To answer the title, yes. A car is still a car, whether it runs or not. It’ll go against an auto transport company’s purpose if they choose not to ship a vehicle just because it’s nonfunctional. However, note that shipping a non-running car comes with additional costs.
Why Transport a Car that Doesn’t Run?
What’s the point of shipping something that you can’t use? There are many reasons why you might want to transport a car that doesn’t run.
- You’ve bought and brought home a defective vehicle. It only makes sense to send it back to the manufacturer for inspection.
- You got caught in a collision, and shops around your place lack the necessary resources to make repairs. The most reasonable action would be to forward the vehicle somewhere else to get fixed.
- Some classic cars may not run but are still valuable collector items.
- If you’re moving out and your car has sentimental value, you might want to have it delivered to your new place.
Shipping a car that doesn’t run isn’t as rare as you might think. You shouldn’t have second thoughts about transporting yours.
When Does a Car Qualify as Non-Running?
If it doesn’t start. Simple as that. To expand on the subject, a car that doesn’t run or is deemed unsafe for driving is also considered non-running. Most of these are vehicles involved in collisions that destroyed their mechanical function or a classic car that needs rebuilding.
How Much Does it Cost?
Although a few carriers won’t ship a non-running vehicle, you can easily find companies that will do the job. Keep in mind that transporting a nonfunctional car incurs additional charges from your shipping company.
According to Caravan, the typical price of shipping a vehicle domestically is between $500-1500. Extra fees for a non-running are usually just around $50 – $200, along with the base price of delivery. Why the extra charge? Because of the additional equipment necessary to load your vehicle into the trucks.
How to Transport a Non-running Car?
It’s no different from shipping a regular working vehicle. Nevertheless, there are certain steps you can take to ensure the success of the operation.
Do Your Homework
Hiring the right company plays a huge role in getting your car to its destination. First-timers are especially prone to shipping scams. It’s best to do a background check on a potential company first before signing the deal.
Compare Different Quotes
It’s always good to have several options. That way, you can have the luxury of choosing the best one to fit your needs. So get quotes from different companies and compare them with each other. Note that price shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. If a company demands a higher rate but backs it up with an excellent track record, there’s no reason to hesitate.
Choosing Trailer & Service Type
The choices you make on this matter will significantly affect how much you will save. You can either choose between:
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- Terminal Shipping: Your car is sent to a designated location along with other vehicles. Takes a while to arrive, and you’ll have to pick it up.
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- Door to Door Service: Just like it sounds, your car is delivered right to your doorstep for a higher price.
Once you’ve decided on what service to avail of, it’s time to select a carrier type:
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- Open-air Trailer: Pros: a cheaper way to transport your car. Cons: exposure to weather and road elements.
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- Enclosed Trailer: More secure and protects your car from possible theft. Your auto will be hauled in using a lift gate.
Wrapping It Up
As stated earlier, a car is still a car, even if it runs or not. Just because it’s nonfunctional doesn’t mean it should be handled recklessly. So be sure to hire a trusted shipping company to guarantee your vehicle’s safety.