Get recommendations from people you know to help find a company to trust with your car. Check that the company has licenses to ship abroad and is sufficiently experienced in international assignments, particularly if your vehicle is unique or of special value.
Get Quotes
Shop around and obtain a few quotes to compare the prices of car shipping companies. To assist you, Expat Finder provides a free quote service. When you are requesting quotes consider the following:
- The type of vehicle you are transporting
- Your shipping dates
- The departure and destination of shipment
- Desired transport method and level of service (port-to-port or door-to-door delivery)
Check the Small Print
Check all the clauses and small print before you sign a contract with a shipping company. A contract will form the basis of your rights should something go wrong. Do not rely on any guarantee made verbally; ask for everything in writing and make sure you are clear about the cancellation fees and terms.
Schedule Pickup and Delivery
You can usually opt to drop your car off at the freight terminal or at the company’s office, or arrange for the shipping company to pick your car up at a convenient location.
Most companies will not guarantee a delivery date so it is advisable to ask for written confirmation of the estimated day of both pickup and delivery, and for details of the clauses for late pick up or delivery on the part of the shipping company.
Some companies will compensate you financially for any delay, or provide a rental car for the duration. It is in your interest to ask for the cancellation fee to be waivered in the event of a serious delay, and have it written into your service contract.
Clarify Insurance Cover
Ask to see your shipping company’s insurance certificate and request details of the insurance cover that your shipping company provides so you know exactly what damage is covered. Make sure your car is insured against damage whilst in transit, as well as against theft. Check what safeguards are in place if you are putting your car in storage along the route.
A shipping company will advise you to remove personal belongings from your car, as their insurance is unlikely to cover car contents. This also eliminates the risk of contravening regulations on the importation of goods.
Consult with your own car insurer, as they may already cover you for damage or theft during transportation. Check your home insurance policy if you decide to leave personal items in the car.
Get the Documentation Right
The documentation you need to ship your car overseas will depend on your destination. Your shipping company and consulate will have specialist knowledge about the required paperwork for vehicle shipment and importation.
For many countries, car registration papers and a conformity certificate from the car manufacturer are standard, as well as copies of your driving licence and passport, the bill of sale and title, and completed customs forms.
Check Your Costs
Contact your consulate about custom duties and import taxes. Charges may be applicable based on how long you have been the registered owner of the car, the car age, value or type, or even the total weight of the shipment.
There may be additional charges for port handling, haulage, storage, quarantine, testing or modifications. Ask for detailed information in advance.
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Your shipping company will inspect your car prior to shipping, to record pre-existing damage. Cleaning the car thoroughly will facilitate this inspection; in some countries, import rules actually require you to clean the undercarriage for health and safety reasons. It is also handy to take photos of any damage to make comparisons when you pick your car up again overseas.
Reunite With Your Car
Arrange to pick your car up in daylight so that you can properly inspect your car for any damage. The majority of car shipments occur without incident, but if you are unhappy in any way with the process then make sure you speak to your shipping company first.
Get free car shipping quotes with ExpatFinder.com
Amanda van Mulligen
