial truck insurance?

Car hauler insurance is commercial auto liability coverage reviewed on the specific characteristics of auto transport operations—the carrier configuration, the number of units, and the operating routes. Multi-car carriers run longer, heavier combinations with frequent loading and unloading at dealerships, auctions, and customer locations, which gives auto transport a distinct liability profile from general freight trucking. Each car hauler operation is reviewed on its own profile. An appointed agent can confirm the coverage structure appropriate for a specific auto transport operation.


Do I need special insurance to haul cars?

Any car hauler operated for commercial purposes is subject to commercial auto insurance. Personal auto policies are not designed to cover vehicles used for commercial hauling operations. For car haulers operating as for-hire carriers under FMCSA authority, federal minimum liability limits are in place.An appointed agent can confirm the commercial auto insurance structure for a specific car hauling business and state.

What is auto cargo insurance for car haulers?

Auto cargo insurance—sometimes referred to as on-hook coverage for car haulers—addresses loss or damage to the vehicles being transported on the car hauler while in the operator's care, custody, and control during transit. It is distinct from the car hauler's own physical damage coverage, which addresses the car hauler itself. An appointed agent can confirm whether auto cargo coverage is available for a specific car hauler operation.


How much does car hauler insurance cost?

Car hauler insurance rates depend on the specific profile of each operation—carrier configuration, type of vehicles transported, driving history, operating radius, fleet size, and the coverage limits selected. New authority operations typically carry higher initial premiums, with the rate reviewed at renewal as the operation builds its own record. The rate reflects the operator's own record—not a market average. An appointed agent can request a car hauler insurance quote for a specific operation and state.


Do car haulers need FMCSA insurance?

Car carriers operating as for-hire carriers in interstate commerce must show FMCSA proof of commercial auto liability coverage at or above the federal minimum—$750,000 for vehicles of 10,001 lbs GVWR and over hauling general freight. Proof is provided through a BMC-91X filing with FMCSA, and the policy carries an MCS-90 endorsement. Intrastate car carriers follow state-specific requirements, which may include a Form E filing. An appointed agent can confirm the applicable federal and state requirements for a specific car hauling operation.

What Is Car Hauler Insurance?

A car hauler, also referred to as an auto hauler, auto transport truck, or car carrier, is a commercial vehicle designed to transport multiple passenger vehicles, light trucks, or motorcycles at one time. Car haulers range from open multi-car carriers used in high-volume auto transport to enclosed carriers used for high-value and specialty vehicle transport.

Car hauling insurance is commercial auto liability coverage available for auto transport operators and vehicle hauling companies. The open or enclosed carrier configuration, the number of vehicles being transported, and the routes operated all contribute to the specific liability profile of a car hauling operation, making it distinct from general freight trucking in both operating characteristics and coverage considerations.

Commercial auto liability insurance is part of the operating structure for every car hauler used for commercial purposes. For car transport operators running under their own FMCSA authority, the BMC-91X filing is part of the operating authority activation process. An appointed agent can confirm the coverage structure appropriate for a specific car hauler operation and state.

Who Is Car Hauler Insurance For?

Commercial car hauler insurance, also referred to as auto hauler insurance and car carrier insurance, is available for any operation that uses a car hauler or auto transport vehicle for commercial purposes. Coverage is available through STAR Mutual’s program for car hauler operations across 40 states.


Owner-Operators

Independent car hauler owner-operators running their own authority or contracted to auto transport brokers and auction houses carry commercial auto liability as part of their operating structure. Auto hauling insurance is available for new and established operators across open and enclosed carrier configurations. New authority operators are welcome—the rate reflects the operator's own safety record and driving history.

Auto Transport Companies

Auto transport companies managing fleets of car haulers and auto carriers carry commercial auto liability exposure across the operation. Auto transporter insurance is available for operations ranging from regional two- to three-car haulers to full-size multi-car carriers operating across interstate routes—priced to the specific profile of each operation.

Dealership and Auction Transport

Car haulers contracted by auto dealerships, auction houses, and vehicle remarketing companies carry commercial auto liability as part of their operating structure. Commercial auto hauler insurance is available for dealer and auction transport operations—dealers and auction houses commonly specify minimum liability limits as part of their specifications for working with a carrier. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific operation.

New Authority Car Haulers

New authority car hauler insurance is available across a range of configurations and operation types for commercial auto liability. Physical damage coverage through the RTA program requires extended business and CDL experience for car hauler operations—an appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific new authority car hauler operation.

Car Hauler Types We Cover

Commercial car hauler insurance is available across a range of auto transport configurations. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific vehicle and operation.

  • Open Multi-Car Carriers—commercial auto liability for standard multi-vehicle transport; two- to ten-car configurations; the most common car hauler type in the auto transport industry; used in high-volume dealership delivery, auction transport, and manufacturer distribution.

  • Enclosed Car Carriers—insurance for high-value, specialty, and collector vehicle transport; full protection from weather and road debris; used in luxury vehicle delivery, exotic car transport, and classic car hauling.

  • Two-Car and Three-Car Haulers—compact configurations, often a heavy-duty pickup paired with a gooseneck or wedge trailer, used in local and regional vehicle transport. They are commonly operated by independent owner-operators and small auto transport businesses. Commercial auto liability is available for these configurations; physical damage availability depends on the power unit. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility and insurance requirements for a specific state and car hauler configuration.

  • Single-Car Haulers—flatbed or wheel-lift configurations for individual vehicle transport; used in dealership delivery, repossession, and specialty vehicle moves.

  • Motorcycle Haulers—specialty configurations for motorcycle and powersports vehicle transport; open and enclosed options.

Car Hauler Insurance Coverage

A complete car hauler insurance program involves several coverages, each addressing a different aspect of the operation’s exposure. The coverages below are available for car hauler operations through appointed independent agents.

Core Coverages


Additional Coverages


Car Hauler Insurance Cost

Car hauling insurance cost is determined by the specific profile of each operation. The determination is individual: car hauler insurance rates reflect the operator’s own safety record and operating history, not a market average that treats every car hauling operation the same way. Several factors influence the final rate:

  • Car hauler configuration—open multi-car carriers, enclosed carriers, two-car haulers, and hotshot configurations factor into the rate.

  • Type of vehicles transported—standard passenger vehicles, luxury vehicles, exotic and collector cars, and motorcycles each carry different exposure characteristics that are weighed in the rate.

  • Driving history—the safety record and CDL experience of scheduled operators are weighed; prior violations and loss history are considered alongside.

  • Operating radius—local delivery, regional, and long-haul  interstate car transport operations are rated differently.

  • Fleet size—single-unit owner-operator and multi-unit fleet operations are rated on the specific profile of each scheduled unit.

  • Coverage limits selected—the liability limit selected is weighed; auto transport brokers, auction houses, and manufacturers commonly specify minimum limits.

  • New authority or established operation—new authority operations typically carry higher initial premiums; the rate is reviewed at renewal as the operation builds a record.

An appointed agent can request a car hauler insurance quote for a specific operation and state.

For Agents Who Write Transportation

STAR Mutual gives agents who place trucking business a carrier that works: a clear appetite answer on every submission, a rate that holds at renewal, and a program that keeps safety-first operators on the book.

Fast
Same-Day Eligibility

a fast, clear answer—same-business-day quote review

Fast Filings

BMC-91X and Form E/F filings in 24–48 hours of binding; COIs same day

Easy
Online from Quote to Bind

quote, bind, and service online—filings handled, COIs same-day

No-Interest Billing

zero-interest direct bill, no third-party finance company

Fair
Performance-Based Pricing

the rate reflects each operator's own safety record and history

Disciplined Pool

safety-first operators aren’t carrying the market’s losses


Ready to Place Car Hauler Coverage?

Same-day eligibility. Fast filings. A rate that reflects the operator’s own record. STAR Mutual is built for safety-first operators. For the agents who place them, it’s a program that holds at renewal. Long-term relationships start with the right appointment.


States We Support

Car hauling insurance is available across 40 states—from Texas and California to Florida and Illinois—through appointed independent agents. Coverage availability varies by operation type and state—an appointed agent can confirm availability for a specific car hauler operation and location.

Explore States We Cover

Other Vehicle Types We Insure

Coverage is available for a wide range of commercial vehicles beyond car haulers. An appointed agent can confirm eligibility for a specific vehicle type and operation.

  • Flatbed—oversized loads, equipment, and construction materials

  • Semi Truck / Tractor—Class 7–8 power units for long-haul and regional freight

  • Hotshot Truck—time-sensitive freight on gooseneck trailers

  • Dump Truck—construction, excavation, and aggregate hauling

  • Tow Truck—roadside assistance and recovery operations

  • Box Truck—local delivery and freight distribution

  • Reefer / Refrigerated Truck—temperature-controlled transport


Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hauler Insurance

What insurance does a car hauler need?

Commercial auto liability insurance is part of the operating structure for any car hauler used for commercial purposes—it addresses third-party bodily injury, property damage, and legal defense costs. Beyond the liability policy, most auto transport operations carry physical damage coverage for the car hauler itself and auto cargo coverage for the vehicles being transported. The specific coverage structure varies by the type of operation, the vehicles being transported, and the states in which the car hauler operates. An appointed agent can confirm the appropriate coverage structure for a specific car hauler operation.


Is car hauler insurance different from regular commercial truck insurance?

Car hauler insurance is commercial auto liability coverage reviewed on the specific characteristics of auto transport operations—the carrier configuration, the number of units, and the operating routes. Multi-car carriers run longer, heavier combinations with frequent loading and unloading at dealerships, auctions, and customer locations, which gives auto transport a distinct liability profile from general freight trucking. Each car hauler operation is reviewed on its own profile. An appointed agent can confirm the coverage structure appropriate for a specific auto transport operation.


Do I need special insurance to haul cars?

Any car hauler operated for commercial purposes is subject to commercial auto insurance. Personal auto policies are not designed to cover vehicles used for commercial hauling operations. For car haulers operating as for-hire carriers under FMCSA authority, federal minimum liability limits are in place.An appointed agent can confirm the commercial auto insurance structure for a specific car hauling business and state.

What is auto cargo insurance for car haulers?

Auto cargo insurance—sometimes referred to as on-hook coverage for car haulers—addresses loss or damage to the vehicles being transported on the car hauler while in the operator's care, custody, and control during transit. It is distinct from the car hauler's own physical damage coverage, which addresses the car hauler itself. An appointed agent can confirm whether auto cargo coverage is available for a specific car hauler operation.


How much does car hauler insurance cost?

Car hauler insurance rates depend on the specific profile of each operation—carrier configuration, type of vehicles transported, driving history, operating radius, fleet size, and the coverage limits selected. New authority operations typically carry higher initial premiums, with the rate reviewed at renewal as the operation builds its own record. The rate reflects the operator's own record—not a market average. An appointed agent can request a car hauler insurance quote for a specific operation and state.


Do car haulers need FMCSA insurance?

Car carriers operating as for-hire carriers in interstate commerce must show FMCSA proof of commercial auto liability coverage at or above the federal minimum—$750,000 for vehicles of 10,001 lbs GVWR and over hauling general freight. Proof is provided through a BMC-91X filing with FMCSA, and the policy carries an MCS-90 endorsement. Intrastate car carriers follow state-specific requirements, which may include a Form E filing. An appointed agent can confirm the applicable federal and state requirements for a specific car hauling operation.

On this page
Table of contents will appear when the article has H2 headings.

How to Get Insurance with STAR Mutual RRG

STAR Mutual insurance coverage is available exclusively through appointed independent agents—agents who know the program, understand the appetite, and can give a same-day answer on eligibility.

1

Ask the agent

The operator's current insurance agent can confirm whether they are appointed with STAR Mutual; if not, they can be appointed through the 'Get appointed' form submission.

2

Submit the operation details

The agent gets access to our platform and submits the operation details—vehicle type, trucking class, operating radius, and driver history. Most submissions receive an immediate eligibility response, same day.

3

Get the policy placed

Once eligible, the policy is placed online. COIs are available same day. BMC-91X and state filings are submitted as part of the placement process; the MCS-90 endorsement is issued with the policy.

Get appointed

Agent login

How to Get Insurance with STAR Mutual RRG

STAR Mutual insurance coverage is available exclusively through appointed independent agents—agents who know the program, understand the appetite, and can give a same-day answer on eligibility.

1

Ask the agent

The operator's current insurance agent can confirm whether they are appointed with STAR Mutual; if not, they can be appointed through the 'Get appointed' form submission.

2

Submit the operation details

The agent gets access to our platform and submits the operation details—vehicle type, trucking class, operating radius, and driver history. Most submissions receive an immediate eligibility response, same day.

3

Get the policy placed

Once eligible, the policy is placed online. COIs are available same day. BMC-91X and state filings are submitted as part of the placement process; the MCS-90 endorsement is issued with the policy.

Get appointed

Agent login

Become a STAR Agent

Become a STAR Agent

Get access to unparalleled technology-based service to quote and bind your clients in minutes.

Get appointed

Agent login

Thousands of agents across the United States | Same-day quotes, ready to bind

The information presented on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or business advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal or insurance professionals regarding questions specific to their circumstances.

The content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, insurance in any jurisdiction where STAR Mutual RRG is not licensed or registered. Any description of coverage is general and subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy.

© 2026 - STAR Mutual RRG. All rights reserved.

The information presented on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or business advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal or insurance professionals regarding questions specific to their circumstances.

The content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, insurance in any jurisdiction where STAR Mutual RRG is not licensed or registered. Any description of coverage is general and subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy.

© 2026 - STAR Mutual RRG. All rights reserved.

The information presented on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or business advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal or insurance professionals regarding questions specific to their circumstances.

The content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, insurance in any jurisdiction where STAR Mutual RRG is not licensed or registered. Any description of coverage is general and subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy.

© 2026 - STAR Mutual RRG. All rights reserved.