10 Car Shipping Myths, Ranked by How Much They Can Cost You

Myth 1: "A legitimate company always needs a big deposit." Licensing has nothing to do with when you pay. Legitimate brokers don't need full payment before a carrier is assigned. A large, non-refundable payment upfront is the riskier arrangement.

Myth 2: "The lowest quote is the best deal." A quote far below the rest usually isn't accepted by any carrier. Your car waits until the price goes up. See compare car shipping quotes.

Myth 3: "Any company with a website is licensed." Anyone can build a website. Only the FMCSA record proves licensing. Check it in minutes with our verification guide.

Myth 4: "Wire transfers are normal in this industry." They aren't. A company that only takes wires, Zelle or crypto is a red flag.

Myth 5: "You need to buy extra insurance." Licensed carriers already carry insurance for the vehicles they haul. Extra coverage is optional and often duplicates it. Read what auto transport insurance covers.

Myth 6: "Enclosed transport is always necessary for a nice car." For a daily driver, open transport is safe and much cheaper. Enclosed makes sense for classic, exotic or high-value cars.

Myth 7: "Booking months ahead gets the lowest price." Rates are set close to dispatch. Two to three weeks ahead is usually the sweet spot. See when to book car shipping.

Myth 8: "You can pack the car full of belongings." Most carriers allow a limited amount below the window line, and it isn't insured. Read personal items in car shipping.

Myth 9: "Car shipping companies own their trucks." Most companies you find online are brokers that work with a network of licensed carriers. That's standard, not deceptive. Learn why in why an auto transport broker is your best choice.

Myth 10: "Shipping a car takes weeks." Most cross-country shipments take 7–10 days, and shorter trips take 2–5. See our car shipping time FAQ.

• Ask who benefits. A claim that conveniently pushes you to pay more upfront deserves skepticism.
• Look for a regulatory basis. Real rules can be found on the FMCSA's site.
• Check the source. Is it a licensed company with a verifiable record?
• Compare several licensed companies. Facts are consistent; sales tactics aren't.
• Check the date. Pricing and regulations change.

"Car shipping is only for expensive cars." Most shipped vehicles are everyday sedans, SUVs and pickups. Open transport makes it practical for any car.

"You can't ship a car that doesn't run." You can. Carriers with winches move non-running cars every day. See inoperable vehicle transport.

"The driver will put miles on your car." Your car rides on the trailer. Only a few feet of driving happen during loading and unloading.

Many myths start with one bad experience — usually a low-ball quote that didn't hold, or a delay that wasn't explained. Others come from sales pitches designed to make one company sound safer than the rest. And some are simply out of date, from before online quotes, GPS tracking and easy license lookups.

The fix is to check claims against real sources: the FMCSA's records, the written terms of your quote, and companies that will put their answers in writing.

• Most companies are brokers working with licensed carriers.
• Licensed carriers carry insurance for the vehicles they haul.
• A quote far below the rest is a warning sign.
• Two to three weeks ahead is usually the best time to book.
• The Bill of Lading is your most important document.

Read is car shipping safe and Bill of Lading explained.

Some people assume their personal auto policy is all they need. In practice, the carrier's insurance is primary while the car is in its care, and your own policy may or may not add coverage. Personal belongings inside the car usually aren't covered by either. The fix is simple: ask your insurer what applies during transport, ask the broker for the carrier's insurance details, and note any damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery. Read auto transport insurance: what is actually covered.

Most car shipping delivery dates are estimates. Drivers face weather, traffic, federal hours-of-service limits and other stops on the route. A good company gives you an honest window and keeps you updated. If you truly need a fixed date, expedited or guaranteed services exist at a higher price. Read guaranteed car pick-up.

Open transport is how most cars in the U.S. are shipped, including brand-new cars going to dealerships. Your car is exposed to the same weather and road conditions it sees when you drive it. Minor chips from road debris are possible but uncommon, and covered by the carrier's insurance when documented. Enclosed transport is a better fit for classics, exotics and high-value cars, but open transport is safe for everyday vehicles.

Requesting ten or more quotes rarely helps. Your phone and inbox fill up, and some companies may post your car on load boards without your commitment, which can create duplicate listings that confuse carriers. Two or three quotes from licensed companies are enough to see the real market. Use a structured comparison like our 5-point quote scorecard.

Terminal-to-terminal shipping can save money in remote areas, but storage fees and the cost of getting to and from the terminal often cancel out the savings. For most people in or near cities, door-to-door costs about the same and is far more convenient. See door-to-door auto shipping.

• FMCSA SAFER: Company licensing and insurance filings.
• FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database: Complaints about movers and carriers.
• Your written quote and contract: The terms that actually apply to your shipment.
• Your insurance agent: What your own policy covers during transport.
• State motor vehicle agencies: Registration and inspection rules after you move.

You'll have the driver's contact details and a broker contact for updates. Many carriers also use GPS-enabled apps or electronic Bills of Lading that make updates easier. Tracking isn't always minute-by-minute, but you shouldn't be left in the dark. Read how to track your vehicle during transport.

Winch-equipped carriers move non-running cars across the country every day. The key is to tell the broker exactly what works — whether the car rolls, steers and brakes — so the right equipment is assigned. A non-running car costs a bit more to ship, but it's usually far cheaper than a long-distance tow. See inoperable vehicle transport.

The dangerous myths lead people into scams or into large, non-refundable payments. The costly myths lead to paying for things they don't need — duplicate insurance, enclosed transport for a daily driver, or booking months early. The harmless myths mostly cause confusion. Knowing the facts saves money and stress.

Most car shipping myths come from bad experiences with low-ball quotes or unlicensed companies, or from information that's simply out of date. Check licenses on FMCSA SAFER, get your price and terms in writing, inspect the car at both ends, and ask direct questions. Those habits protect you from nearly every problem these myths describe.

What is the most dangerous car shipping myth?: That a legitimate company always needs a large deposit. It pushes people toward arrangements where they lose money if no carrier is assigned.

Do car shipping companies own their own trucks?: Most companies that advertise to consumers are brokers that work with licensed carriers. A few are carriers that own trucks.

Is extra car shipping insurance required?: No. Carriers carry insurance for the vehicles they haul. Extra coverage is optional.

Is the cheapest quote always a scam?: Not always, but a quote far below every other quote is the most common setup for a price increase later.

Is it true that car shipping companies put miles on your car?: No. Cars ride on the trailer. Only a few feet of driving happen during loading and unloading.

Do I have to be present for pickup and delivery?: You or someone you authorize must be there to hand over keys, inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading.

Is car shipping only for long distances?: No. Short moves are common too, especially for non-running cars or when you don't have a second driver.

Do car shipping companies inspect my car?: Yes. The driver inspects the car with you at pickup and delivery and records its condition on the Bill of Lading.

Is it true that you should never pay a deposit?: No. A small deposit can be normal. What you should avoid is paying the full amount before a carrier is assigned, or a non-refundable payment to a company you haven't verified.

Are all car shipping reviews fake?: No, but some are. Look for detailed reviews spread over time, and read how companies respond to complaints.