How to Not Have Your Car Stolen During Auto Transport

Vehicle theft is a serious concern for anyone shipping their car. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), over one million vehicles were reported stolen in the United States in 2023. While comprehensive statistics specifically for vehicles stolen during auto transport are limited, the risk is real—especially when working with inexperienced brokers, unvetted carriers, or companies offering suspiciously low prices.

The Alarming Reality of Vehicle Theft During Transport

While exact figures for vehicles stolen specifically during auto transport aren't widely tracked, the broader vehicle theft statistics paint a concerning picture. In 2023, the NICB reported over one million vehicle thefts nationwide, representing billions of dollars in losses. While 2024 saw a 17% decrease in overall vehicle thefts—the largest annual decline in 40 years—the risk during auto transport remains significant when proper precautions aren't taken.

The auto transport industry has seen its share of theft incidents, often tied to unvetted carriers, inexperienced brokers, and consumers who prioritize low prices over security. Understanding why these thefts occur and how to prevent them is crucial for protecting your vehicle.

Why Cars Get Stolen During Auto Transport

Several factors contribute to vehicle theft during the transport process. Understanding these risks helps you make better decisions when choosing a transport company.

Inexperienced Brokers Not Knowing What They're Doing

Many new or inexperienced brokers enter the market without the knowledge or network needed to properly vet carriers. They may not understand the importance of checking USDOT numbers, verifying insurance, or establishing relationships with trusted truckers. These brokers often dispatch vehicles to carriers they've never worked with before, increasing the risk of theft or fraud.

People Trying to Go Direct with Truckers

Some consumers try to save money by working directly with truckers, bypassing brokers entirely. While this might seem like a cost-saving measure, it eliminates the safety net that reputable brokers provide. Direct arrangements often lack proper contracts, insurance verification, and background checks. Without a broker's vetting process, you're essentially trusting a stranger with your vehicle based on little more than a phone call or online listing.

Not Vetting Properly

Failing to properly vet a transport company or carrier is one of the biggest mistakes consumers make. Many people don't verify USDOT numbers, check insurance coverage, or research company backgrounds. They may not verify that phone numbers match official company listings or check review websites for red flags. This lack of due diligence leaves them vulnerable to scams and theft.

Trying to Get Super Low Pricing

If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices often indicate unlicensed operators, uninsured carriers, or outright scams. Legitimate transport companies have real costs—insurance, fuel, driver wages, equipment maintenance—and can't operate at suspiciously low rates. Companies offering prices far below market rates may be planning to disappear with your vehicle or your deposit.

Unrealistic Pickup/Delivery Estimates

Unrealistic pickup and delivery timeframes can be a red flag. Reputable companies provide honest estimates based on distance, route, and carrier availability. Companies promising impossibly fast delivery or immediate pickup may be making promises they can't keep—or may be trying to rush you into a decision before you can properly vet them.

How to Not Have Your Car Stolen: Essential Protection Steps

Protecting your vehicle from theft during transport requires diligence and following proven safety practices. Here's how to ensure your car arrives safely at its destination.

Check the DOT Website and Only Use Official Phone Numbers

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) maintains a database of all licensed motor carriers. Before working with any transport company or broker, verify their USDOT number on the FMCSA SAFER System. This database shows:

• Company operating status
• Insurance coverage
• Safety ratings
• Out-of-service orders
• Official contact information

Critical: Only use phone numbers listed on the official DOT website or the company's verified website. Scammers often create fake listings with different phone numbers. If someone calls you claiming to be from a transport company, verify their number matches the official listing before proceeding.

Check Review Websites and Use Official Company Numbers and Emails

Research the company on multiple review platforms including Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and transport-specific review sites. Look for:

• Consistent positive reviews over time
• Responses from the company to negative reviews
• Patterns of complaints about theft, fraud, or unprofessional behavior
• Verification that the company responds to customer concerns

Always contact companies using the phone numbers and email addresses listed on their official website or verified business listings. Never respond to unsolicited calls or emails from companies you haven't researched. If someone contacts you claiming to be from a transport company, verify their identity by calling the official number yourself.

Verify Insurance Coverage

Legitimate transport companies carry cargo insurance and liability insurance. Ask for proof of insurance and verify the coverage amounts. The DOT database will show insurance information, but you should also request a certificate of insurance directly from the company. Be wary of companies that can't provide insurance documentation or have suspiciously low coverage amounts.

Get Everything in Writing

A reputable company will provide a detailed contract that includes:

• Pickup and delivery locations
• Agreed-upon dates (with flexibility noted)
• Total cost and payment terms
• Insurance coverage details
• Company USDOT number
• Cancellation and refund policies

Never agree to transport services based solely on a phone conversation. If a company refuses to provide a written contract, that's a major red flag.

Never Pay in Full Upfront

Legitimate companies typically require a deposit (usually $100-$500) to secure your booking, with the balance due upon delivery. Be extremely cautious of companies that demand full payment upfront. This is a common scam tactic—once they have your full payment, they may disappear or never show up to pick up your vehicle.

Verify the Carrier at Pickup

When the carrier arrives for pickup, verify that:

• The truck and driver match the information provided
• The carrier's USDOT number is displayed on the truck
• The driver has proper identification
• The company name matches what you contracted with

If anything seems off, don't proceed. Contact your broker or the transport company immediately.

Use a Reputable Broker with a Proven Track Record

Working with an established broker provides multiple layers of protection. Reputable brokers:

• Vet all carriers before dispatching
• Maintain relationships with trusted truckers
• Provide tracking and communication throughout transport
• Handle insurance claims if issues arise
• Have established procedures for handling problems

While brokers charge a fee, this fee buys you expertise, vetting, and protection that direct arrangements often lack.

All America Auto Transport: 60 Years, Half a Million Cars, Zero Thefts

Since 1964, All America Auto Transport has been protecting customers' vehicles with an unmatched track record. We've successfully shipped over half a million vehicles without a single theft incident. This perfect record isn't luck—it's the result of rigorous processes and trusted relationships built over six decades.

Our Trusted Network of Partner Truckers

We don't work with random carriers found online. We maintain a carefully curated network of partner truckers who have proven themselves reliable, professional, and trustworthy over years of working together. Before any carrier joins our network, they undergo extensive vetting that includes:

• USDOT number verification and safety rating checks
• Insurance coverage verification
• Background checks on the company and key personnel
• Reference checks from other brokers and customers
• Trial shipments to verify reliability and professionalism

Rigorous Vetting and Tracking Process

Every shipment goes through our comprehensive vetting and tracking process:

• Pre-Dispatch Verification: We verify carrier credentials, insurance, and safety ratings before every dispatch
• Real-Time Tracking: We maintain communication with carriers throughout transport and provide updates to customers
• Documentation: We ensure all contracts, insurance certificates, and carrier information are properly documented
• Ongoing Monitoring: We continuously monitor carrier performance and safety records
• Relationship Management: We maintain ongoing relationships with our carriers, not just one-time transactions

Why Our Record Matters

Our zero-theft record over 60 years and half a million shipments demonstrates that proper vetting, established relationships, and rigorous processes work. When you choose All America Auto Transport, you're not just getting a quote—you're getting six decades of experience, a trusted network of professional carriers, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a company that has never lost a customer's vehicle.

Protect Yourself: The Bottom Line

Vehicle theft during auto transport is a real risk, but it's largely preventable. The key is working with reputable companies that have proven track records, proper credentials, and established processes. Don't let low prices or convenience override your safety. Take the time to:

• Verify USDOT numbers and use only official contact information
• Check reviews and research companies thoroughly
• Get everything in writing and never pay in full upfront
• Work with established brokers who vet their carriers
• Trust companies with proven track records

At All America Auto Transport, we've built our reputation on protecting customers' vehicles. With over half a million successful shipments and zero thefts since 1964, we've proven that the right processes and relationships make all the difference. When you're ready to ship your vehicle, choose a company that puts your vehicle's security first.