Open vs Enclosed Vehicle Shipping – 5 Safety Considerations

An open shipping service is more affordable, but if you are moving a high-value automobile, you need enclosed vehicle shipping. You’ll have a much better experience and more peace of mind. Here’s what differentiates enclosed from its open counterpart:

1. Open & Enclosed Cost Difference

Enclosed rates typically run 40-60% higher than standard open transport. These increased enclosed car shipping quotes directly reflect the specialized equipment, additional safety measures, and limited vehicle capacity that enclosed car haulers provide.

Transport Type	Cost Per Mile	Vehicle Capacity	Added Features
Enclosed Auto Transport Services	$1.50-$2.50	2-6 vehicles	Full coverage, premium protection
Open Transport	$0.85-$1.45	8-10 vehicles	Basic protection, standard service

Open carriers can transport up to 10 vehicles simultaneously, while enclosed car shipping carriers usually max out at 2-6 vehicles per load. This reduced capacity means the transport company needs more trips and resources to move the same number of vehicles.

Additionally, shipping vehicles enclosed require more careful loading procedures and specialized hydraulic lift gates rather than basic ramps.

2. Vehicle Damage Probabilities During Shipping

Open carriers consistently show higher damage rates across their shipments. The damage reports for shipping vehicle enclosed options stay minimal, giving you better peace of mind.

Here’s what typically goes wrong with open transport:

• Rock chips from highway debris hit vehicles during transit, especially on longer routes
• Rain, snow, and sun exposure can leave lasting marks on your vehicle’s finish
• Flying road debris can cause small but noticeable scratches (unless you use a cover)

For enclosed vehicle transport, the issues look different:

• Most damage happens during loading or unloading processes, usually minor scuffs
• Vehicles might get dirty from fluid drips coming from cars stored above

3. Protection Features

Enclosed car shipping offers serious protection. Your vehicle stays completely shielded from outdoor elements, and the enclosed vehicle shipping environment blocks out rain, snow, and hail completely. Nothing gets through these barriers—not road debris, not dust, not even harmful UV rays.

The enclosed auto shipping services offer physical barriers that wrap around your vehicle on all sides:

• Solid roof prevents any overhead damage or weather exposure
• Reinforced side walls block road debris and protect against passing vehicles
• A sealed environment keeps dust and dirt away from your vehicle’s finish
• Complete coverage ensures your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left

Regular drivers appreciate these protection levels, which’re especially crucial for high-value vehicles. Classic cars, luxury models, and custom builds benefit most from this maximum-security approach to auto transport.

4. Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage becomes a major deciding factor when you’re exploring enclosed vehicle shipping options. Vehicle shipping enclosed auto transport services typically offer much higher protection levels than open carriers. Let’s break down how enclosed car shipping coverage differs from standard options.

Transport Type	Standard Coverage	Maximum Available
Enclosed Auto Transport Services	$250,000-$1,000,000	Up to $2,000,000
Open Transport	$100,000-$250,000	Up to $500,000

Enclosed car haulers maintain higher insurance levels because they often transport more valuable vehicles. When getting enclosed car shipping quotes, you’ll notice these enhanced coverage options come standard. Most enclosed auto shipping services even offer additional coverage upgrades for ultra-luxury or rare vehicles. Plus, the shipping vehicle enclosed insurance policies typically cover more types of potential damage.

5. Usage Demographics

Enclosed auto transport services represent about 33% of the global carrier market. This specialized segment focuses primarily on high-value and collector vehicles needing extra transit protection.

The market breakdown looks like this:

• Luxury vehicles make up the largest portion of enclosed transport, including high-end brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce
• Classic car owners regularly choose enclosed transport to protect their valuable investments from weather and road damage.
• Exotic and specialty vehicles, including limited-production models and custom builds, require enclosed shipping for maximum protection.

The enclosed vehicle shipping industry continues growing as more luxury and collector car sales happen across state lines. Most dealerships now specifically recommend enclosed transport for vehicles valued over certain thresholds, typically starting around $100,000.

What Happens if a Vehicle Gets Damaged During Shipping?

Whether you choose enclosed vehicle shipping or open transport, damage protocols stay consistent. Vehicle shipping enclosed auto transport companies follow strict documentation rules to protect both parties. Let’s break down the entire process from inspection to claim resolution.

Documentation Protocol

Enclosed car shipping requires detailed condition reports at multiple stages. These Vehicle Condition Reports (VCRs) create a paper trail for enclosed car haulers and open carriers alike.

You’ll learn about these mandatory documentation requirements when getting enclosed car shipping quotes.

Documentation Element	Required Details	Purpose
Exterior Check	Paint, glass, mirrors, dents, scratches	Record pre-existing damage
Interior Check	Seats, carpets, dashboard, accessories	Document cabin condition
Vehicle Information	VIN, mileage, model details	Verify vehicle identity
Photo Documentation	All angles, existing damage	Visual proof of condition

Inspection Process

Enclosed auto shipping services conduct two major inspections. The first happens before loading, while enclosed auto transport services perform the second upon delivery. Shipping vehicle enclosed or open, both requires the the carrier and the owner to sign off on these inspections.

Today’s enclosed vehicle transport companies use digital photography extensively. Every scratch, dent, or mark gets photographed and logged. This visual record becomes crucial if damage occurs during transit.

Filing the Claim

For enclosed vehicle shipping, coverage typically reaches $250,000-$1,000,000. Open carriers provide less coverage, usually between $100,000-$250,000. You must file claims quickly – most companies require notification within 24-48 hours after delivery.

Resolution Process

Insurance companies carefully compare your before-and-after documentation. They assess any damage to determine repair costs. Coverage types significantly influence settlement amounts. Your thorough documentation helps resolve claims faster.

This systematic approach helps everyone involved by creating clear timelines for when damage might have occurred during transport. It also makes dispute resolution smoother between all parties involved.