Shipping Your Car

Shipping a car across the country is a great way to avoid having to turn your move into a road trip, but before you put your car in the hands of a stranger, there are many things to consider.

Price - The price will depend on several factors including the location of the origin and destination, the distance between the origin and destination, the type of automobile (bigger and heavier cars cost more to transport), whether you purchase door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service, and whether you request special options such as enclosed car transport. The price can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Time -  The length of time to transport a vehicle will vary based on the distance and locations of the origin and destination. A good rule of thumb is that it can take one to two weeks for a coast-to-coast move. It can take longer if you are transporting your vehicle to an out-of-the-way location.

Insurance - You will want to carefully read the insurance coverage provided by your transporter. Things to consider are whether there are any deductibles for damage and whether the insurance provided by the transporter is primary or secondary to your own insurance. If it is secondary, that means that the insurance only kicks in where your own insurance leaves off and that means that any claim is attributed to your own insurance policy.

Personal Goods - It may be tempting to load your car up with boxes but this may not be a good idea. First, any damage or loss is typically not covered by the cargo insurance. Second, if you overload the car, you can make it heavier which may make it more susceptive to damage when being loaded and unloaded from the truck. Finally, auto-transporters are generally not licensed as interstate movers and can be fined for personal goods across state lines - any fines will be passed on to you. Check with the mover, though--some allow you to fill your trunk with goods.

Getting the car ready - Make sure to remove any loose parts from the vehicle such as ski racks or bike carriers. Leave the fuel tank no more than 1/4 tank full as extra fuel adds unnecessary weight to the car increasing the expense. Leave a window open a crack so that no pressure builds up during the temperature and elevation changes.

Vehicle Pickup -  When the transporter picks up the car, be sure to receive an inspection report. The report will detail all the pre-existing issues with the car including scratches, dents, and the general condition of the body and paint. Carefully read to make sure the report is accurate and save the report so you can prove any damage to the car during shipment.

Vehicle Delivery - When receiving your car, take your time to inspect the car from bumper to bumper. Remember, if you notice a problem after the driver leaves, you will not be able to prove that the damage occurred during shipment. So make sure to receive the car during daylight hours when the lighting is good and you can spot any issues. Inspect all the glass and mirrors for cracks. Inspect the paint for any scratches. Inspect the roof and the bumpers carefully as this is where damage is most likely to occur. Most auto moves go smoothly, but if you do notice any issues, make sure to note it on the drivers report and for the driver to sign off on the issue as well. You can then file a claim with the transporter.

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