When preparing to ship a car, one common question is: Does a car have to be empty when shipping it?
Whether you’re moving from California to Florida, buying a car from an out-of-state dealership, or transporting a vehicle for an event, knowing the requirements is key.
This guide will cover what you can and can’t leave inside, and how to properly prepare your vehicle for transport.
When you ship a car, does it have to be empty?
While it’s not required to ship your car empty, it’s recommended to remove personal items. This ensures no damage during transit and prevents extra weight or customs issues if shipping internationally.
Key Takeaways
- Empty Car Requirement: Most car shipping companies prefer the vehicle to be empty, but some items may be allowed.
- Safety and Security: Leaving personal items in the car can be risky and may not be covered by insurance during transport.
- Cost Considerations: Extra weight inside the car can increase the shipping cost.
Does a Car Have to Be Empty When Shipping?
In most cases, the answer is yes—your car should be empty when shipping it.
The reason for this is primarily related to safety, security, and insurance. Shipping companies typically require that there are no personal belongings inside the vehicle to ensure a smooth, secure transport process.
However, there are a few exceptions and factors to consider, which we’ll go into further below.
Why Shipping Companies Require Empty Cars
1. Insurance Coverage
One of the main reasons why shipping companies request that your car be empty is for insurance reasons.
Most car shipping insurance policies cover damage that occurs to the vehicle itself during transport.
However, personal belongings inside the car are generally not covered by the insurance in case of damage or theft.
If you leave valuable items in the car, and they’re damaged or stolen during the trip, you may not be able to claim them on your insurance.
2. Safety Concerns
For safety reasons, shipping companies want to ensure that no loose items are moving around inside the car during transit.
Loose objects can shift during the journey, potentially causing damage to the interior of the car or even the transport vehicle.
Additionally, if any items fall out of the car during transport, it could create hazards on the road for other vehicles.
3. Weight Considerations
While it might seem like a small issue, the extra weight inside your car can impact the shipping cost.
Most shipping companies base their pricing on the size and weight of the vehicle, and if your car is carrying extra weight, it could increase the shipping price.
Although this may not be a major concern for small items, it’s always good practice to minimize weight wherever possible.
What Can You Leave Inside Your Car When Shipping?
Although it’s generally recommended to ship your car empty, there are some things that may be allowed. Here’s a breakdown of what you can and can’t leave inside the car:
Items You Can Leave Inside the Car
1. Emergency or Essential Items
If you need to leave some items in the car, you should only pack the essentials that are necessary for the transport process. These might include:
- A spare tire
- Jack or emergency tools
- Car manual or other important documents
These items should be minimal in size and weight, as they won’t interfere with the car’s transport.
2. Small Personal Items
Some car shipping companies may allow you to leave a small number of personal items in the car. For example, things like:
- Clothing
- Toys or personal items that are not of high value
However, it’s important to check with your shipping provider to see what they allow. Most companies still recommend removing all personal items to avoid issues.
Items You Should NOT Leave Inside the Car
1. Electronics and Valuables
Avoid leaving anything of high value inside the car, including:
- Electronics (laptops, tablets, phones)
- Jewellery
- Cash
If anything happens to these items during transit, you likely won’t be covered by the shipping company’s insurance. To be safe, it’s best to remove these types of items entirely.
2. Hazardous Items
Shipping companies will not allow dangerous or hazardous materials in your car. These include:
- Flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid)
- Firearms (unless otherwise approved)
- Aerosol cans or any pressurized products
These items are prohibited for safety reasons, as they pose a risk to both the vehicle being shipped and the transport driver.
3. Large Items or Excessive Weight
As mentioned earlier, it’s important not to pack heavy or oversized items that could increase the weight of the vehicle.
Shipping companies often have weight limits, and exceeding those limits can result in extra charges or even cause delays.
How to Properly Prepare Your Car for Shipping
To ensure a smooth and safe transport process, it’s essential to properly prepare your car for shipping. Here’s how to get your car ready:
1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Cleaning your car allows for a pre-shipping inspection to note any existing damage.
It also ensures that the car is free of dirt or debris, which could potentially cause issues during transport. Make sure to clean both the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
2. Remove All Personal Items
As mentioned earlier, the shipping company will likely ask you to remove all personal belongings from the car.
Take out all valuables, including loose change, important documents, and electronics.
3. Document Existing Damage
Take photos of the car’s condition, especially any existing dents, scratches, or other damages.
This will serve as documentation in case there’s any dispute over damages that occur during transport.
4. Disable Alarms and Immobilizers
If your car has an alarm system or immobilizer, make sure to disable it before shipping the car.
Alarm systems can trigger during transport, and immobilizers can interfere with the vehicle’s movement, causing delays or complications during shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to empty my car before shipping it?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to empty your car to ensure safety and avoid damage or theft of personal items. Some shipping companies may allow a small amount of personal items, but it’s best to confirm with the carrier.
2. Can I leave a spare tire in my car when shipping?
Yes, a spare tire or essential emergency equipment is typically allowed, but it’s best to confirm with the shipping company beforehand.
3. What happens if I leave personal items in my car?
If you leave personal items, you may not be covered by the shipping company’s insurance. It’s also possible that the company will charge extra fees for the added weight or cause delays in the shipping process.
Conclusion
When shipping your car, it’s important to follow the guidelines provided by your shipping company, including whether the car needs to be empty.
Most companies require that you remove all personal belongings to ensure safety, avoid damage, and comply with insurance policies.
While you can leave some essential items in the car, it’s crucial to avoid valuables, hazardous materials, and excess weight.
By properly preparing your car and understanding the guidelines, you’ll ensure a smooth and hassle-free shipping experience.