Tips to Avoid These 7 Common Car Shipping Mistakes

Common Car Shipping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common car shipping mistakes can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Imagine scheduling transport, making plans around the delivery, and then finding out your car will arrive late or with new damage. Situations like this happen more often than people expect, and they’re almost always tied to preventable errors.

The good news is that these problems don’t have to happen to you. By knowing the seven mistakes that cause the most frustration, you can take simple steps to avoid them. Whether it’s booking too late, skipping an insurance check, or forgetting to prepare your car, each mistake is easy to sidestep once you know what to look for. 

This guide will walk you through them one by one so you can ship your vehicle with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

Coming up in this post, you’ll discover:

• The most common car shipping mistakes that cause delays, damage, and extra costs
  
  

• Practical steps you can take to avoid these issues before your car is picked up
  
  

• What to look for in a reliable auto transport company to make the process smooth
  
  

Overview

Shipping a car doesn't have to be stressful, and avoiding common mistakes can save you time, money, and worry. The best approach depends on your specific needs, such as your timeline and the value of your vehicle.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Company Research Pitfalls

Choosing a car transport company without proper vetting can lead to issues like hidden fees or poor service. Always verify a company's license, insurance, and FMCSA registration, and review recent customer feedback.

Booking Delays

Booking your car shipment at the last minute often results in higher costs and fewer options. It is recommended to book two to three weeks in advance to ensure better pricing and scheduling.

Insurance Gaps

Not confirming insurance coverage can leave you responsible for damage during transit. Always request a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate and consider additional coverage if needed.

Improper Payment Practices

Paying upfront fees before a carrier is confirmed is a warning sign. Reputable companies typically only require payment once your vehicle's pickup is scheduled and accept secure payment methods.

Incomplete Vehicle Details

Failing to provide accurate information about your vehicle's features or condition can cause delays and extra fees. Disclose all modifications, such as oversized tires or inoperable status, when requesting a quote.

Lack of Vehicle Preparation

Neglecting to prepare your car before pickup can lead to issues with damage claims or added costs. Clean your car, remove personal items, and check basic fluid and tire levels.

Other Notable Aspects

• Payment Methods: Avoid wire transfers as they offer no protection; use traceable options like credit cards.

• Documentation: Take photos of your vehicle's condition before pickup for your records.

• Carrier Communication: A professional and responsive agent indicates a reliable company.

Why These Mistakes Matter

Shipping your car can save you time, long miles on the road, and the stress of driving across the country yourself. But too often, people run into problems because of simple mistakes made before the carrier even arrives. These slip-ups can lead to higher costs, longer wait times, and even damage claims that take weeks to resolve.

The good news is that you can avoid these headaches. By learning the most common car shipping mistakes ahead of time, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to keep your car safe and your move on schedule.

Bad Company Research

Not researching an auto transport company is one of the most common car shipping mistakes. Choosing a provider without checking their background can lead to late delivery, hidden fees, or poor communication. Every company should be licensed, insured, and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

You can verify this information online before booking and also ask for a copy of the insurance certificate. Reviews are another useful tool, but focus on recent comments instead of only star ratings. Consistent complaints about extra charges or missed delivery windows should be seen as warnings.

After narrowing your list, request quotes from several providers. Compare what each quote covers, including insurance, transport type, and delivery time. Speaking with an agent will also show how professional and responsive the company is.

Last-Minute Booking

Waiting until the last minute to book transport is a mistake many people make. Finding a carrier takes time, and availability depends on the route and type of service. If you book too close to your move date, you risk delays and higher prices.

Most carriers recommend booking two to three weeks before your planned pickup. This gives the company time to match your vehicle with a driver and set realistic delivery dates. Early booking also helps secure a spot on busy routes where carriers fill up fast.

Last-minute shipping often forces customers to accept less flexible options. You may face limited carrier choices, longer delivery windows, or extra fees. Planning ahead keeps the process predictable and more affordable.

Not Having Insurance for Your Vehicle

Another common car shipping mistake is failing to confirm insurance coverage. Reliable auto transport companies carry insurance that protects against damage during transit. If you skip this step, you may be responsible for costly repairs.

Always ask for a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate once your vehicle is assigned. Review the coverage limits and types of damage included, such as scratches, dents, or accidents. If the coverage is not enough, check with your own insurer about adding temporary protection.

Some companies also offer extra coverage for an additional fee. This can provide peace of mind, especially if you are shipping a high-value car. Verifying insurance before pickup is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself.

Paying Fees Before the Total Amount

Some companies ask for partial payments before finding you a carrier, but this is a warning sign. A reliable car shipping company will never require upfront fees just to provide a quote. Quotes should always be free and clear of hidden charges.

The right time to pay is once your carrier is confirmed and pickup is scheduled. At that point, you will know the final cost and the payment methods allowed. This keeps the process transparent and helps you avoid scams.

Always review the payment terms before agreeing to anything. If a company demands money upfront without assigning a carrier, it is better to walk away. Working with a trusted provider means you only pay when the service is secure.

Transferring Money the Wrong Way

Another mistake is paying through unsafe methods like wire transfers. Wire transfers are hard to trace and give you no protection if something goes wrong. Reliable companies accept safer options that leave a record of the payment.

Most auto transport brokers and carriers accept major credit cards for deposits. Drivers are often paid the remaining balance at delivery with cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Always make sure to get a receipt for your records.

If a company insists on a wire transfer, consider it a red flag. Safe payment methods protect both you and your vehicle.

Not Indicating All of Your Vehicle’s Features

Leaving out details about your vehicle is one of the most overlooked car shipping mistakes. Carriers need accurate information to prepare for transport, including your car’s size, weight, and condition. If you forget to mention features like oversized tires or if the vehicle is inoperable, it can cause delays.

For example, a dually pickup truck requires special equipment and space. If the carrier arrives without knowing this in advance, they may not be able to load your vehicle. This can result in a canceled pickup and a dry run fee, which means paying for a wasted trip.

Always disclose every feature when you request a quote. Be specific about modifications, special equipment, or if the vehicle cannot run. Providing complete details helps the carrier prepare properly and prevents added costs or rescheduling.

Not Preparing Your Car Properly

Many people forget that their car needs to be ready before pickup. A dirty car can hide small dents or scratches that you may need to claim later. Cleaning the inside and outside makes it easier to document the vehicle’s true condition.

Remove personal belongings to avoid added weight and possible damage during transport. Most companies allow a few small items inside, but check their weight limit first. Leaving too much inside can increase costs or lead to denied claims.

Check basic functions like tire pressure, oil, and gas levels. The gas tank should be about one-quarter full, enough for loading and unloading. Taking photos before pickup gives you a record of the vehicle’s condition for extra protection.

Final Thoughts

Shipping a car does not need to be stressful. Most problems happen because of simple mistakes like booking too late, skipping insurance checks, or forgetting to prepare your vehicle. Avoiding these errors keeps your car safer and your costs under control.

The success of your transport depends on the company you choose and the steps you take before pickup. Do your research, prepare your car, and confirm coverage ahead of time. Following these steps will help your car arrive on time and in good condition.

Ready to Ship Your Car the Right Way?

Avoiding mistakes is easier when you have the right partner. AmeriFreight Auto Transport connects customers with licensed, insured carriers across the country. Agents walk you through scheduling, paperwork, and pickup so you never have to guess about the next step.

You can also take advantage of special discounts that AmeriFreight offers to students, first responders, and members of the military. Request a free quote online or by phone today and see how simple it can be to ship your car safely and affordably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What to look out for when shipping a car?

Watch for hidden fees, vague contracts, and companies that refuse to provide proof of insurance. Always confirm details before booking.

What are the risks of shipping a car?

Risks include small dents or scratches, delivery delays caused by weather or route changes, and added costs if details are misrepresented.

What is the most trustworthy car shipping company?

Trustworthy companies are licensed, insured, and well-reviewed. A top-rated choice is AmeriFreight Auto Transport. It is BBB-accredited and has been in the industry for more than two decades, garnering thousands of five-star reviews.

What is the most reliable way to ship a car?

The safest method is hiring a licensed carrier with insurance. Booking two to three weeks in advance and using enclosed shipping for valuable vehicles adds extra protection.