Moving a car isn’t like mailing a package. It’s bigger, riskier, and far more personal. Your car holds value beyond numbers on paper. It might be your daily commuter, a family vehicle, or even a prized collectible. Handing it over to a shipping company can feel unsettling.
That worry is natural. After all, you want your car to arrive safely, without scratches or damage. The good news? With proper steps, the process becomes less stressful. This guide brings together top car shipping safety and security tips. Each section highlights what to check, what to avoid, and how to protect your vehicle.
Choose a Licensed and Insured Company
The first step sets the foundation. Always verify that the company is properly licensed. Without licensing, you risk dealing with unregulated operators. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FMCSA maintain searchable records. Take five minutes to check. It may save you headaches later.
Insurance is equally critical. Even experienced drivers face bad weather or careless motorists. Without coverage, the financial risk falls on you. A reputable company readily provides documents proving both licensing and insurance. If they hesitate, consider that a warning sign.
Choosing a licensed, insured carrier doesn’t just protect your car. It gives you peace of mind knowing professionals are in charge.
Get a Copy of the Insurance Policy
Asking about insurance is one thing; reading the fine print is another. Never rely on vague assurances. Always request the actual policy. That document tells you exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.
Some policies only handle collision damage. Others cover theft, vandalism, or even weather-related incidents. If gaps exist, at least you’ll know upfront. This knowledge lets you weigh whether extra coverage is needed.
Don’t skim. Highlight confusing sections and ask for clarification. Companies that value their customers explain without rushing you. Comparing policies among carriers also helps. You may find wider coverage at a similar rate.
Inspect Your Car Before Leaving
A car inspection may sound tedious, but it’s one of your strongest defenses. Walk around your vehicle slowly. Look at bumpers, doors, and mirrors. Even small scratches should be noted. Take photos from multiple angles. Time-stamped images are even better.
Most companies conduct their own inspection too. Don’t just sign off—compare it to your record. If their notes miss something, speak up. Have changes made before handing over the keys.
This step protects you from unfair blame. If damage appears later, your photos become proof. Without them, your claim weakens considerably.
No Personal Items
It’s tempting to treat your car as a moving box. Resist that urge. Items inside the car cause several problems. They can slide, break windows, or scratch interiors during transport.
Another issue: insurance rarely covers personal belongings. If something disappears, you’ll bear the loss. Plus, extra weight can cause shipping delays or extra fees. In some cases, carriers may refuse pickup entirely.
The rule is simple: ship the car only. Keep it empty and clean. Use separate services for personal goods. It saves trouble on both ends.
Check the Battery and Tires
Carriers expect your vehicle to be functional. That doesn’t mean perfect, but it should roll and start if needed. A weak battery or flat tire creates unnecessary challenges.
Imagine a driver struggling to load your car because it won’t start. Delays like this often lead to extra charges. Check your battery the night before. Make sure it’s charged and properly connected. Inspect tire pressure and condition.
A little preparation avoids embarrassment and helps the shipping crew do their job efficiently. It’s a simple way to keep everything running smoothly.
Lock the Car (But Leave the Keys!)
Security is tricky here. You want your car locked, but the driver still needs access. The solution is straightforward: lock the car but leave the key.
Hand over only the car key, not your whole keychain. Keep house keys, office keys, and spares with you. Label the car key clearly for convenience.
This practice balances protection with practicality. It prevents strangers from casually opening the car while ensuring the driver can operate it safely.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Transport methods aren’t one-size-fits-all. Open carriers are common and affordable, but they expose vehicles to weather and road debris. Most everyday cars travel this way without issues.
Enclosed carriers, meanwhile, provide maximum protection. Cars inside stay shielded from rain, sun, and dust. This option is pricier but ideal for luxury or antique vehicles.
Think about your situation. A family sedan might do fine in open transport. A freshly restored classic deserves enclosed care. Matching the method to your vehicle’s value keeps risk in check.
Disable the Car Alarm
Car alarms protect cars in parking lots, but on a carrier truck, they cause chaos. Constant vibration triggers alarms repeatedly. That drains batteries and frustrates drivers.
Disable the alarm before shipping day. If you’re unsure how, check the manual or ask a mechanic. Once disabled, notify the carrier for confirmation.
This step spares everyone stress. It also prevents potential delays during loading and unloading. In short, your car travels quieter, and the battery stays strong.
Verify Delivery Details
Confusion often happens at the end of the journey. Avoid it by confirming delivery details well in advance. Verify the location, date, and time in writing. Provide accurate contact numbers.
If you can’t be present, assign someone you trust. That person should know what to do: inspect the car carefully, compare notes, and sign responsibly.
Upon delivery, repeat your inspection. Use your earlier photos as a guide. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately while the carrier’s representative is still there.
Trust Your Gut Always
Research and paperwork matter, but don’t ignore intuition. If a company dodges questions, pressures you, or seems evasive, think twice. Reliable carriers are upfront and professional.
Gut feelings often flag issues logic misses. If something feels off, listen. There are plenty of carriers out there. Choosing the wrong one can cost more than money—it can cost peace of mind.
Confidence in your decision is priceless. Trust both the facts and your instincts when selecting a company.
Conclusion
Car shipping doesn’t have to feel like rolling the dice. With the right precautions, you can move your vehicle safely. Start by choosing a licensed, insured carrier. Read insurance policies closely. Inspect your car before pickup, and leave it free of personal items.
Make sure the battery and tires are ready. Lock the car but hand over the key. Choose between open or enclosed transport based on your needs. Disable alarms to prevent problems. Confirm delivery details, and finally—trust your gut.
Following these top car shipping safety and security tips reduces risks dramatically. A bit of preparation now ensures your car arrives in the same condition it left. That peace of mind makes the effort worthwhile.
