From classic cars needing restoration to project vehicles to abandoned and damaged ones, plenty of autos don’t run out there. But just because it doesn’t operate anymore doesn’t mean they have no value.
Truth is, many people want inoperable or “In-Op” vehicles. And sometimes, you might find yourself wanting to ship these kinds of cars, whether local, interstate or intrastate, to your new home or a buyer.
But the question is, how do you properly ship a car that doesn’t run? If you want answers, then you’ll find them straight ahead.
What Cars are Considered Inoperable
You might ask, what counts as an inoperable car? To keep things short, In-Op vehicles are vehicles that don’t have enough power to run on their own. It also includes vehicles that don’t function properly for a lot of reasons, such as a failing engine, worn-out brake pads, a shaky steering wheel, collision damage, and even flat tires. This means that even if your auto does work, it can still be considered non-running if it can’t guarantee the safety of everyone on the road.
What to Do to Ship a Car that Doesn’t Run
Inoperable auto transport is different from shipping a normal car. So if you don’t know how to, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the things you should do when moving a vehicle that doesn’t run.
Look for a Trusted Shipping Company
Perhaps the most significant part of shipping an inoperable vehicle is finding a trusted auto transport company. This will guarantee that the process goes smoothly and your car arrives safely while paying for honest rates. Plus, you’ll be at ease knowing you’ve entrusted your ride to trained professionals. From there, decide whether you’re going for open or enclosed auto shipping. Open transport is the cheaper alternative, and it’s best if the destination is not too far away. The downside? Your vehicle is exposed to the elements. So if you want more protection for your car, go for enclosed transport. But take note that it comes with a cost.
Form a Budget
No questions asked. You’ll need money to transport your car. However, it’s bound to get more expensive than your standard shipping. Why? That’s because not all carriers offer this kind of service as it’s more difficult than transporting a running vehicle. Not only that, but it also needs specialized equipment and proper knowledge to load and unload your car and to its intended location. There’s also an extra risk of more damage. It’s also essential to assess factors like distance, route, type of inoperable vehicle, and carrier type when forming a budget. The weight, size, and extent of damage on the car should be taken into account, too. Don’t worry. Plenty of auto shipping companies offer free estimates if you don’t know how to budget.
Determine What Type of Inoperable Vehicle
Did you know that there are typically two types of inoperable vehicles? The first are the ones that roll and steer, and the other are those that don’t. And it’s important to distinguish between the two because it affects labor and rates. If your car rolls, things will be easier, and shipping will be more affordable. However, it’ll need additional labor and equipment if it doesn’t, resulting in pricier shipping. But sometimes, repairing your car to get it running is simple and cheap enough. It’ll be a wise choice to fix it so you can save time, money, and effort in this situation.
Documents and Pictures
Most shipping companies will ask for paperwork like proof of ownership, insurance, and identification card. Gather and compile them all to save you some time when doing transactions. Also, take some pictures of your car’s entirety. You can use those as evidence if anything terrible happens during transit.
Explain Condition of the Car
You must provide enough details about your car. Tell them about its dimensions, be honest with its oddities, and be thorough in explaining the condition of your vehicle and what makes it inoperable. Why do this? So that your auto shipping company can give the right services that fit your car’s needs.
Reduce Weight of Car
Empty your gas tank and minimize fluids like oil, brake, and washer. They’ll only add up to the weight, which may bulk up the costs. Your car will not be running anyway. Moreover, removing personal belongings can also get your ride lighter. But more importantly, any loss of an item that’s not part of the vehicle is not the company’s responsibility.
Get Your Keys Ready
What’s the use of keys if your car doesn’t even run? Simple. Carriers will still need to operate the steering wheel to make loading and unloading faster. However, if you have no keys, the transmission should be neutral, with the wheels pointing forward.
The Bottom Line
Shipping an inoperable vehicle is more complicated than transporting a running car. But it’s not impossible. With adequate knowledge and effort, you can do it. Just remember what you’ve read here and let it guide you.
