This is a guide on how to ship a car. Transporting a car is a big job, but with the right research and preparation, it can be a smooth and easy process.

Written by Amber Reed

Reviewed by Carrie Adkins

Updated on Aug 30, 2023

Table of Contents

How to ship your car
Cost

To ship your car, you'll need to decide on a moving and transport company and get the details with your

car insurance

company ironed out.

When making a major life decision to move hundreds or even thousands of miles away, one of the biggest tasks is getting all of your belongings to your new home.

If you own a car, this can be a particularly daunting task if driving it yourself is not an option. With proper planning and knowledge, shipping your car to your ultimate destination can be easier than you’d think.

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How to ship your car

Step 1: Plan your route. Getting your car where it needs to go is often situation dependent. Taking a car overseas may leave you with fewer options than taking your car across the country.

Whatever situation you are in, be sure to figure out the most direct route your car can be sent on in order to save time and money.

Step 2: Research moving companies. After figuring out the most direct route of transportation, it is time to hit the internet to search for car shipping options.

There are several companies that offer all types of shipping services including overseas in either an open or closed container:

American Auto Shipping

A-1 Auto Transport

ProStar Auto Transport

For those not going overseas, there are options like professional driving services that will drive a vehicle to your final destination for you. Be aware that those include additional costs such as hotel and return travel expenses.

Step 3: Contact your insurance agent. If you are relocating for work and your employer is covering the expenses, then be sure to check if their insurance protects your belongings during the moving process. Most companies have

liability insurance

that covers upwards of $100,000 on your car.

Additionally, contact your own

car insurance

agent to see what might be covered on your policy. Prepare for the worst case scenario so that you know what protection you have in the event of loss or damage.

Step 4: Clean and photograph your car. It’s important to fully remove all personal items from your car before shipping. You want your car to be as light as possible to avoid higher rates.

Make sure your

car is clean inside and out

so that you can identify scrapes or dents that could occur during shipping process.

Take photos of your car from all angles right before shipping for proof of its condition before the moving process. You might need these if damage does occur, and you will have something concrete to show your insurance provider.

Step 5: Upon arrival, inspect your car thoroughly. Once your car has made it to the final destination, don’t sign off without thoroughly examining it.

Bring along photos to compare your car’s condition and immediately contact your insurance provider if anything is off.

Car insurance will help protect your car if anything goes wrong during a long trip or a big move so Step 3 is very important in this process. Don't take any risks with your car or truck when it's out of your sight and control.

MORE:

The top 5 best moving container and storage companies

How much does it cost to ship a car?

The amount it costs to ship your car depends on a variety of factors, the most important one being distance.

It usually costs $2 per mile to ship a car for destinations under 200 miles, and costs are generally cheaper per mile the more distance your car is traveling. If your car is being shipped for more than 1,500 miles, the cost can be reduced down to $0.60 per mile.

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