How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?

The cost to ship a car can vary depending on various factors. To get an idea of what you might pay, it’s best to request a quote from a carrier or broker.

About car transport

Car transport is a service that moves a car from one location to another. There are two types of transport: open and enclosed. Open transport is cheaper, but the car will be exposed to the elements. Enclosed transport costs more, but the car is protected from the weather.

Car transport quote

Finding the right car transport quote can be tough. There are a few ways to obtain quotes, but it’s important to know that you can’t just obtain a quote online by visiting a transport company’s website. There are pros and cons to this approach. You also have the option of calling them or using an independent service. Another option is to get a quote from a third-party service.

Factors affect the cost of car shipping

Distance

When you are shipping your car, distance is the most important factor. The greater the distance, the more you will have to pay. However, there are also miles-based discounts for longer distances. With a car shipping calculator, you’ll be able to find the best price for your specific situation.

Route

When it comes to transportation, the route is just as important as the distance. If you’re shipping a vehicle across town, for example, there might not be a huge difference in the time it takes to drive around the block after block vs. taking a direct route. But what about if you’re shipping a vehicle across the country? In that case, the route matters a lot more. A congested highway or another road could lengthen the total transport time and impact the cost to ship a car.

Car shipping date

When you book a car transport service, you might want to look into the shipment date. The farther in advance that you book your vehicle, the cheaper the cost. It’s best to plan as soon as possible for a car shipment because the sooner you request a car shipping quote from a company, the lower the cost.

Vehicle make & model

When you are looking for auto transport, it is important to get the exact specifications of the car. This will ensure that the driver has enough space to safely secure the car and have enough clearance on either side of the car. Longer and taller cars may cost more money, but it is worth it for safety. Vehicle modifications like larger tires and roof racks may also lead to increased prices.

Transport type

When people ship a car, they typically select open car transportation. Open car transportation is the industry standard and the cheapest way to move your vehicle. For extra peace of mind when shipping your car, opt for enclosed car transport services which shield your vehicle from the elements. These services usually increase the cost of car shipping but are worth it for more delicate, exotic, or luxury cars.

Vehicle condition

If your car is running, you’ll get a better deal on shipping with car shippers. If your car isn’t working but it still has the ability to turn, steer, and brake, you will need to book it with a carrier that is equipped for loading onto their trailer, which will increase the cost to ship a car.

Location

The city is a different world when it comes to using a truck for transporting cars. For residents of smaller towns, the cost is usually higher due to the scarcity of truckers. If you live in a town near a highway, you can meet the truck driver at a designated location for a lower cost. But if your town is remote and you want cheap car transport, your best bet is to meet the auto shippers in a metropolitan area.

Season

The cost of car shipping varies depending on the time of year. For example, during the snowbird season, people transport more cars to warmer states, so the shipping price is higher. Use our calculator to find the cost to shipping a car. Depending on your scheduling flexibility, you might want to try shipping dates to see how it impacts the car shipping cost.

Insurance

Auto transport carriers are required to carry liability insurance — but insurance for your cargo may not be mandatory. Auto-shipping brokers can help you determine the appropriate coverage and purchase cargo insurance for you.

When you are seeking insurance coverage, ask these questions:

• What is the damage covered?
• Does it cover the whole car or just specific parts?
• Do I have to pay a deductible?
• How much of my car is covered?
• Are specialty items or accessories covered?