Can I Ship My Car Overseas if It's not Paid Off?

1. How to Know if You Can Ship a Car You're Still Paying For
2. Can I Export a Financed Car?
3. What if I Don't Have Permission from My Lender?
4. Difficulties in Exporting a Financed Automobile Abroad
5. Does a Financed Vehicle Need Insurance to be Shipped?
6. How a Transport Company Can Help
7. Summary

Have you considered driving your car abroad? What's stopping you from making it come true and shipping your car from country to country? Could it be that your vehicle isn't paid off yet?

Shipping a car abroad is still possible even if you have an unpaid car loan.

It depends on where you want to ship your car and why financing might not play into the equation.

In this post, we'll explain the essentials of moving an unpaid-for vehicle abroad, so keep reading to find out more.

How to Know if You Can Ship a Car You're Still Paying For

When shipping a car that you're still paying for, it's essential to know that it's usually possible.

Still, results can vary, depending on each country's department of transportation office as well as how you financed the car and how much of the loan you have already paid.

In order to transport a car that you are still paying back, you must have a copy of the lien, accompanying documents from the creditor, and the original registration.

If the lien holder wants to, they can refuse to let you drive the automobile, but if you're currently on your loan payments and in good standing with them, they should be willing to agree to the vehicle's transportation.

It is worth considering that when shipping a car you're still paying for, specific steps and documents must be taken care of before any transportation can take place with auto shipping companies.

Additionally, depending on where you're shipping your vehicle from and to, additional paperwork may be required. It's best to contact your lien holder before making any arrangements for transport to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Can I Export a Financed Car?

An overseas shipment of a financed vehicle is possible. But, since you won't be the vehicle's owner until you've completed the last payment, you will need their permission.

You must show proof of ownership to the shipping firm once you have received approval from your lender. For this purpose, a copy of your title or registration will suffice.

Also, you'll need to have the vehicle's insurance certificate and any other original paperwork that the nation you are shipping to may want. You may be required to pay additional export fees or taxes too.

After these stages have been completed, your vehicle can be sent internationally.

What if I Don't Have Permission from My Lender?

Unless the lender gives you the go-ahead, you cannot ship your car abroad. The vehicle is still under the lender's ownership until it is repaid, and only with their permission it may be exported.

Additionally, you may face legal consequences if you attempt to export the vehicle without authorization.

Difficulties in Exporting a Financed Automobile Abroad

Shipping a financed vehicle overseas is far more complicated than domestic shipping. Even though most financial institutions won't permit international automobile shipping, it's still doable.

Consider taking a loan from a bank that allows international auto shipping if you anticipate moving shortly. This way, you can avoid complications when it's time to ship your car abroad.

However, this option isn't available for those who already have leases or other financing agreements. The best action in this situation is to contact your bank and inquire about their policies regarding shipping a financed vehicle overseas.

Does a Financed Vehicle Need Insurance to be Shipped?

Yes, a financed car needs to be insured before going overseas for shipping because the lender still holds the title to the vehicle until it's paid off in full.

You'll need to provide proof from the insurance company for the car and any other necessary original documentation required by the country you are shipping to.

This is done because the car's original lender still has a stake in it and wants to make sure it's shielded from theft or damage.

Furthermore, most lenders require that vehicles they finance have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect their investments.

This implies that even if you're not driving the car and it's parked at home, you must still make your payments and preserve proper insurance coverage.

If you don't, your lender may impose penalties, including possible vehicle repossession.

Therefore, it's crucial to ensure you keep up with all of your payments and maintain adequate insurance coverage on any financed vehicles.

How a Transport Company Can Help

It can be challenging to navigate the process when transporting motor vehicles, especially one leased or one that still has a loan. This is where a trusted auto transport company comes in handy.

If the car isn't yet paid off, they'll have professionals on board who are familiar with the documentation required for transporting. It's best to get in touch with reliable auto transport services if you have any queries or concerns you need clarification on or to help you prepare the documents for the shipping process,

The transport company will also be able to provide you with the necessary paperwork and have all the relevant documentation ready for shipment.

This contains any further paperwork needed, such as proof of insurance coverage, as well as a bill of lading, a record that lists the origin and destination of the car. Here you could be asked for a copy of the lien to ensure that you have the necessary permission to take the vehicle overseas.

Summary

You need to obtain a lien release from the finance company that holds the title and send that document along with the rest of your logistics paperwork before shipping a car overseas that is not paid off.

A-1 Auto Transport has experience transporting all vehicles domestically and internationally, from boats to heavy equipment and everything else in between. We offer insurance coverage as well as door to door delivery options to make the shipping process as stress free as possible.

Provided you have the necessary documents and permission, we can even ship your car overseas when it's not paid off.

Start the shipping process by securing your free quote today.