Car Transport FAQ
Q: How do I find companies that provide car transport services and how do I get a car transport quote?
A: GoAutoTransport has connections to get you multiple free car transport quotes. You could get referrals if you just purchased a vehicle, or you could check the Yellow Pages in your origin or destination area for assistance. Even if you don't have car transport services in your area, auto transport companies can usually broker the transport for you through other companies.
Q: How much does it cost to transport a car, boat, RV or other vehicle?
A: The cost of car transport services depends on a variety of factors, including the shipping distance, the type and number of vehicles being transported and the type of shipping service desired, such as enclosed car transport or open car carrier transport to name just a few. GoAutoTransport can get you free quotes from multiple auto transporters. If you're transporting a vehicle overseas, we can also get you free quotes from multiple international car transport companies quickly and easily.
Q: What is an oversize fee?
A: An oversize fee is charged to most SUVs and some other vehicles that are larger and heavier than an average passenger car.
Q: How do I choose an auto transport company?
A: Contact multiple car transport companies, get estimates, ask questions and do your homework. For more information, see our Selecting a Car Transport Company page. Receiving multiple free quotes from car transport service companies is just a matter of filling out a simple form online and letting the auto transport companies compete for your business. You can even get free international car shipping quotes online using the same process.
Q: How far in advance should l schedule my transport?
A: You should always schedule with your car transport company as early as possible. At minimum you should allow at least 12 to 15 days notice. While you can usually get an immediate pick up depending on when you're transporting your vechicle, you'll pay extra for it. Pick up and delivery dates are not guaranteed, they're only estimates.
Q: Do I need to have/sign a contract?
A: Yes, you should be presented with a contract and read it carefully. If your vehicle is not picked up within a set number of days (at least a week) from the agreed pick up day, you can request that a clause be included in the contract that allows you to cancel. You may be expected to pay a cancellation fee.
Q: How and when will I be expected to pay the car transport service?
A: You'll need to make a deposit and pay the balance on delivery. Credit cards, cashiers checks or money orders may be accepted for payment. Make sure you know in advance about any specific payment arrangements your car stransport service is going to impose on you at the time of delivery.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare my auto for transport?
A: There are a number of preparion steps you should take. Most importantly, your car should start, run, drive and stop and be in good working order. This reduces expenses like winching the vehicle onto the car transport service companies truck. For more information, see our car transport preparation page.
Q: How long does it take to transport an automobile?
A: Average transport time from coast to coast in the USA is usually five to thirteen days, but can vary depending on the distance and the number of drop offs and pickups enroute to your destination.
Q: Is my car insured while in transit?
A: Typically your car is insured during transit if you use a car transport service. Most car transport services have cargo insurance to fully cover your vehicle in case anything happens. All licensed car transport services carry liability insurance in case something happens to your vehicle as a result of the company's negligence. Check your contract or bill of lading and ask for specifics from your car transport service company and get answers to these questions when you compare car transport quotes. For more information, see our Car Transport Insurance page. We can also get you multiple free car transport quotes.
Q: Is it OK to pack stuff inside my vehicle?
A: This practice is not recommended at all, and USA car transport services prohibit it because it's against the law. Additionally, car transport services typically insure your car while its being transported, but not its contents. For more information, see our Car Transport Insurance page.
Q: What should I look for when I pick up my vehicle?
A: The most important thing to do when you pick up your vehicle is to check its condition and inspect for any damage that may have occurred in transit. It's highly recommended to do this in the daylight. It's your responsiblity to note any damages at the time of delivery and it can be difficult to prove later that the damages occurred during shipment. See our Auto Transport Pickup page for more information.
Q: What do I do if I have a dispute with my car transport service?
A: In the unlikely event you have an unsettled dispute with your auto transport company, you'll first want to do everyting possible to resolve your problems directly with the shipper. If your dispute is still not resolve you can notify the Better Business Bureau and you can also contact the US Department of Transportation, which typically won't help you until after you get a judgment agains the company in court.
Q: Can I use a moving company to transport my vehicle?
A: Yes, moving companies can transport your vehicle, but it will probably cost more. If you're also moving your home, this arrangement can be convenient. If you use a moving company to transport a vehicle, insurance coverage may be completely different than the coverage typically offered by car transport services, so you'll want to check that out. Another time you would consider using a moving company is when you are transporting a vehicle overseas. GoAutoTransport can get you multiple free international car transport quotes.
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