With Allied, you pay nothing until your car is picked up. No deposit. No upfront fees. No payment until pickup. Other companies may ask for a deposit before pickup, so ask every company what you owe and when.
- You pay nothing until pickup. At pickup, we charge the card you gave when you booked. There is nothing to pay the driver.
- Some companies ask for a deposit, a share of the total price, before pickup.
- Some companies collect the balance from the driver at delivery. Ask which payment types the driver takes.
- Ask any company for the full payment schedule in writing before you book.
- If any company asks for a deposit, ask whether it’s refundable and get the answer in writing.
What drives the cost of car shipping?
Distance comes first. Longer routes cost more in total, though the per-mile rate often drops as the distance grows. Next is the type of transport. Open carriers cost less but leave your car exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed carriers protect it and cost more.
Season changes the price too. Demand peaks in summer and around holidays, and prices follow. Booking off-peak can save money.
Bigger, heavier vehicles take more room on the truck and cost more. Modified cars and cars that don’t run can add charges, because loading and unloading take extra work.
Insurance can change the number. Basic coverage is usually part of a quote. If you own an expensive or classic car, extra coverage will add to the bill.
Timing changes the price too. Expedited service means a faster pickup and delivery and costs more than standard service, which gives you a flexible window.
What should I expect when I get a car shipping quote?
Quotes vary a lot from one company to the next. Distance, vehicle type, time of year and open or enclosed transport all move the price.
To get an accurate quote, have these ready: your car’s make and model, where it is now, where it’s going, and when you want it picked up. Mention any modifications or special handling too.
Companies give quotes by phone or through their websites. Be wary of a quote that’s far below the rest. It may leave out fees you’ll meet later, or it may point to poor service.
Ask what the quote covers and when money is due. Get the answers in writing.
Price shouldn’t be your only filter. Compare the insurance coverage and how the company handles delivery windows before you choose.
What payment methods do car shipping companies accept?
Credit and debit cards are the most common. They process fast, and the card issuer’s fraud protection works in your favor. Some cards earn points or cash back.
Bank transfers are another option. They take a little longer than a card, but they’re secure. Wire transfers suit large amounts because they’re reliable.
Some companies take PayPal or digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet. Your financial details stay with the platform instead of the shipping company.
If a company has you pay the driver, ask which payment types the driver takes. Cash leaves no paper trail and none of the protections a card gives you, so ask for a receipt.
What is the deposit for car shipping?
Some car shipping companies ask for a deposit before pickup. It holds your spot on the schedule. The amount depends on the company, the distance, the vehicle and how urgent the job is.
Ask whether the deposit is refundable or not. Some companies refund part of it if you cancel within a set window before pickup. Get the terms, and the full payment schedule, in a written contract. The contract should also say what happens if there’s a delay or damage in transit.
Be careful with any company that wants full payment well before pickup, or one that won’t put its payment schedule in writing. Paying by credit card gives you a way to dispute a charge if something goes wrong.
With Allied, you don’t pay a deposit. No deposit. No upfront fees. No payment until pickup.
Do I pay before delivery, or when the car arrives?
Some companies collect the balance when the car is delivered. If yours does, have the funds ready that day and ask which payment types the driver takes. With Allied, we charge the card you gave when you booked, at pickup. There is nothing to pay the driver.
Confirm the total before delivery day. Ask about any fees that weren’t in the first quote, such as a fuel surcharge or an expedited-delivery charge. Ask for a receipt or proof of payment, and ask what the driver needs from you.
If you pay on delivery, inspect your car first. Check that it arrived in the condition you expected and has no new damage from the trip. If it looks right, pay as agreed in your contract.
What if I need a refund or have a dispute?
Start with the terms of your agreement. Cancellation and refund rules differ by company. Some give a full refund if you cancel a set time before pickup. Others charge a cancellation fee.
If your car is damaged or late beyond what was agreed, document it. Take photos before and after the trip, keep every message, and note anything that differs from what you were promised.
Take the issue to the company’s customer service first, with your evidence. If that doesn’t settle it, you can file a complaint with a consumer protection agency or talk to a lawyer.
If you paid by credit card or PayPal, you can also use their dispute process. Ask your card issuer or PayPal how their dispute process works.
What should I check before I pay for car shipping?
Read the payment terms before you sign anything. Deposits, final payments and schedules vary, so clear them up first.
Pick a payment method that’s easy for you and protects you. A credit card is often the safest. If you pay online, make sure the site is secure.
Ask for an itemized invoice so there are no surprise fees, and keep every message and receipt in case something comes up later.
Leave a little time for processing, especially on a large transfer, and set a reminder for any due date so you don’t pay late fees.
Questions people ask
Do I have to pay a deposit to ship a car?
Not with Allied. No deposit. No upfront fees. No payment until pickup. Some other companies ask for one, so check before you book.
What is the deposit for car shipping?
At companies that charge one, it’s a share of the total price, due before pickup. The terms differ by company, so get them in writing.
Is a vehicle shipping deposit refundable?
It depends on the company. Some refund part of it if you cancel within a set window before pickup. Ask for the terms in writing before you pay anything.
Is it normal to pay before delivery?
Some companies ask for a deposit before pickup. Ask for the schedule in writing. With Allied, no deposit, no upfront fees, and no payment until pickup, when we charge the card you gave at booking.
Should I worry if an auto transport company wants money before a carrier is assigned?
Ask why, and ask whether it’s refundable. Get the payment terms in writing before you pay anything. At Allied, we assign a carrier from our network of vetted, licensed and insured carriers, and you pay nothing until pickup.
Call (800) 997-4181 or get a quote. No deposit. No upfront fees. No payment until pickup.
