Damaged Vehicle Transport: Shipping a Wrecked or Inoperable Car Safely
With approximately 69 million vehicle breakdowns occurring each year, the need for specialized vehicle transportation is growing. Whether your car has been totaled in an accident, purchased from a salvage auction, or damaged by natural disasters like floods, it requires specialized care during transport. This is where professional inoperable car transport services come in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of the wrecked cars shipping process, outlined with the necessary insights about the costs, regulations, and requirements. As a final takeaway, we put together a quick checklist to prepare your damaged vehicle for shipping and find the right auto transport company.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Damaged Vehicle Transport
- Types of Damaged Vehicles That Require Special Transport
- How Does Damaged Vehicle Shipping Work?
- Key Differences Between Operable and Inoperable Car Transport
- How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Damaged Car?
- Legal Requirements for Transporting a Damaged Vehicle
- How to Choose the Best Transport Company for Damaged Vehicles?
- How to Prepare Your Damaged Car for Shipping?
- FAQs About Damaged Vehicle Transport
Understanding Damaged Vehicle Transport
Shipping a damaged car might sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing the challenges and what’s required can make the process much smoother. Let’s break down what damaged car transport is all about.
What Is Damaged Vehicle Transport?
Damaged vehicle transport refers to the shipment of vehicles that are no longer considered roadworthy. A damaged car is typically the result of accidents, natural disasters, or wear beyond repair. Traditional auto transport services may not be suitable for salvage car shipping because these vehicles often require special equipment and handling.
Types of Damaged Vehicles That Require Special Transport
Each type of damaged vehicle has specific requirements that must be met to ensure safe and efficient transportation. The vehicle's condition, the damage's extent, and any missing components all influence the method and equipment used for transport. Here's a look at some common types of damaged vehicles:
Totaled cars from accidents. These vehicles are often severely damaged and require specialized equipment for safe transport, as they may be structurally compromised or non-operational.
Flood-damaged vehicles. These cars are affected by floods due to heavy storms and often suffer from electrical and mechanical damage. The vehicles need careful handling to prevent further damage during transport.
Salvage auction cars. These vehicles are often purchased from Copart, IAAI, or Manheim after being declared officially a total loss by the insurance company. They are usually in very poor condition. Due to being frequently non-operational, they require winches or flatbed trucks for loading and unloading.
Non-running classic or project cars. These vehicles might have old or faulty parts and need extra care during transport to prevent additional wear and tear.
Cars with missing parts. With missing crucial components, these vehicles may require special equipment like dollies or custom loading methods to transport them securely.
How Does Damaged Vehicle Shipping Work?
Shipping a damaged vehicle may seem challenging, but with the right approach, the process can be smooth and efficient. Here are details on how the process works:
Getting a quote. First, provide details such as the pickup location, destination, and the type of inoperable vehicle to get a quote. You can use an online calculator to receive an estimate for the cost of shipping.
Preparing the vehicle for shipping. Next, clean the vehicle, take clear photos for documentation, and remove any personal items. Check the fuel level and tire pressure to make sure the vehicle is ready for transport.
Pickup with specialized equipment. Then, the vehicle will be picked up using specialized equipment like winches, forklifts, or flatbed trucks, depending on the condition of the vehicle. This ensures the vehicle is safely loaded onto the transport vehicle.
Delivery and unloading. Finally, once the vehicle reaches its destination, it will be unloaded carefully using the appropriate equipment and placed in the designated spot.
Key Differences Between Operable and Inoperable Car Transport
The condition of a vehicle, whether operable or inoperable, impacts the logistics of transport. Operable cars can start, stop, steer, and brake without issues, making them roadworthy and easy to drive onto and off a transport truck or trailer. In contrast, inoperable vehicles cannot perform one or more of these basic functions. As a result, transporting non-operable cars presents more challenges and requires special equipment, such as winches or flatbed trucks.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport for Damaged Vehicles
Damaged vehicles can be transported using open or enclosed auto carriers. With open transport, the car is loaded onto an open trailer using a winch. However, it’s exposed to weather, debris, and road conditions. Enclosed transport involves loading the vehicle into a fully enclosed trailer, often with a liftgate. Liftgates are ideal for low-clearance vehicles, reducing the risk of damage. The choice depends on your budget and the condition of your car. For extra protection, especially for valuable or severely damaged cars, enclosed transport is recommended.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Damaged Car?
The cost of shipping a damaged car typically ranges from $600 to $1,900. However, the final price depends on several factors, which can vary based on the specifics of the transport.
Distance. The farther the distance, the higher the cost, as long-haul shipping requires more time and fuel. Shorter distances tend to be less expensive due to the reduced travel time and resources needed.
Vehicle condition. Shipping inoperable vehicles is generally more expensive because they require special equipment for loading and unloading. These cars may also need additional handling, which increases the overall cost.
Transport method. Open transport is more affordable as it exposes the vehicle to the elements, while enclosed transport costs more due to the added protection. Enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or damaged cars needing extra care.
Pickup and delivery locations. Urban areas are easier to access and generally cost less to ship to or from. Rural locations may involve extra charges due to the increased difficulty in reaching them.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Always ask for a full breakdown of potential fees before agreeing to the shipment to avoid unexpected costs. This includes winching fees, fuel surcharges, remote area fees, additional insurance, storage fees, and liftgate charges, which can all add to the total cost.
Legal Requirements for Transporting a Damaged Vehicle
Proper documentation and insurance are important for the smooth transportation of damaged vehicles. Make sure the necessary paperwork and requirements are in place before shipping to avoid any legal issues or delays.
Title and ownership proof for salvage cars. If you're shipping a salvage vehicle, you must provide proof of ownership, such as the title or a bill of sale. This helps to verify that you are the legal owner of the car being transported.
State-specific regulations. Each state has its regulations regarding vehicle transport, and some may require inspections or additional paperwork before shipping. Research any specific requirements in your state to avoid potential delays.
Insurance requirements for wrecked vehicle shipping. Wrecked or inoperable vehicles may need additional insurance coverage for protection during transport. Verify that the transport company provides adequate insurance or consider purchasing extra coverage for peace of mind.
How to Choose the Best Transport Company for Damaged Vehicles?
Finding the best car shipping company for damaged vehicles can be challenging, as it requires careful consideration of several important factors. By taking these into account, you’ll be able to make the best decision possible:
1. Check licensing and insurance. The most important step is to verify the company's FMCSA licensing and DOT number, along with comprehensive insurance coverage. Trustworthy companies, like BAH Logistics, are FMCSA-verified and offer all-in-one insurance for their customers.
2. Look at customer reviews. Customer reviews are a valuable resource for understanding a company's experience in shipping damaged vehicles. Reviews on Google, BBB, and Trustpilot can provide insight into the reliability and quality of their service.
3. Compare quotes from multiple transport companies. Comparing quotes allows you to find the most competitive price. BAH Logistics is known for providing budget-friendly options without sacrificing service quality.
4. Ask about equipment and experience handling non-running cars. Before shipping, ask about the company's experience with non-running vehicles and check if they have specialized equipment. This guarantees that the transport company is equipped to handle your vehicle properly.
How to Prepare Your Damaged Car for Shipping?
There is a small amount of preparation required before shipping your damaged car. Following these tips will ensure a hassle-free experience:
1. Take photos for documentation. Take clear photos of your vehicle’s condition before shipping. This documentation can be helpful in case of any disputes regarding damage during transport.
2. Remove personal items. Make sure to remove all personal items from the vehicle. The transport company is not responsible for any lost or damaged personal items.
3. Tires inflated. Even if your vehicle isn’t running, ensure the tires are inflated. If the tires are completely flat and won't hold air, inform the company ahead of time. They may need special equipment to load and unload the vehicle.
4. Secure loose parts. Any loose parts on your vehicle, such as mirrors or trim, should be secured. Loose items can fall off during transport and cause damage to your car or others.
FAQs About Damaged Vehicle Transport
Can I Ship a Car That Doesn’t Run?
Yes, you can ship a non-running car. BAH Logistics offers specialized services to handle non-running vehicles, ensuring they are safely and efficiently transported.
How Long Does It Take To Transport A Wrecked Vehicle?
The time it takes to transport a wrecked vehicle depends on factors like distance and the type of transport. With BAH Logistics, it can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks, but longer distances may require more time.
Does Insurance Cover A Damaged Car During Transport?
Yes, most transport companies provide insurance coverage for damaged cars during transport. However, it's important to verify the specifics of the coverage, including any exclusions or limitations.
Is It Cheaper To Ship A Salvage Car From An Auction?
Shipping a salvage car from an auction can sometimes be cheaper, as the vehicle is typically being transported in bulk with other cars. However, the final cost will depend on factors like distance, vehicle condition, and the chosen transport method.
What If My Damaged Vehicle Gets More Damaged During Shipping?
If your damaged vehicle gets more damaged during shipping, the transport company’s insurance should cover it. Document the vehicle’s condition before shipping and review the insurance policy for specific coverage details.
