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title: "Insurance, Coverage And Damage Claims"
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# Insurance, Coverage & Damage Claims

[Help & FAQs](https://www.mvscanada.ca/help-and-faqs/)
 »  Insurance, Coverage & Damage Claims▾  [Quotes, Pricing & Payments](https://www.mvscanada.ca/quotes-pricing-and-payments)
 [Booking & Order Changes](https://www.mvscanada.ca/booking-and-order-changes)
 [Pickup & Delivery](https://www.mvscanada.ca/pickup-and-delivery)
 [Vehicle Photos Documentation](https://www.mvscanada.ca/take-photos-of-your-vehicle)
 [Transit Times & Tracking](https://www.mvscanada.ca/transit-times-and-tracking)
 [Terminals & Rail Shipping](https://www.mvscanada.ca/terminals-and-rail-shipping)
 [Open vs Enclosed Transport](https://www.mvscanada.ca/open-vs-enclosed-transport)
 [Insurance Coverage & Damage Claims](https://www.mvscanada.ca/insurance-coverage-and-damage-claims)
 [Policies, Terms & Restrictions](https://www.mvscanada.ca/policies-terms-and-restrictions)

### How Coverage & Damage Claims Work

Carrier or rail insurance is included for eligible vehicles while they are being transported, but the limits, deductible, and age restrictions depend on the transport mode you choose. Knowing what is covered — and [documenting your vehicle properly](https://www.mvscanada.ca/take-photos-of-your-vehicle/)
 — is the best way to protect yourself in the rare event of a claim.

#### Rail

- **Max insurable value:** $35,000 CAD per vehicle
- **Standard deductible:** $750 CAD
- **Age limit:** coverage does not apply to vehicles older than 6 years by Car Year Date

#### Open Truck

- **Max insurable value:** $65,000 CAD per vehicle
- **Standard deductible:** $750 CAD
- **Age limit:** coverage does not apply to vehicles older than 20 years by Car Year Date

#### Enclosed Truck

- **Max insurable value:** up to $300,000 CAD, higher available if declared in advance
- **Standard deductible:** $750 CAD
- **Age limit:** none — available for vehicles of any age

*Vehicles valued above the standard limit must be declared before shipping. Optional upgrades such as the $50 Deductible Buy-Down may be available at booking. Terminals provide temporary storage but do not guarantee coverage, so we strongly recommend keeping your own auto insurance active for the entire shipment.*

### If You Notice Damage at Delivery

Before moving the vehicle from the delivery point:

**1. Report it immediately** to the terminal staff, driver, or delivery agent.

**2. Do not move the vehicle** until the damage has been reviewed and documented.

**3. Write the damage on the paperwork** — the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report — before signing.

**4. Take clear photos** right away, including close-ups and wider shots.

**5. Sign only after** the damage has been noted.

**6. Email MVS Canada right away** with the photos and a written description — photos must be submitted within 24 hours.

### How Often Do Vehicles Get Damaged in Transit?

| Legitimate Claims vs. Total Orders | All Claims vs. All Orders |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Legitimate Paid Out Claims | 14 | Total Claims Made (including legitimate, not covered, or fraudulent) | 79 |
| % of Total Orders | 0.30% | % of Total Orders | 1.69% |

*The above statistics are gathered from orders completed in 2022.*

### Helpful Resources

Full details on coverage and exclusions are in the Terms & Conditions you were sent when you booked. If you need any clarification, email or call us.

HOW TO TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR VEHICLE

[Click Here](https://www.mvscanada.ca/take-photos-of-your-vehicle/)

OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS

[Truck/Train T&C](https://www.mvscanada.ca/shipping-terms-and-conditions/)

[Enclosed Truck T&C](https://www.mvscanada.ca/enclosed-car-shipping-terms-conditions/)

## Insurance, Coverage and Damage Claims

[b Is My Vehicle Insured During Shipping?](#)

Carrier or rail insurance is included for **eligible vehicles while they are being transported**, subject to the transport mode, vehicle age, declared value, deductible, exclusions, and the terms and conditions of the shipment.

MVS Canada operates as a **transportation broker**, which means we arrange your shipment with the carrier, rail provider, or transport partner best suited to your route. The carrier or rail company physically transporting the vehicle provides the underlying insurance coverage. We assist with the shipment and help coordinate the claim process if needed, but the carrier’s insurance policy and liability rules apply.

Coverage limits depend on the transport mode:

| Transport Mode | Maximum Insurable Value | Standard Deductible | Important Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rail | $35,000 CAD per vehicle | $750 CAD | Rail coverage does not apply to vehicles older than 6 years by Car Year Date. |
| Open Truck | $65,000 CAD per vehicle | $750 CAD | Open-truck coverage does not apply to vehicles older than 20 years by Car Year Date. |
| Enclosed Truck | Automatic coverage up to $300,000 CAD; higher coverage may be available if declared in advance | $750 CAD | Recommended for high-value, classic, antique, low-clearance, rare, or specialty vehicles. |

Vehicles valued above the standard limit for the selected mode must be declared before shipping. Additional coverage may be available for an extra fee, depending on the mode, route, vehicle, and carrier.

Please note that insurance does **not** cover every vehicle, every type of damage, or every stage of the shipment. For example, terminals provide temporary storage but do not guarantee insurance coverage while a vehicle is waiting on their premises. We strongly recommend keeping your own auto insurance active for the full shipment, including terminal wait time.

Optional coverage programs may be available at booking, including the **$50 Deductible Buy-Down**, which removes the $750 deductible on eligible valid damage claims.

For high-value, older, classic, or low-clearance vehicles, enclosed transport is usually the best option because it offers higher standard coverage, gentler loading, and protection from road and weather exposure.

Remember that ‘insured’ is not the same as ‘covered for everything.’ Coverage here is provided by the carrier or rail company and is generally liability-based, which is different from all-risks, no-fault coverage. Always ask what is covered, what is excluded, what deductible and value limit apply, and what must be documented at delivery to preserve a claim. See [“Fully Insured” Does Not Always Mean Fully Covered: What Canadians Should Know Before Shipping a Vehicle](https://www.mvscanada.ca/fully-insured-vehicle-shipping-canada/)
.

[b Are There Age Limits On Coverage?](#)

Yes. Vehicle age can affect both the transport mode available and whether carrier or rail insurance applies.

The key age limits are:

| Transport Mode | Age Limit |
| --- | --- |
| Rail | Vehicles older than 6 years by Car Year Date are not covered by rail for loss or damage. |
| Open Truck | Vehicles older than 20 years by Car Year Date are not covered by open-truck carrier insurance for loss or damage. |
| Enclosed Truck | No age limit. Enclosed transport is available for vehicles of any age and includes comprehensive coverage. |

This means that an older classic, antique, collector vehicle, or restoration project may be shipped **at the customer’s own risk** if it moves by rail or open truck, depending on its age, condition, season, route, and carrier approval. Our current terms state that CP Rail will not be liable for complete loss or damage to vehicles older than 6 years, and open-truck carriers will not be liable for complete loss or damage to vehicles older than 20 years.

If you are shipping an older vehicle and want full coverage, **enclosed transport is the recommended option**. Enclosed transport can insure vehicles of any age, provides higher standard coverage, and is designed for classic, antique, high-value, rare, and low-clearance vehicles.

If your vehicle is older, modified, high-value, not used as a daily driver, in rough condition, or has a low battery or mechanical concerns, please tell us when requesting your quote. We may ask for photos, vehicle value, odometer reading, mechanical condition, dimensions, or ground-clearance details to confirm the safest and most appropriate transport mode.

[b What Optional Coverage Can I Add?](#)

Two optional coverage upgrades may be available at booking for eligible shipments:

1. **Deductible Buy-Down — $50 CAD per vehicle** This removes the standard **$750 CAD deductible** on valid damage claims for vehicles that are eligible for carrier insurance. It does not change the coverage limits or make excluded damage eligible; it simply removes the deductible if a covered claim is approved.
2. **Improved Coverage — available on eligible standard truck/rail shipments** Improved Coverage includes the Deductible Buy-Down benefit and adds protection for certain situations that are normally excluded under standard coverage, including:
  - Glass damage caused by vandalism
  - Loading and unloading accidents
  - Theft of the vehicle
  - Loss of key or fob
  - Valid damages that occur while the vehicle is waiting at a terminal
  - A rental vehicle while your damaged vehicle is being repaired

Improved Coverage is **not available for enclosed transport shipments**. Enclosed transport already offers higher base coverage and specialized handling, but it has its own terms, limits, and exclusions.

Optional coverage must be added **before shipping**. Ask your shipping representative for availability and current pricing for your route, vehicle, and transport mode. Our current terms list the Deductible Buy-Down at $50 per vehicle and describe Improved Coverage as including the buy-down benefit plus the added protections above; the terms also state that Improved Coverage is not available for enclosed transport.

[b What’s Not Covered By Carrier Insurance?](#)

Carrier insurance is important protection, but it is not unlimited. Coverage depends on the transport mode, vehicle age, declared value, carrier terms, deductible, exclusions, and whether optional coverage was purchased.

Common exclusions include:

- **Acts of God or events beyond the carrier’s control**, such as severe weather, hail, floods, storms, avalanches, derailments, strikes, labour disruptions, government action, fire, or similar events
- **Normal wear and tear**, including minor dings, chips, scratches, and road-debris marks
- **Rock chips and small road-debris damage**
- **Auto glass and mirror damage**, unless a specific optional coverage applies
- **Mechanical or hidden issues**, including engine, battery, alignment, frame, suspension, exhaust, undercarriage, wheels, tires, rims, or other components that are not inspected before shipping
- **Underside damage**, especially on low-clearance vehicles
- **Interior damage or missing interior equipment**, including stereo, entertainment, or navigation systems
- **Personal items left in the vehicle**, whether approved or not
- **Loose, fragile, aftermarket, or exterior accessories**, including certain antennas, roof racks, off-road lights, tire covers, soft tops, license plates, gas caps or gas doors, and similar items
- **Damage caused by leaking fluids**, including battery acid, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, or other leaks
- **Body kits, spoilers, low-hanging parts, or aftermarket modifications** that crack, loosen, or come apart during transport
- **Spare keys, service books, or loose items** unless they are signed for and noted on the Bill of Lading, where applicable

For the complete and current list, please refer to our [Open Transport Terms & Conditions](https://www.mvscanada.ca/shipping-terms-and-conditions/)
 and [Enclosed Transport Terms & Conditions](https://www.mvscanada.ca/enclosed-car-shipping-terms-conditions/)
.

[b Should I Keep My Own Auto Insurance Active During Shipping?](#)

Yes. We strongly recommend keeping your own auto insurance active for the entire shipment, including any time your vehicle is waiting at an origin terminal, destination terminal, storage yard, or staging location.

Your own insurance may help in situations where carrier insurance does not apply, such as:

- **Terminal waiting time** — terminals provide temporary storage but do not guarantee insurance coverage while vehicles are on their premises.
- **Excluded damage** — items such as glass, mechanical issues, undercarriage concerns, weather-related damage, or other exclusions may not be covered by carrier insurance.
- **Older vehicles** — rail and open-truck coverage have age-related restrictions, so older vehicles may have limited or no carrier coverage depending on the transport mode.
- **Personal belongings** — personal items are not covered by carrier insurance and should not be left in the vehicle unless we give permission in advance.
- **Comprehensive risks** — theft, vandalism, fire, weather, or other risks may be handled differently under your personal auto policy, depending on your insurer.

Maintaining your own coverage during a shipment costs little and adds a meaningful safety net.

Your personal policy is a separate layer of protection from carrier or rail coverage, and what it responds to depends on your province, insurer, coverages purchased, deductible, and exact policy wording. Some optional coverages, such as Specified Perils, Comprehensive, Collision/Upset, or All Perils, may include perils related to the transport carrying your vehicle, but this varies. Before the vehicle moves, ask your broker or insurer specifically: Is the vehicle covered while transported by truck, train, ferry, or ship? Does coverage apply while it waits at a terminal or storage yard? What deductible and exclusions apply? See [“Fully Insured” Does Not Always Mean Fully Covered: What Canadians Should Know Before Shipping a Vehicle](https://www.mvscanada.ca/fully-insured-vehicle-shipping-canada/)
.

[b How Do I Document My Vehicle’s Condition Before Shipping?](#)

Documenting your vehicle properly at origin is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself in the rare event of a damage claim.

Please take **at least 24 high-resolution photos** when the vehicle is last in your possession — at terminal drop-off, door pickup, dealership release, commercial handoff location, or when meeting the truck driver. Do not take the required origin photos earlier at home unless your shipment starts with door pickup at your home. Photos should be taken at the handoff location, uploaded through the tracking page, and taken in enough detail to show all exterior surfaces.

Your photos should:

- Be taken at your phone or camera’s highest quality setting
- Be taken from no more than about **six feet away**
- Be sent or uploaded in original size, not cropped, compressed, resized, or reduced
- Show all sides of the vehicle, bumpers, hood, roof, trunk, windshield, wheels, tires, and any existing scratches, dents, chips, rust, or other damage
- Include close-ups of any pre-existing damage
- Show the origin location in at least one photo where possible, such as the terminal, dealership, or pickup location in the background

The vehicle must be clean and free of snow, dirt, or debris that could hide its condition. Vehicles that are snow-covered or excessively dirty may not be insured for hidden scratches, dents, or damage. Our terms also state that failure to take the required photos, follow the photo guidelines, or properly document the vehicle at origin may result in future damage claims being denied.

Photos must be uploaded through your tracking page using the **“Upload Photos”** button. If a condition report cannot be completed at drop-off, such as at some rail terminals or after-hours locations, your photos become the main record of the vehicle’s condition at origin.

For the complete photo guide and 24-photo diagram, see [How to Take Photos of Your Vehicle Before Shipping](https://www.mvscanada.ca/take-photos-of-your-vehicle/)
.

[b What Should I Do If I Notice Damage At Delivery?](#)

If you notice possible transit damage at delivery or terminal pickup, do **not** move the vehicle and do **not** sign for it as received in satisfactory condition until the damage has been reviewed and documented.

Follow these steps before moving the vehicle from the delivery point:

**1. Report the damage immediately** to the person at the pickup terminal, the driver, or the delivery agent.

**2. Do not move the vehicle** until the damage has been looked at and documented.

**3. Write the damage on the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report** before signing. Be specific about the location and type of damage.

**4. Take clear photos immediately**, including close-ups of the damage and wider photos showing the vehicle’s overall condition.

**5. Sign only after the damage has been noted** on the paperwork.

**6. Email MVS Canada right away** with the photos and a written description of the damage.

Our damage-claim instructions state that new damage must be shown to the terminal or delivery person, noted on the paperwork, photographed before taking possession or driving away, and reported to us immediately.

If the vehicle is moved before the damage is documented, or if the Bill of Lading is signed without noting damage, the claim may be denied. Signing the Bill of Lading or inspection report without noting damage confirms the vehicle was received in satisfactory condition, and that moving the vehicle before photo documentation may invalidate the claim. Damage photos must also be submitted within **24 hours**.

The Bill of Lading is not paperwork to rush through. In transportation claims, it commonly acts as a receipt for the vehicle and its condition and is often the best evidence of the terms of carriage. A clean signature can make a later claim very difficult, which is why noting damage on the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report before signing matters so much. See [“Fully Insured” Does Not Always Mean Fully Covered: What Canadians Should Know Before Shipping a Vehicle](https://www.mvscanada.ca/fully-insured-vehicle-shipping-canada/)

[b How long does a claim take from start to finish?](#)

The claims manager will open a file and request reports from all carriers and drivers involved. This can sometimes take weeks to acquire all reports, review and confirm damage, and have you (the customer) obtain damage estimates. From start to finish, some claims can even take months to resolve, depending on the nature of the damage and which carriers are involved.

[b Why am I being asked to obtain multiple estimates? Why are the estimates I provided being challenged?](#)

To ensure a fair and equitable process on a legitimate claim, you may be asked to obtain multiple estimates. Depending on the claim and carrier requirements, the final claim documentation may require up to 3 repair estimates. This is to ensure fairness and to confirm that the garage conducting the repair is not elevating prices or attempting to gouge anyone involved. The carrier paying for the repair has the right to refuse an estimate and request an estimate be completed elsewhere if they feel the one provided is unjust.

[b I have a legitimate claim and my car will be going in for repairs which could take multiple days. Will I be provided with a rental car or rental compensation?](#)

No. Claims cover damage to the vehicle only. We do not issue compensation for rental vehicles during this time.

[b There seem to be many exceptions. What kind of damage is actually covered by the carrier’s insurance?](#)

Damage that is deemed to be the result of driver negligence, or essentially any damage that could have been avoided, would be deemed legitimate. Some examples would be a driver backing into your vehicle while in the yard, a ramp being mistakenly lowered onto the roof of your vehicle, or a strap that wasn’t sufficiently tightened and allowed the vehicle to move while in transit, causing damage.

During a claim review, MVS Canada compares Point of Origin photos, condition reports, carrier photos, terminal records, and customer damage photos to determine where the damage first appears in the transport timeline. If the evidence indicates the damage occurred while the vehicle was in a carrier’s possession and the damage is not excluded under the Terms & Conditions, the claim may proceed through the carrier’s claim process.

[b My car was dead on arrival and I had to call someone for a jump. Can I be compensated for this?](#)

No. It’s important to check the health of your car’s battery before shipping, as it will be sitting for a long period of time on a truck, train or at a terminal.

[b My car suffered hail damage while it was on your truck, can I claim this?](#)

Any weather related events or events deemed ‘An act of God’ are not covered under carrier insurance. This would hold true in the event of flooding, storms, etc.

[b I have been approved to take personal items—what can I take? Can I claim any losses if there is damage or something goes missing?](#)

The following items are strictly prohibited from being in the vehicle at the time of shipping; guns, ammunition, flammable products, explosives, narcotics, alcohol, jewelry, precious metals, furs, money, pets, plants and contraband. The shipper (the customer) agrees that the carrier may confiscate and/or dispose of said items with no remuneration and the appropriate Government authorities will be contacted. MVS Canada and its carriers are not liable for loss or damage to said personal items.

[b An item inside my vehicle went missing during transit. Can I claim it?](#)

Any items shipped inside vehicles are done so at your own risk, and cannot be covered under carrier insurance. MVS Canada is not liable for loss or damage to said personal items.

[b I think there might be damage underneath the vehicle that was caused while in transit](#)

Similar to mechanical functions, since there is no inspection of the underside of vehicles prior to shipment, undercarriage systems and components are listed as coverage exceptions or are not feasible to inspect during the initial vehicle survey.

[b My car sounds funny after I shipped it, something inside the engine may have been damaged.](#)

As an industry standard, MVS Canada and our carrier partners do not mechanically inspect vehicles prior to the shipping process. Inspections are only of the vehicle’s exterior. Mechanical functions, hidden or internal components, undercarriage systems, electrical systems, exhaust, mufflers, battery function, alignment, frame, suspension, engine tuning, wheels, tires, and rims are listed as coverage exceptions or are not feasible to inspect during the initial vehicle survey.

[b I found a scratch on my car that appears to have been caused by a rock—is this covered?](#)

Dings, chips, and minor scratches are listed as coverage exceptions under the Open Trailer / Train Transport Terms & Conditions. As vehicles are exposed to the elements during transport, rocks and road debris can sometimes cause minor damage beyond the reasonable control of MVS Canada or the driver of the transport vehicle. These can happen any time of year and are mostly caused by loose stones or gravel being elevated from the roadway by a passing vehicle.

Larger dents, impact damage, or damage that may have been caused by carrier handling should be reviewed separately based on the available photos, condition reports, and carrier records.

[b If my vehicle is shipped by train, is it covered for damage while inside and outside the railcar?](#)

For vehicles shipped by rail, CP Rail will not be liable for complete loss or damage to vehicles older than six years, determined by Car Year Date. Because older vehicles tend to have general wear and tear already apparent prior to shipping, our ability to insure them to full value is not possible.

For vehicles shipped by open truck, the carrier will not be liable for complete loss or damage to vehicles older than twenty years, determined by Car Year Date.

Rail-related claims are subject to the rail carrier’s coverage rules, vehicle age limits, maximum insurable value, and loading/unloading limitations set out in the Terms & Conditions.

Coverage limits may vary by transport mode. Under the current Open Shipment Terms & Conditions, the maximum insurable value is $35,000 CDN per vehicle when shipped by rail and $65,000 CDN per vehicle when shipped by open truck.

[b Are windshields, auto glass, or mirrors covered?](#)

Damage to windshields, other auto glass, or mirrors is listed as a coverage exception under the Open Trailer / Train Transport Terms & Conditions. Glass and mirrors can become damaged for various reasons out of our control. As vehicles are exposed to the elements during transport, the following factors can cause glass or mirror damage:

- Rocks and road debris
- Weather conditions and temperature changes
- Faulty installation
- Prior condition and pre-existing damage
- Movement and vibration of the vehicle on the trailer or in the railcar

## Request Your Free Quote Now!

*Risk-free and no obligations!

[Request Your Free Quote](https://www.mvscanada.ca/request-a-quote/)

I will remember my dealings with MVS as a standard-setting, high-end, very reasonably-priced and stress-free service. Those will be the words I will be using when recommending MVS.#### Rick B