Most people don’t ship their cars regularly. It’s typically something you do when you’re moving out of state, like when you buy a new home, relocate for work, or go to college.
Shipping your car can be stressful and there is a lot of trust you’re placing in the company and driver that’s moving your car.
To make sure you’re ready to ship your car, here are five things to remember:
Take pictures of your car before it’s loaded on the car carrier
Make sure to snap multiple photos of different angles of your car right before it gets loaded on the truck. You want to capture the current state of your vehicle so you can inspect once it’s delivered and make sure no new damage occurred during transport.
Your photo set should include:
- All four sides of the vehicle.
- Close-ups of any existing scratches, dings, or scuffs.
- The roof, hood, and trunk.
- The interior and the dashboard (to show the mileage).
- A “pro tip”: Take a 60-second video walk-around of your car, inside and out. It’s hard to dispute video evidence.
This documentation is your primary proof if you need to file a damage claim.
Do a quick insurance check before shipping your car as well. Check with your auto insurance to understand the coverage you have that applies to vehicle shipments. It’s also good to check with the auto transport company or driver and make sure they have their own insurance policy as well.
Make sure to confirm the driver’s contact information
RunBuggyOne will provide the contact information for the transportation company and the driver when your order has been assigned , but you will want to confirm this at pick-up.
Take any valuable personal items out of your car before you ship it
If you need to ship any personal items, make sure they are stored securely in the vehicle or where someone can’t see them. Do some research beforehand to understand what you can and shouldn’t leave in your vehicle during shipping. Most transport companies do not carry insurance for your personal items. It’s also important to note that you can’t ship more than 100 lbs. of personal items in your car.
Inspect your car thoroughly when it’s delivered
Make sure no damage has occurred during shipping. If you do notice any damage, note the damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it. Contact RunBuggyOne within 24 hours so we can help process a damage claim.
Never pay the driver
All payment is done through RunBuggyOne and is automatically deducted from the payment method you provided once your vehicle has been delivered. If the driver demands payment, contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
The Bill of Lading is a legal contract and inspection report used during shipment. The carrier notes the vehicle’s condition at pick-up, and you both sign it. At delivery, you inspect the car and sign again. Any new damage must be noted on the BOL before you sign to be eligible for a damage claim.
Q: Can I pack personal items in my car?
We strongly advise against it. Carrier insurance does not cover personal items. If you must, you are limited to 100 lbs. of items securely stored in the trunk. You cannot pack items in the main cabin of the vehicle.
Q: What’s the difference between an open and enclosed carrier?
An open carrier is the most common and affordable option, where your vehicle is transported on an open-air trailer, like the ones you see on the highway. An enclosed carrier costs more but protects your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, which is recommended for high-value, classic, or luxury cars.
Q: How do I get a quote from RunBuggyOne?
You can get a free, instant quote directly on our website. Our “Price You See” guarantee means the price you’re quoted is the price you pay—no hidden fees or last-minute charges.
