Shipping a classic or luxury car requires careful planning and attention to detail. These prized vehicles often hold both financial and sentimental value, making it essential to ensure they’re transported safely and professionally. As car shipping experts, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist to help you prepare, protect, and ensure a seamless experience when shipping your high-value car. Let’s dive into the steps and considerations that will give you peace of mind while your vehicle is in transit.

1. Choose the Right Type of Transport: Enclosed vs. Open Carrier
Classic and luxury cars deserve an added layer of protection, and an enclosed carrier is typically the safest choice. Here’s what you should know:

Enclosed Transport: This option shields your car from road debris, weather, and dust. Though more expensive, enclosed carriers offer peace of mind by providing optimal protection, which is particularly important for high-value cars.

Open Transport: While more affordable, open carriers expose vehicles to the elements. For classic or luxury cars, the added risk may outweigh the savings. However, it may still be worth considering for shorter, in-state moves under optimal weather conditions.

2. Select a Reputable and Experienced Auto Transport Company
Not every car shipping company is equipped to handle the special care luxury and classic cars require. Look for transporters with proven experience and positive reviews specific to classic or high-value vehicles. Here are key factors to consider:

License and Insurance: Verify that the company is fully licensed and carries adequate insurance for high-value vehicles.

Specialized Services: Companies specializing in luxury and classic car shipping often offer tailored services, like door-to-door delivery and enclosed trailers.
Positive Reviews and Referrals: Check reviews and, if possible, ask for referrals from other luxury car owners or car clubs.

3. Verify Insurance Coverage and Consider Supplemental Insurance
When shipping a classic or luxury car, ensure you fully understand the carrier’s insurance policy:

Request a Certificate of Insurance: Ask the transporter to provide proof of insurance, and verify that the coverage amount is sufficient to cover the full value of your car.

Supplemental Insurance: Consider adding extra insurance if the carrier’s policy doesn’t fully cover your car’s value. Many insurance providers offer temporary transport policies to increase coverage while the car is in transit.

4. Document Your Car’s Condition Thoroughly
Before shipping, a detailed record of your car’s condition is essential. This documentation will be invaluable if any unexpected damage occurs:

Take Photos: Capture high-quality photos of the vehicle from multiple angles, including close-ups of specific areas that may already show minor wear or imperfections.

Document Interior Condition: Photograph the interior as well, noting any pre-existing wear or scratches.

Create a Condition Report: Alongside your photos, list any known issues or characteristics, so you have a complete record of the car’s condition before shipping.

5. Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
Preparing your car for transport involves a few key steps to help protect it during transit:

Reduce Fuel Level: Leave only about a quarter tank of gas in the car. This keeps the vehicle light, reduces fire risk, and meets carrier requirements.

Check Fluid Levels: Inspect fluids to ensure there are no leaks, as carriers may charge extra fees or refuse transport if the car has any leakage issues.
Disable Alarms and Trackers: Deactivate any alarms or trackers to avoid accidental activation, which could drain the battery or cause delays.
Remove Personal Items: Empty the car of personal belongings, as these aren’t covered by shipping insurance. Avoid extra weight to keep your vehicle within allowable transport limits.

6. Request Door-to-Door Transport for Extra Security
Door-to-door delivery minimizes the handling of your car and limits the potential risks that can occur with terminal-to-terminal shipping. Door-to-door service also ensures your car remains in the hands of professionals at all times, reducing exposure to potential hazards at storage facilities.

7. Prepare for En Route Tracking and Delivery Updates
Most reputable transporters provide tracking and delivery updates, so you can stay informed about your vehicle’s journey:

Real-Time Tracking: Some companies offer GPS tracking for enclosed trailers, allowing you to monitor the vehicle’s location.

Frequent Updates: Carriers often provide updates at each stage of transport, such as loading, en route, and delivery. Ask your transporter about their communication schedule to set your expectations.

8. Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly Upon Delivery
Once your classic or luxury car reaches its destination, it’s time for a final inspection. Use your pre-shipping documentation and photos to compare the car’s condition:

Walk Around the Car Carefully: Check for any signs of damage or differences from the pre-shipping photos.

Note Issues on the Bill of Lading: If you find any damage, document it on the Bill of Lading (BOL), a required form that confirms your car’s condition. Ensure both you and the driver sign the BOL.

Contact Insurance Immediately if Necessary: If any damage has occurred, notify both the transporter’s insurance provider and your supplemental insurance provider (if applicable) as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.

9. Consider Seasonal Factors for Optimal Shipping Conditions
Certain times of year can impact transport conditions for classic or luxury cars:

Avoid Winter Weather: Shipping during winter can expose your car to harsh road conditions, snow, and ice, increasing the risk of potential damage.
Watch for Summer Demand: Late spring and summer are peak seasons for auto transport, which can impact availability and rates. Book early for better pricing and to secure your preferred dates.

Look for Optimal Routes: If possible, work with your transporter to plan the safest, most direct route for your vehicle, minimizing road time and reducing risk.

10. Ask About Additional Protective Measures for High-Value Vehicles
For an extra layer of protection, some carriers offer additional services specifically for high-value cars:

Soft Tie-Downs: Request soft tie-downs to prevent scratches or dents. These are gentler on the car’s body and better suited for classic cars.

White-Glove Handling: Some transport companies offer white-glove service, ensuring every aspect of the transport process, from loading to unloading, is handled with extra care.

Temperature-Controlled Trailers: If your car requires special environmental conditions (common with rare or vintage cars), ask about temperature-controlled trailers.

11. Make a Checklist for Peace of Mind
Before your car hits the road, run through a final checklist to ensure everything is in order:

Confirm that insurance coverage meets your car’s value.
Verify that all pre-shipping photos and documentation are complete.
Ensure the transport route and estimated delivery date meet your needs.
Confirm that your car is prepped and ready for shipping (with alarm off, fuel level adjusted, etc.).

Conclusion: Protecting Your Classic or Luxury Car from Pickup to Delivery
Shipping a classic or luxury car doesn’t have to be stressful when you follow this checklist and choose a reliable, experienced car transport company. By taking these steps, you’ll protect your investment and guarantee a safe, seamless shipping experience. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring that your prized vehicle arrives at its destination in the same pristine condition as when it left.

​Ready to ship your classic or luxury car? Contact us for a free quote and learn about our specialized transport services designed for high-value vehicles. At Auto Movers Choice, we treat every vehicle with the utmost care and professionalism.