The Cheapest Ways to Ship a Car – Car Talk

Tips for Successful Car Shipping on a Budget

Don’t Forget To Check References & Insurance

As with any important service you purchase, check references. This is mostly done online now. Read the available reviews and don’t be put off by the occasional 1-star rant. All businesses drop the ball once in a while, and those events spur a lot more lengthy angrygrams than the good service love letters we usually plan to post and then forget about. Look for a 4-star average.

In addition to checking references, check with your shipping provider on insurance. Be sure your vehicle is insured while it travels. Accidents happen. Be prepared. Also, be sure you remember to call your insurance company and let them know your plans.

Preparing Your Vehicle For Shipment

The first thing to do is to load up all your fireworks, weapons, and recreational marijuana in the trunk. We’re kidding of course. In fact, your shipper is going to remind you that the rules under which they operate mean you can’t fill the car up with anything. Don’t plan to ship back your stuff in the vehicle. You can certainly ask your shipper to confirm this, but shipping the vehicle empty seems to be the norm. And don’t top off your fuel tank either. Do that when you pick it up.

Preparing For Shipment and Pickup

Before you leave your vehicle in the hands of a shipper, take images of every side and do a cell-phone video walk-around of the vehicle. This will help in the event of any damage. Manage the keys according to the shipper’s instructions.

When you see your vehicle at pick up, expect it to be dirty and covered in grime. Plan for this and you will be pleasantly surprised if it looks better. Shipping a vehicle enclosed may have a different result, but our focus here is cheap shipping. That means your vehicle was exposed to the elements and the road grime when it traveled. At a minimum, plan to have it washed. We would suggest budgeting $150 have a local shop wax and detail it.

Get Personal References On Cheap Auto Transport Options

If you have a neighbor who shipped a vehicle and was happy with the results, we suggest cross-shopping that carrier with what you find online. Ask if they will match your online price. Car Talk was built on person to person recommendations. That said, don’t let one person’s good experience negate your reference checking and other steps.

Do You Really Want to Ship An Old Car?

One reality check we would like to add to this story is the cost factor of a used vehicle. It takes just a moment to use an online car appraisal service to find out what your vehicle is actually worth. Are you a snowbird planning to ship a 15-year old Corolla back and forth from Boston to Florida each year? Think again. It is less expensive to buy a second old Corolla and just leave it behind if that is an option for you. Insurance companies will work with you to pause your coverage of an unused vehicle. Be sure you are not over-shipping an old car, no matter how much you love it.

Shipping a daily driver can be affordable and smart. Use the internet to compare prices, plan ahead, and manage your expectations. You will be surprised at just how well things will go.

Another option, if you are relocating and don’t feel you want to ship the old car is to think about donating it. Car donation is a great way to save money on shipping, while also doing some good with your old car. Learn more about the benefits of donating your old car with Car Talk here.

For more on this topic, see our full guide on how to ship a car.