So you need to get your car from one side of Australia to the other. Maybe you’re relocating for work, maybe you bought a car online, or maybe life just threw you a curveball. Whatever the reason, you’re probably feeling a bit anxious about handing your keys over to complete strangers.
I’ve been in the car transport business for years now, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had customers call me, worried sick about their vehicle. Yesterday, a woman from Brisbane called about transporting her late father’s 1987 Holden Commodore to Perth. She was nearly in tears, worried something might happen to it during the journey. I totally get it.
Your car isn’t just transportation. It’s where you had your first kiss, where you sang terrible karaoke alone, where you’ve cried, laughed, and lived. So when someone like me says “don’t worry, we’ll take care of it,” I understand why that might not be enough.
Why Insurance Matters (And I’m Not Just Saying That)
Australia’s a massive country with some pretty unforgiving roads. Last month, one of our drivers hit a pothole near Coober Pedy that was so deep it could’ve swallowed a small child. The car was fine, but it got me thinking about all the things that could go wrong out there.
I’ve seen hailstorms in Queensland that left cars looking like golf balls. I’ve watched a dust storm roll across the Nullarbor that was so thick you couldn’t see five meters ahead. And don’t get me started on the wildlife – a mate of mine had a wedgie-tailed eagle dive-bomb his trailer near Broken Hill. These things happen.
Here’s what can actually go wrong:
Roads that’ll test your suspension and then some. Australian highways aren’t exactly known for their smoothness, especially once you get away from the major cities. Weather that changes without warning. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’re driving through a monsoon.
Loading and unloading accidents. Even with experienced crews, sometimes a car gets scratched loading onto the trailer. It’s not common, but it happens more than we’d like to admit.
Theft and vandalism. Most transport companies are legitimate, but cars sitting in depots can be targets. I’ve seen windows smashed, mirrors torn off, even entire vehicles stolen.
Environmental damage. Open trailers expose cars to dust, rain, and flying debris. Your car might arrive dirtier than you expected, or with small chips in the paint.
The Two Types of Coverage (Plain English Version)
When you book transport, you’ll encounter two main insurance types. Let me explain them without the corporate nonsense.
Basic Coverage (What’s Usually Included)
Most transport companies provide basic liability coverage. This protects you if they screw up – if their driver crashes, if they drop your car off the trailer, if they damage it during loading. It’s better than nothing, but it has limits.
What it covers: Damage directly caused by the transport company’s negligence or mistakes.
What it doesn’t cover: Weather damage, theft, vandalism, accidents caused by other drivers, or pre-existing damage. The coverage amount might not match your car’s actual value either.
Comprehensive Coverage (The Peace of Mind Option)
This is broader protection that covers almost everything that could happen during transport. You can usually buy this through your own insurance company or sometimes through the transport company.
It typically covers accidents regardless of fault, weather damage, theft, vandalism, and loading/unloading damage. If you’ve got a car worth more than a few thousand dollars, or if it has sentimental value, this extra coverage usually makes sense.
How We Actually Handle Your Car
I’m not going to lie to you – every transport company will tell you they’re the best. But here’s what actually happens at a decent company:
Our drivers aren’t just anyone off the street. They need proper licenses, training, and experience. I personally interview every driver we hire. If they seem dodgy or careless, they don’t get the job.
We inspect your car thoroughly before loading it. We take photos, note existing damage, and document everything. You should be there for this inspection. If you can’t be, ask for detailed photos.
We use proper equipment. Our trailers are regularly serviced and designed for car transport. We use quality tie-downs and padding to prevent damage during transit.
We track vehicles throughout the journey. You can usually check where your car is at any time during transport.
What You Should Actually Do
Here’s my honest advice after years of dealing with worried customers:
Choose your transport company carefully. Don’t just go with the cheapest quote. Ask about their insurance, their experience, and their claims process. A company that’s evasive about these topics is probably not worth the risk.
Understand exactly what insurance coverage you’re getting. Read the fine print. Ask specific questions about what’s covered and what isn’t. Don’t assume anything.
Check your own car insurance policy. Some personal auto policies cover transport, others don’t. Call your insurance company and ask directly.
Document your car’s condition before transport. Take photos from every angle. Note any existing damage. Be present for the transport company’s inspection if possible.
Remove personal items from your car. Insurance typically doesn’t cover items inside the vehicle, and they can shift during transport and cause damage.
Get proof of the transport company’s insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance. Legitimate companies will provide this without hesitation.
When Things Go Wrong
Despite everyone’s best efforts, problems sometimes occur. Here’s what actually happens:
Inspect your car immediately when it arrives. Compare it to the condition report from pickup. Look for new damage, missing items, or mechanical issues.
Document any problems right away. Take photos and report issues to the transport company immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the damage occurred during transport.
File insurance claims promptly. If you have comprehensive coverage, contact your insurer. If you’re relying on the transport company’s insurance, they should guide you through their claims process.
The Reality Check
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat this. Car transport involves some risk. We’re moving vehicles hundreds or thousands of kilometers across a continent with unpredictable weather, wildlife, and road conditions. Even the best companies can’t guarantee nothing will ever go wrong.
But here’s the thing – millions of cars get transported safely across Australia every year. Most trips are completely uneventful. Your car gets picked up, driven carefully to its destination, and delivered in the same condition it left.
The key is choosing a reputable company, understanding your insurance options, and being prepared for the small chance that something might go wrong. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from getting your car where it needs to go.
At Unicorn Car Transport, we’ve been doing this for years. We’ve transported everything from beat-up work utes to million-dollar classic cars. We’ve learned from our mistakes, improved our processes, and built relationships with customers who trust us with their vehicles.
We’re not perfect. No transport company is. But we’re experienced, we’re insured, and we genuinely care about getting your car to you safely.
If you’re ready to move your car, give us a call. We’ll answer your questions honestly, explain your options clearly, and do everything we can to make this process as stress-free as possible. Your car’s journey across Australia starts with a conversation.
