Essential Questions to Ask Auto Transport Companies

Planning to ship a vehicle but don’t want to get scammed in the process?

There are tons of auto transport companies out there right now. With the industry expected to reach $10.1 billion by 2024, businesses are popping up everywhere trying to get a piece of the pie. But…

Not all of them are reputable.

Auto shipping scams can leave you out thousands of dollars and with a damaged vehicle. Fortunately there are ways to avoid these predatory companies by simply asking the right questions early on.

In this article you’ll learn:

• Why You Should Ask Questions
• Registration & Insurance
• Pricing & Payments
• About the Services & Timeline
• Questions About Their Contract & Policies

Why You Should Ask Questions

Getting your vehicle shipped far away isn’t already fun.

It doesn’t have to be stressful wondering if you’ll get scammed along the way.

Consider this…

The auto transport industry services millions of vehicles every year across the U.S. But with over 750,000 registered motor carriers nationwide, how can you weed out the bad apples?

When comparing everyday Florida auto transport or really any car shipping services, the questions you ask before agreeing to anything can be the difference between a successful transaction and total chaos.

Here are a few examples of what happens when the wrong questions are asked:

• Lower than market prices then increased after vehicle pickup
• Additional fees not disclosed until after pickup
• Insurance Liability limited due to carrier not having insurance
• Company doesn’t exist at all

Asking questions may seem like common sense, but many people skip this process completely which puts their vehicles at risk. Don’t be that person.

Registration & Insurance Questions

Let’s start with the basics.

Auto transport companies DOT and MC numbers. Every legitimate auto transport company operating in the United States has to be registered.

What’s Their DOT Number?

Companies must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When they do this, they’re issued two important numbers.

• DOT number
• MC number

Questions to ask include:

• What is your DOT number?
• What is your MC number?
• Can I look you up on the FMCSA website?

If they hesitate to give you this information or try to change the subject… Run.

What Insurance Do They Provide?

Ask them what insurance they carry and look it up yourself. Don’t just take their word. Require they provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate so you can contact the insurance provider to verify.

Pricing & Payment Questions

This is where scammers shine.

Lowball pricing is their best tactic. They intentionally quote lower than the going rate to get your business then jack up the price later after your vehicle is in their possession.

How Much Will Shipping My Vehicle Cost?

Get everything in writing. Make sure your quote includes:

• Exact transportation cost
• Fuel surcharge (if applicable)
• Insurance cost
• Residential Charges for pickup/delivery
• Seasonal Fees
• Any other fees they might charge later

Does the price seem too good to be true? Trust your gut.

When Do I Owe Them Payment?

You should only have to pay a small deposit to confirm your transport once they find a carrier. Think $100-$250. 10%-20% of the overall cost is typical. The remainder is due to the driver upon delivery via cash, cashier’s check, or money order.

If a company wants:

• Full payment up front
• Wire transfer (Western Union, MoneyGram)
• Gift cards or cryptocurrency
• Payment before pickup

Avoid them at all costs.

Are There Any Additional Fees?

Ask about common fees that come up during vehicle transport. Verify the information they give you matches the estimate they provided.

Service & Timeline Questions

This helps set expectations for both parties.

Do They Use Open Or Enclosed Transport?

Open transport means your vehicle is exposed to the elements. Enclosed means it’s inside a covered trailer. Open is cheaper but more risky. Enclosed is more expensive but provides more protection.

Ask them what they use and if upgrades are available.

How Long Until They Can Pickup My Vehicle?

Speak to the company about how soon they can pick up your vehicle. Some may try to give exact dates but those rarely go 100% to plan.

Ask for a pickup window and delivery window. Keep in mind unpredictable things like weather, traffic, and road conditions can cause delays.

Ask them how they keep in contact during transit and their policies if issues occur.

Who Will Actually Be Transporting My Vehicle?

Many companies are brokers. Brokers don’t transport vehicles themselves. They have networks of relationships with actual carriers.

Ask:

• Are you a broker or a carrier?
• When will I be notified who the carrier is?
• Can I verify their DOT and MC number?
• Will I be able to contact the driver?

You don’t have to deal with a broker, but many provide great service. You just want to know who will have your vehicles.

Contract & Policy Questions

The contract should outline everything we talked about so far.

If it doesn’t, run.

Can I See The Contract Before I Pay A Deposit?

You should be given a contract that details:

• Total cost
• Expected pickup and delivery window
• Insurance information
• Their damage claim process
• Cancellation policy

Take your time reading this document. If they push you to sign without reading or make you feel rushed, find another company.

What’s Their Cancellation Policy?

Sometimes life gets in the way of our best laid plans.

Make sure you know what their policy is if you need to cancel. How much of your deposit you’ll get back, if any, at what time, etc.

How Do I File A Damage Claim?

Shipping vehicles is messy work.

In fact, approximately 151,000 crashes were caused by large trucks in the United States during 2024.

While accidents aren’t common, they can happen. Having detailed photos of your vehicle prior to transport begins the claims process.

Things to ask regarding damage include:

• How long is the claims process?
• What info will I need to provide?
• Are there any deductibles?
• What damage is covered? What’s not?

Always take your time during the claims process and gather as much information as possible.

Will I Be Able To Track My Vehicle?

Many companies offer tracking these days.

Ask:

• Is tracking included in the price or is it an additional fee?
• How often is the location updated?
• Will I be able to contact the driver?

Not having tracking available is becoming rare. If a company says “no”, ask why.

Wrap Up

Asking questions may feel like you’re being difficult.

You’re not, you’re being smart. The companies worth doing business with will have no problem answering simple questions. The scammers, not so much.

Over 91.7% of American households own at least one vehicle. With more vehicles needing transport comes more predatory companies trying to steal your money.

Don’t be that victim. Ask questions, verify credentials, and get everything in writing. It only takes a few extra minutes and can save you thousands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask when hiring an auto transport company?

Verify their DOT number and make sure they’re registered with the FMCSA. Once confirmed, ask to see their insurance certificate and verify with the insurance provider.

How much deposit should I pay an auto transport company?

Around $100-$250. Never pay in full before transport. If they demand this, don’t use them.

Can I negotiate price when shipping my vehicle?

Yes, but expect lowballs to be scams or include additional fees. Get quotes from several different companies and find one with fair pricing.

What if my vehicle gets damaged during transit?

Take pics before they pick up. File a claim with the transport company’s insurance provider. You’re covered!

Should I use a broker or go directly to a carrier?

There’s nothing wrong with using a broker. Some provide better rates than going direct. Just verify who the carrier is and check their credentials.