Best Car Hauler Insurance Companies

A car hauler is a vehicle that is used to transport cars from one location to another. Car haulers can be either open or enclosed, single level or multiple, and they are typically equipped with ramps or lift gates to make loading and unloading cars easier.

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Car haulers are also referred to as car-carrying trailers, auto haulers, and auto transporters.

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What is the standard size of a car hauler and how many cars can they carry?

While there is no “standard” size car hauler, depending on the truck and trailer setup, car haulers can transport anywhere from a single vehicle up to eleven.

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However, as electric and hybrid vehicles have increased in popularity, weight can now be the limiting factor rather than the size of the trailer. The battery on hybrid and electric vehicles adds significant weight so car haulers are sometimes unable to fully load their trailer without exceeding federal weight limits. 

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In 1982, Congress passed the Surface Transportation Assistance Act, which stipulates that states are not allowed to impose a length limitation of less than 65 feet for traditional auto transporters (5th wheel located on tractor frame over the rear axle) or less than 75 feet on stinger-steered transporters.

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Car Hauler vs Tow Truck

Compared to tow trucks, car haulers are designed to transport vehicles over longer distances and depending on the truck and trailer setup, can transport more vehicles at one time.

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Personal & Non-Commercial Car Hauling

Individuals moving their own vehicles for personal use will likely not need commercial car hauler insurance but should confirm with their insurance company that the vehicle being towed is covered in case of an accident.

Car hauling typically pays better than dry van trucking but it also comes with additional risk and driver stress. Common risks when car hauling include:

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• Vehicle theft
• Damage loading or unloading vehicles
• Improperly secured vehicles getting damaged
• Debris striking vehicles in open air trailers

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Hauling heavy cargo is also more dangerous because it is more difficult to turn or stop. In the event an accident does occur, the damages will likely be worse. 

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Multi-level trailers can also be top heavy and increase the risk of the car hauler tipping in a bad accident.

Car hauler insurance can cost anywhere from $800 a month to upwards of $1,500 a month. Like all commercial truck insurance, it will vary based on a number of factors including:

• Car carrying capacity (is it a 1 car hauler or a 3 car hauler?)
• Types of vehicles being hauled
• Fleet size (a larger fleet will be more expensive but the per vehicle rate will usually be lower)
• Car hauler condition (newer vehicles are usually more expensive to insure)
• Driving record(s)
• Years in business (new businesses will usually have higher premiums)
• Location (rates in Florida will be different than in California or Texas)
• Operating radius

Why is car hauler insurance so expensive?

Car hauler insurance can be more expensive compared to other types of truck insurance because the cargo is more expensive than most alternatives and the increased weight with hauling cars also increases the risks. 

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How to Find Cheap Car Hauler Insurance

Auto haulers looking for cheap car hauler insurance should keep in mind that opting for the “budget option” is not always advised because if an accident does happen, the most important thing is having enough coverage. However, carriers can find the best deal by utilizing the following strategies:

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• Insuring all trucks from the fleet under the same policy
• Shopping around for multiple quotes
• Paying premiums on an annual basis vs monthly
• Opting for lower policy limits while still carrying adequate coverage
• Opting for higher deductibles