In today’s world, a lot of things have been made simple with modern technology. Booking a car for shipping is definitely one of them. Regardless of whether you are merely shipping a car for a relocation or something more complicated, like shipping a classic car, a lot of people make the mistake of thinking that everything will go seamlessly.

In fact, without properly prepping a vehicle for shipping, everything from hidden fees, extra delays, or, worst of all, damage to the car is a very real possibility in the case of cross-country vehicle shipping. In today’s world, people are engaged in shipping vehicles via enclosed auto transports to mitigate these very issues—whether for relocation or cross-country vehicle shipping.

In this article, we will head beyond the risks and the possible financial losses caused without prepping a vehicle for shipping and extend to best practices for hassle-free shipping. Prep will make all the difference between a vehicle’s transport turning into a smooth, stress-free transport. Use this guide, along with your checklist, to ensure everything is in order.

Why Proper Vehicle Preparation is More Important Than You Think

Car prep is not merely a formality. This task directly influences:

• The safety of your vehicle during transport
• The accuracy of inspections conducted prior to shipment
• Your ability to file insurance claims
• The total time and cost of shipment

By skipping the essential steps in vehicle prep, you expose yourself to the potential of incurring hidden costs and claims being rejected, not to mention property damage.

Vehicle Prep Repairs Skipping Costs

●     Damage That Will Not Be Insured

The majority of car transport companies will provide a minimal insurance policy during transit. However, for this policy to provide coverage, the vehicle must be recorded during the pre-pickup and post-delivery inspections.

If your car has loose parts, leaking fluids, or an unsecured battery, the transporter may note “pre-existing condition” or nullify their liability. In these scenarios, you will be responsible for the damages.

Real Costs: Repairing the minor damages associated with loose trim and mirror pieces can run into hundreds. Significant mechanical or cosmetic damages can escalate to thousands.

●     Vehicle Prep Avoidance Costs Shipping Delays

Do you happen to curb your vehicle topped with toll tags, personal items, or low-hanging spoilers? The above reasons may compel the driver to stop loading, adjust, or delay pickup completely.

The complications that arise from missed pickups or deliveries, particularly when synchronizing interstate relocations, can incur costs associated with missed deadlines, rescheduling, and additional storage fees.

Real Cost: Transportation services usually incur 75−200 fees daily for missed appointments or storage.

●     Increased Charges for Vehicles Not Ready for Pickup or Inoperable

Provided your automobile is not operational due to a dead battery, flat tire, or non-functioning brakes, the driver may need towing equipment to load the vehicle. If this information was not disclosed beforehand, it could lead to significant fees or cancellation.

Real Cost: Costs for rescheduling or winching owing to the required equipment and time can exceed $300.

●     Personal Belongings Left in the Vehicle Are Not Covered by Insurance

Carriers advise against leaving personal effects in the vehicle. As such, these items are not protected by transport insurance and can be lost or stolen. Tape removal may lead to a vehicle not reclining because of the purge.

Real Cost: Accrual for lost proprietary rights, of electronics, and accompanying accessories is substantial, and with no possibility of claiming loss.

●     Diminished Resale or Trade-In Value

If you are shipping a car for sale, trade-in, or lease return, negligence in preparation, like minor blemishes, can lower a vehicle’s worth. Your car’s perceived value as a proper maintenance vehicle can also suffer from negligence regarding unsecured vehicle components, tire pressure, or fluid leaks.

Real Cost: Even minor imperfections will likely decrease a vehicle’s resale value by 500 to 1,000.

Key Steps in Car Preparation That Result in Cost Saving

Don’t incur these expenses and check off a couple tasks before parting with your vehicle. Here is what every car owner should include in their moving checklist:

●     Deep Clean the Car’s Interior and Exterior

Thorough cleaning helps in the precise and accurate damage assessment for a car. Claims during transit also become easier when dirt does not cover scratches, dents, or rust.

●     Clear Out Personal Items

Preventing theft by removing all valuables (including documents, toll tags, garage openers, and electronics) suffices. Removing these items also brings the added benefit of weight reduction which may lead to lower shipping expenses.

●     Inspection of Fluids and Battery

Ensuring no leaks and a fully charged battery helps in avoiding problems during vehicle loading. A discharged battery will contribute to increased labor costs due to additional work.

●     Cut Down on Fuel Amount

Lower the gas in your engine to a quarter tank. Too much fuel can cause gas leaks and increase the weight of the vehicle.

●     Loose Parts Restoration

Ensure that all spoilers, fog lights, and racks are secured. Moreover, if the vehicle is equipped with antennas or mirrors, they should be pulled in. These items are fragile and may break during the loading and transport process if left unsecured.

●     Tires and Brakes Inspection

Check that the vehicle’s brakes and tires are working. Brakes that are not functioning may cause the vehicle to be considered inoperable.

●     Documenting with Pictures

Photographing the vehicle before shipping it is important in case a damage claim occurs.

Important Information Regarding Enclosed Transport

Enclosed transport is recommended for classic or high-value cars as they require extra prep work to offer the extra protection that enclosed carriers offer. Be meticulous about:

Shipping with enclosed carriers or transport via trucks that offer limited flexibility in loading space.

Pay attention to:

• Notify your carrier in case of a low ground clearance on vehicle modifications.
• Ensure all underbody clearance problems are resolved.
• Draining all fluids that can leak under pressure.
• Costs may be incurred if these suggestions are ignored.
• Interacting with Professional Car Transport Businesses

Well-known car shipping companies will offer comprehensive guidance regarding car preparations. Some even provide checklists or offer walk-throughs. Don’t skip any steps—they are tailored to safeguard both your vehicle and your finances.

Before booking, remember to ask:

• What sort of preparations are mandatory for my vehicle?
• What steps will be taken if my vehicle is not ready for pickup?
• Are there charges for non-working vehicles?
• Is there extra coverage I should take?

Knowing everything in advance ensures that the car shipment process is seamless, efficient, and devoid of any unwelcome surprises.

Concluding Insights

Overlooking car prep might feel like saving time, but the actual outcome can be losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in shipment delays and repairs.

If you are ready to move my car, view prepping as insurance: a time-saving time investment that can greatly reduce your expenses and headaches. Employ a comprehensive moving checklist, ask the right questions to the transporter, and stick to the best-practice guidelines to enjoy a hassle-free shipment without vehicle damage.

The stark reality of not prepping your car for shipping is a cost you definitely want to avoid.