How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Shipping a Car?

Shipping a car can feel like a relief. Finally you’ve got one less thing to worry about during a move or long-distance transition to a new city. Nothing takes the fun part off that convenience like getting hit with surprise fees you didn’t plan for.

What seemed like a straightforward service becomes a frustrating experience that costs more than you budgeted for and now it’s cutting into your Mexico tequila funds.

The good news- Most hidden fees can be avoided with a little planning, clear communication, and knowing exactly what to look for before you book.

The car transport industry works through a mix of brokers and carriers. Brokers connect you with drivers and companies that move your car, and they quote prices based on availability, route demand, and timing. Since there lots of differences between companies, quotes can differ significantly and sometimes those numbers don’t include every cost upfront which is where people often get mixed up and fooled.

One of the most common causes of hidden fees is incomplete quotes. Some companies might advertise an unusually low rate to grab your attention, but then add charges for things that should have been disclosed from the beginning such as fuel charges, expedited service, or fees for extra weight in the car.

Always ask for a breakdown of what the quote includes. Don’t settle for a flat number. Ask questions like, “Are there any seasonal or route-based charges not listed here?” or “Is this a final price or an estimate?” Trust me- I’ve been duped many times over.

Another common hidden cost most people don’t consider is home delivery. While many companies offer door-to-door service, that doesn’t always mean your specific address is accessible or on their way.

If a large transport truck can’t get to your home due to narrow roads, or city restrictions, you might be asked to meet the driver at a nearby parking lot and some companies will charge extra for the inconvenience.

To avoid this, describe your pickup and drop-off locations in detail during the quote process. If your location is a challenge, consider offering to meet the driver somewhere easier and avoid the fee altogether. This info should be super clear from the start.

Weight-related charges are also a big one (and no we aren’t fat-shaming). Many people don’t realize that companies have weight limits for a reason. If your car is loaded with personal things like boxes, bags, or even small furniture it might push your vehicle over the legal limit, and you’ll be charged for the excess.

Even worse, the driver could refuse to load your car on the big day causing you to pay another company for expedited service when they walk away. Always confirm with the company whether you’re allowed to leave anything inside the car, and if so, how much weight is acceptable. When in doubt, keep it light and in the trunk.

Also there’s the issue of car condition. If your car isn’t in working well, doesn’t start, the brakes are faulty, or it rolls weird- it will require special equipment to load and unload.

That means extra labor, and yes, extra money to be paid. If your car isn’t running, be upfront about it when booking. The rate for a non-operational car will be higher, but that’s still better than being surprised with a fee the day of pickup.

Timing plays a big role in hidden costs. If you book too close to your shipping date, you will find yourself paying a rush or priority fee just to get on a truck in time-trust me I’ve been that fool. If your availability is too small, you will have to pay more for a guaranteed pickup or delivery window.

Flexibility saves money- a lot of it. Money buys cocktails at the beach. Try to provide a window of several days and book a few weeks in advance to lock in the best rates without add-ons. It’s worth taking that Uber for a few days.

Cancellation or rescheduling charges is another big one we tend to miss. If you book a spot and then change your mind, you could be on the hook for a cancellation fee-even if the truck hasn’t left yet and the day is weeks away. Some companies also charge if you change the pickup or drop-off address after the order is confirmed.

Read the fine print on cancellation and change fee policies before paying a deposit. A reputable company will be transparent, but it’s still on you to understand what you’re agreeing to.

Be cautious of companies that ask for large upfront payments too. A small deposit is standard and helps secure your spot, but it should be partially refundable within a reasonable window if plans change. Avoid companies that demand full payment before pickup or only accept cash, wire transfers, or sketchy online platforms- this is a scammer.  That my friend is called a red flag- similar to your ex.

Seasonal pricing is another sneaky spot they tend to get you on. Many routes cost more during peak moving months, from May through September. Snowbird routes—like Florida to New York or Arizona to Illinois spike their rates in spring and fall.

While this isn’t a hidden fee per say it catches customers off guard, so we are here to tell you about it. Ask your car shipping company if your route has seasonal pricing changes. If your schedule allows, do the shipping in the off-season for better rates and less competition.

Tolls and fuel fees are sometimes lumped into your quote or sometimes not and are kept hidden. Always ask: “Does this price include tolls, fuel, or anything else that might be added later?” It’s better to clarify now than argue later and be pissed about one less cocktail.

Delivery delays are another potential pain point. While no one can control traffic or weather, some companies charge storage or holding fees if you’re unavailable to accept the car and check it when it arrives.

If you’re not sure you’ll be home when the truck comes, designate a trusted person in advance who can receive the car on your behalf. Give their contact info to the driver ahead of time to avoid any confusion and extra costs.

Don’t forget about insurance. All legal companies are required to carry liability insurance, but coverage levels change. Some policies only cover major damage, and personal items inside your vehicle are usually not covered at all.

Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate and confirm what’s included in writing ahead of time. If you want more comprehensive protection, especially for a high-value car like my dream BMW, you will need to purchase extra insurance on your own.

My top tip is to always document everything. Take clear photos of your car before it’s picked up, note the mileage, and get a signed condition report from the driver. If there’s damage upon delivery, this documentation protects you from having to pay for something that wasn’t your fault.

The key to avoiding hidden fees is simple: ask questions, read the fine print, and choose companies with a reputation for honesty. Don’t be afraid to say, “Walk me through exactly what this quote includes.” A good company or carrier will take the time to explain things, and if they don’t, consider it a red flag and say bye-bye.

Shipping a car doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive when you roll with iMoving. With a little homework and a clear set of expectations, you can move your car affordably, and without any of those surprises no one wants. Being proactive puts you in control of the process and that’s exactly where you should be. You can do this and we would be proud to be your partner in it all.