If you’re thinking about shipping a car to or from California, you’re going to have to ship it somehow. Shipping your car yourself can seem like a tricky task, but thanks to the companies that specialize in shipping cars, it doesn’t have to be! This guide on how to safely and legally ship your car will walk you through the entire process, from picking up your car to driving it off the lot of your destination dealership. Whether you are moving across the country or just across town, hiring this kind of assistance can make the entire process much easier.
The Permits
There are two types of permits that you need before shipping a car: an export permit, which is required for vehicles being exported, and an import permit, which is required for vehicles being imported. You will need to present both of these permits at the time of clearing customs.
An export permit can only be obtained by completing a customs declaration form.
Planning For the Shipping Costs
Cost of shipping a car can be an expensive proposition, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and a bit of research, you can save some serious money on shipping. Here are a few key things to keep in mind before you ship your car:
1) Get quotes from different carriers before choosing one. The quote that seems cheapest may not actually be the best deal when all factors are considered.
Choose a Reliable Carrier
When you’re shipping your car, you want to make sure it arrives in one piece. Make the process easier by choosing a reliable carrier with experience in the industry. You can save time and money by getting a free quote online, but always double-check reviews of the company before finalizing your decision.
Legal Checklist
The first thing you’ll need is a bill of sale. This is the document that will prove to the shipping company that you are indeed the owner of the vehicle. It’s also important for tracking purposes, so don’t forget about this form. Once you have your bill of sale, it’s time to get insurance for your car so that it can be covered during transport.
Create a Bill of Sale
California law requires that you have a valid title, registration card, valid inspection certificate and the bill of sale in order to transfer ownership. The bill of sale must include the following:
-The name and address of the buyer.
-The name and address of the seller.
-A description of the vehicle including make, model, year, color, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or license plate number if it is a car.
-The purchase price.
Create an Inventory of Contents
California is a very desirable place to live. In fact, it’s the most populous state in the U.S. So, you can understand why people would want to ship their cars there when they move. But if you’re planning on moving your car to California by way of shipping, make sure that you do it safely and legally.
Create an Inventory of Damage if Necessary
If you’re shipping your car, keep in mind that it’s not just the vehicle itself that will be damaged during the trip. We recommend insuring your car for at least $2,000 since you never know what could happen during transport. If you’re shipping a classic or expensive car, we recommend insuring it for $5,000 in case of theft. You’ll also want to get it inspected before shipment to make sure there are no hidden damages.
Get an Insurance Policy Covering the Car During Shipping
The best way to ship a car is by using a professional shipping company that offers an insurance policy for the car during the shipment. The insurance will cover the car for any damages, theft, fire and other unforeseen events that may happen during the transport process.
Final Preparation Steps Before Shipping
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship your car, it’s not always clear what you should do. If you don’t want any surprises, be sure to have the following information before contacting a shipping company:
– The weight of the vehicle
– The height of the vehicle
– The width of the vehicle
– The length of the vehicle
If your car exceeds these dimensions, it may be subject to additional charges.
Enjoy your new car in California!
Shipping your car is a great way to get the vehicle where it needs to be. With Carshipping, you can ship any vehicle – be it a motorcycle, car, RV, boat, scooter, etc. All you need is an address in CA for pickup and delivery. There’s no need for any paperwork on our end – we simply pick up your vehicle at your location of choice and then drop it off at the destination once it’s been inspected by our team members!