What is an auto transport deposit?

• The deposit covers the broker's work arranging your shipment and confirms commitment from both sides
• It's usually charged by card at booking or once a carrier is scheduled
• The balance goes to the carrier at pickup or delivery, often by cash, cashier's check, money order or an approved payment app
• Cancellation terms should explain when the deposit is refundable

ShipMyCar US takes only a small booking deposit, and the balance is due at vehicle pickup, never in full before a carrier arrives. Your quote is all-inclusive. See payment options.

Large non-refundable deposits, deposits demanded before you see the terms, or payment only by wire are warning signs. See how to avoid car shipping scams.

A small deposit holds your booking while the broker matches your car with a carrier. That's normal. What isn't normal is being asked to pay the full shipping cost before any carrier is assigned — there's no service to pay for yet.

With ShipMyCar US, you pay only a small booking deposit, and the balance is due at pickup.

Ask these questions before you pay anything:

• Is the deposit refundable if no carrier is assigned in my pickup window?
• Can I cancel for free before a carrier is assigned?
• Is the deposit part of the total price, or an extra fee?

Get the answers in writing. If a company won't say, that tells you something.

• Pay by credit card for dispute rights.
• Verify the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA SAFER first.
• Be cautious with quotes far below the market — low quotes followed by a deposit and a later price increase are a common scam.

Read car shipping scams: 10 warning signs and hidden fees in car shipping.