Find clear answers about pricing, booking, handover and vehicle preparation. Choose a category below, then follow the links in each answer for more detail.
Quotes and pricing / Booking and payment / Pickup and delivery / Insurance and damage / Preparing your car / Open vs enclosed / Special cases
What information makes a car shipping quote accurate?
Give the pickup and delivery locations, vehicle year, make and model, preferred transport type and timing. Tell us about modifications or operating problems before booking so the request reflects the actual vehicle. Distance alone does not determine the price. See our car shipping cost guide for the main factors.
Do I need to pay to see my quote?
Requesting a quote is free and does not commit you to booking. After you submit the quote form, the system displays the best available quote for your route and transport type on a new page. Review the details before deciding what to do next. Start with Get a Quote.
How long can I use the price I receive?
Your quote is locked for 48 hours from receipt, with no hidden fees under the Price Lock terms. If you do not book within that period, the quote may change; an updated quote is locked for another 48 hours. Read the Price Lock Guarantee before booking.
What happens after I decide to book?
You can book from the quote page after reviewing your shipment details. Check the route, vehicle information, transport type and payment terms before confirming. Tell the team about anything that could affect loading or access, rather than leaving it until pickup. Our How It Works page explains the overall process.
Which payment options should I expect at booking?
The booking process offers full payment or a deposit using a credit card, debit card or PayPal. Confirm the deposit amount and the remaining balance arrangements for your specific booking before paying. Do not assume a standard percentage or cash payment at delivery. Review how booking and payment work.
Can I change or cancel a shipment after booking?
Contact the team as soon as your plans change and provide your booking details. Ask which changes are possible and which cancellation or refund terms apply at that stage. Do not assume that every cancellation is free or that every payment is refundable. Use Contact Us to discuss your booking.
Will the truck come to the exact address I provide?
Pickup and delivery are arranged at your address where the truck can safely and legally access it. Road restrictions, tight turns or limited space may require a nearby meeting point agreed with the carrier. Keep your contact details current for coordination. Read our door-to-door car shipping explanation for more.
Who transports my car and contacts me about pickup?
Van 3 Auto Transport arranges shipping through its carrier network; the assigned carrier operates the truck. The carrier calls before pickup to coordinate the handover. Keep your phone available and raise any access or vehicle issues when arrangements are discussed. Read Why Van 3 for our role in your shipment.
Can I rely on an exact pickup or delivery time?
Discuss your timing needs before booking and confirm the current arrangements with the team. Traffic, weather, route conditions and other stops can affect the schedule, so do not treat an estimate as a guaranteed appointment. For time-sensitive requests, review our expedited car shipping page and ask about availability.
What should I confirm about insurance before shipping?
Ask for the applicable carrier coverage details for your shipment, including limits, deductible, exclusions and the claims process. Do not assume that every loss or item in the vehicle is covered. Get any vehicle-specific concerns clarified before booking. Our Contact Us page connects you with the team for these details.
What should I do if I notice damage at delivery?
Inspect the vehicle and compare its condition with your pickup photos and transport paperwork. Record any concerns clearly and retain photos and copies of the documents. Contact the team promptly for the applicable carrier procedure and deadlines; do not assume a universal filing period. Use Contact Us for help.
What should I have ready for the vehicle handover?
Prepare clear condition photos, the keys needed for handover and the shipment paperwork you have received. Make existing marks easy to identify and tell the team about operating issues, alarms or unusual accessories ahead of time. Confirm the final instructions for your booking. See How It Works for handover context.
Can I leave luggage or personal belongings in the car?
No household goods. Any personal items left in the vehicle must be under 100 lb and are at the owner's risk. This allowance does not mean those belongings are insured. Discuss any uncertainty before pickup rather than assuming the vehicle can serve as a moving container. Read How It Works.
How much fuel or battery charge should I leave?
Confirm the required fuel level or EV charge with the team for your particular shipment before pickup. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's relevant instructions and disclose any battery or starting issue. Avoid relying on a generic percentage as a confirmed Van 3 requirement. Ask through Contact Us for the applicable instructions.
How should I choose between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport carries the vehicle on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road conditions. Enclosed transport places it inside a trailer for added separation from those conditions. Consider the vehicle, your priorities and the available quote rather than assuming one option suits every shipment. Explore enclosed car transport in detail.
Is open transport an option for an everyday vehicle?
Open transport is a practical option to consider for everyday vehicles when exposure to normal road and weather conditions is acceptable. Discuss your vehicle and expectations before choosing, particularly if its condition or value raises specific concerns. The right choice depends on your shipment. Read our open car transport page.
What if my vehicle does not run?
Tell the team before requesting or accepting arrangements if the vehicle cannot start, move, steer or brake normally. Describe the actual condition so loading requirements can be assessed. Do not assume standard equipment can handle it or that availability is confirmed. Use Contact Us to discuss the vehicle first.
Which modifications should I mention before shipping?
Describe changes that affect dimensions, ground clearance, weight or loading, including suspension changes and added accessories. Accurate photos and measurements can help the team understand the request. Do not assume that a standard quote covers an unusual vehicle without review. Our classic and exotic car shipping page explains related considerations.
Does an electric vehicle need special shipping arrangements?
Identify the make and model and disclose battery faults, warning messages or operating restrictions before booking. Ask about the applicable charge, transport mode and loading instructions for that vehicle, and follow manufacturer guidance. Do not assume one EV procedure applies to every model. Use Contact Us to confirm the requirements.
Can I arrange transport for more than one vehicle?
Provide the details of each vehicle, the route and your preferred timing when discussing a multiple-vehicle shipment. The team can review the request and available arrangements. Do not assume all vehicles will travel on the same truck or that a group discount automatically applies. Start through Contact Us.
Tell us about your route, vehicle or booking so we can help with the details that matter to your shipment. Contact the Van 3 team or call (224) 788-7777.
Get a quote or speak with our team.
