Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about cost, timing, insurance, and how AutomobileShippingQuotes.com works.
How much does it cost to ship a car?+
Cost depends on distance, vehicle size, transport type, season, and timing. Short routes are usually a few hundred dollars; cross-country runs commonly land in the $900 to $1,500 range for a standard sedan on open transport. Comparing real broker quotes is the only way to see your actual number.
How long does shipping take?+
Most door-to-door shipments take 1 to 9 days depending on distance. Coast-to-coast routes typically run 7 to 10 days; regional moves can be 1 to 3 days. Brokers will give you a more accurate window once they see your exact route and dates.
Is my car insured during shipping?+
Federally registered carriers are required to carry cargo insurance covering damage that occurs in transit. Always ask your broker for a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup and inspect the vehicle at delivery.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?+
Open transport is the industry standard — the visible carriers that haul 8 to 10 cars at a time. Enclosed transport is for higher-value or specialty vehicles and typically costs 40 to 60 percent more. See our Open vs. Enclosed guide for a deeper comparison.
What is a broker, and why does ASQ work with them?+
A licensed motor-carrier broker arranges shipment with vetted carriers. Brokers have routing visibility and capacity that is hard to access as an individual shipper. Every partner we work with is FMCSA-verified, and you can review each one on our Broker Network page.
Do I have to pay upfront?+
No. You typically pay a small deposit (sometimes none) to book, and the balance to the carrier at delivery — often in cash, certified funds, or by card depending on the carrier. Each broker discloses their payment terms before you commit.
Can you ship an inoperable car?+
Yes — just disclose it on the quote request (we ask on Step 2). Inoperable vehicles require a carrier with a winch and cost more to move because of the loading effort, but it is a common service.
How many brokers will contact me?+
Up to 8 — and we tell you that on the form before you submit. This is far fewer than the industry standard of selling each lead to a dozen or more anonymous callers.
Can I cancel my request?+
Yes. You can stop responding at any time, and you can ask any broker to remove your information from their list. We do not resell your information.
Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally?+
Alaska and Hawaii ship via a combination of overland and ocean transport, usually slower and pricier. International shipping is specialized — mention it in your request and we will route appropriately to partners who handle those routes.