How to Ship a Classic Car
Shipping a classic car means choosing enclosed transport and a carrier who knows how to handle a vehicle that isn't easily replaced.
Enclosed transport is the standard choice
For a classic car, enclosed transport is worth the extra cost. It protects the car from road debris, weather, and the wear that comes from sitting exposed on an open trailer for hundreds of miles.
The other part of the answer is the carrier. A classic car needs a company that specializes in this kind of vehicle, not a general auto transporter who usually moves daily drivers. Ask how they secure the car, how they handle loading and unloading, and what happens if something goes wrong.
Insurance coverage during transport
Your own car insurance policy likely doesn't cover the vehicle while it's on a carrier's truck. That coverage has to come from the shipping company, and it's worth confirming before the car ever leaves your driveway.
Ask the carrier directly what their cargo insurance covers and what it excludes. Some policies cap the payout per vehicle, and that cap may be far below what your classic car is actually worth. If there's a gap, you may need to ask your own insurer about a rider or a separate policy for the duration of the trip.
Get the coverage details in writing before you sign anything. A verbal assurance from a salesperson isn't the same as a certificate of insurance naming your vehicle and its value.
Condition report and documentation
Before the car is loaded, walk around it with the driver and document every mark, chip, and existing flaw. Photos with timestamps, taken from multiple angles, are the record you'll need if you have to file a claim later.
The carrier should also do their own inspection and give you a signed condition report, called a bill of lading, before pickup. Read it carefully. If something is missing or wrong, fix it before you sign, not after the truck leaves.
Do the same inspection again at delivery, before the driver leaves. Any new damage needs to go on the report at that moment. Once the truck is gone, proving when the damage happened becomes much harder.
Questions people ask about this
How do I find a reputable classic car shipping company?
Look for a carrier that specializes in classic, antique, or exotic vehicles rather than general auto transport. Check their reviews specifically from classic car owners, ask how long they've been doing this kind of work, and ask for references you can actually call.
Should I drain the gas tank before shipping a classic car?
Most carriers ask you to keep the tank low, often around a quarter full, rather than empty. A nearly empty tank is lighter and safer to transport, but check with your specific carrier since their requirements can vary.
Do I need special insurance for a classic car in transport separate from my regular policy?
You may, since your everyday auto policy typically doesn't extend to cover the vehicle while it's being transported by someone else. Ask your insurer whether your current policy has any gap, and ask the carrier what their cargo coverage includes.
What's the difference between door to door and terminal to terminal shipping?
Door to door means the carrier picks up and delivers at the addresses you specify, while terminal to terminal means you drop off and collect the car at a depot. Door to door costs more but means less handling and fewer opportunities for something to go wrong.
How far in advance should I book classic car shipping?
Book as early as you reasonably can, since specialized enclosed carriers have fewer trucks and tighter schedules than general auto transporters. If your dates are flexible, say so, since that can make it easier for the carrier to fit your car into an existing route.
Compare quotes to see what coverage looks like once the car is back in your driveway.
Start by getting written quotes from at least two or three carriers who specialize in classic vehicles, not general auto transport. Ask each one for proof of cargo insurance naming your car and its value, and read the fine print on any payout caps. Photograph the car thoroughly before pickup and keep those photos somewhere you can access quickly. Review the bill of lading at both pickup and delivery, and don't sign either one until you've checked it against the car in front of you. If you have any doubt about whether your own policy covers a gap in transit, call your insurer and ask before the car ships, not after.
